How do you make sure you get on a standby flight?

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your desired flight. Immediately ask a ticket or gate agent to place your name on the free same-day standby list.

Is it worth it to fly standby?

Flying standby is no longer a big money saver; in fact, you may end up spending more money. This is because you’ll need to purchase a ticket to even be eligible, and then you’ll likely be charged a fee if you’re able to grab a seat.

Are standby flights first come first serve?

Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success. If you’re using a buddy pass, be prepared to stay for the last flight of the day, since airlines will place paying customers first.

Why did I get bumped down the standby list?

It’s likely that your flight is oversold, so a lot of passengers checking in for your flight are getting the same “standby” message. I’d recommend getting to the airport as early as possible, then the check in agent will ring the ticket desk to request a seat for you.

Is it hard to fly standby?

That means flying standby for an earlier flight might be more difficult. If you’re flying with a family of four, paying $800 to get somewhere a little earlier likely would be enough to keep you from trying to catch that earlier flight. Still, be sure to read the fine print on your ticket.

Who gets priority on standby?

Every airline has its own priority system, but in general, the order for boarding standby passengers is as follows: Full-fare passengers. Commuting flight crews. Standby passengers from the airline (in order of seniority or time of check-in)

Can you fly standby on a different day?

Standby requests can be made beginning 24 hours before departure of the original flight, but the new flight must be on the same calendar day. Silver Medallion members and those with no status can only standby for an earlier flight.

Do you get a boarding pass if you are on standby?

You Usually Need A Ticket To Fly Standby There are no guarantees that you’ll get a seat on your desired flight (earlier or later than the ticket you bought), but you might. Most likely you will have to pay a change fee (this varies by airline).

Does Southwest do standby?

Those who have Anytime or Business Select Southwest tickets are allowed to fly standby, without paying an additional fare, between the same cities on the same day if there is an open seat on an earlier flight. In addition to flying standby, you can always cancel and rebook anytime with no fees.

How does standby Work American?

Same-day standby allows you to standby for an earlier American or American Eagle flight on your day of departure. If you’re standing by for an earlier flight on your departure day, you will retain your original flight reservation until you are confirmed on the earlier flight.

How do I get a standby list on American Airlines?

You can request standby or confirmed flight changes online, by phone, at an airport check-in kiosk, or at the ticket counter 24 hours prior to departure.

Why does my boarding pass say SBY?

What to do after checking in? Unless there are plenty of seats available, you will probably get a boarding pass indicating ‘SBY’ instead of a seat number. Contact the gate agent after the boarding is complete to get yourself listed on a next flight. Your luggage will be loaded on that flight.

Can I standby for a flight that only flies once a day?

If you already have a ticket, JetBlue, for one, specifically states that there’s no standby flying for routes that only fly once a day, and you can only standby for the flight right before yours.

What is the best way to get a standby flight?

Get to the airport early: arrive at least 2 hours before the flight you want to fly standby on (chances are higher on earlier flights, so the earlier the better). Once at the boarding gate, bring the airline representative a box of chocolates. Just kidding.

Can I fly standby with my pre-purchased ticket?

You can also fly standby with your pre-purchased ticket if you confirm your seat. This is more reliable in that the airline guarantees a flight for you later in the day.

How to get the best out of a standby experience?

To get the best out of your standby experience, you need to be ready at a minute’s notice, do a little homework before flying, and be an active traveler when you get to the airport. Learn about the standby policies of the airline you are flying. Airlines like United Airlines and Delta have different policies regarding standby passengers.