How does standby flights work

Travel by yourself. While it is possible to travel standby with a group, it is very hard to do so. This is because there are usually only a couple of standby seats available on a given plane. If you are traveling standby with a group, your group might get broken up and may be put onto two or more different planes.

Focus on off-peak times. If you plan to travel standby, try to fly at times when fewer people are flying. This is because the more people flying, the less seats will be available on given flights. In addition, more people flying means more competition for the few standby seats that may be available.

Join an airline rewards program. Many airlines will give preferential treatment to members of their rewards programs. Such perks include being moved to the front of the list of standby flyers, paying a smaller fee to fly standby, or getting a free upgrade. Thus, consider joining a rewards program if you plan to fly standby in the future. If I want to fly at the last minute without a ticket, how can I get an available seat? Check with the airline staff.

Catching a last-minute flight without a ticket is much easier if you just have carry-on luggage. Not Helpful 2 Helpful Not Helpful 16 Helpful Yes, you can get standby in Australian airports. Many people have done it, including me! Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9. Usually, your name will appear on an electronic board or TV that is located somewhere around the flight attendant desk. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5. Generally, yes, but in cases of impending weather or other expected delays, you may be able to get a flight a day in advance.

Not Helpful 3 Helpful Yes, you can, although each airline has its own way of managing international standbys, so you'll want to do some research on the particular airline you plan on using.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4. Presumably the same way as they would for any other type of flight, but if you're switching between flights, it's better to just bring hand-luggage. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5. Not Helpful 9 Helpful Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1.

Is the process the same if I am using a stand-by ticket that was given to me by a friend that works for an airline? Same day confirmed: No guessing games with this option. Unlike standby, no U. And a fare difference may apply.

With the nitty gritty out of the way, how does the flying standby process work? Meaning, how does your name end up on the list. Not to sound like a broken record, but every airline may be different. American and United allow you to choose standby as an option during check-in online, in the app, at an airport kiosk, or while talking to an agent at the ticket counter. United takes the process a step further and automatically assigns seats 30 minutes before a domestic flight or 60 minutes for international.

Our YouTube channel follows our adventures flying standby as an airline family. And don't give up or leave until the flight you're trying to get on actually takes off; you never know when last-minute changes might occur.

What are my others options for cheaper, flexible travel? Airlines have become eerily efficient at filling up planes, which has given them greater leverage to keep prices high and steady. If you're looking to save on last-minute travel, look towards the budget carriers Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, etc.

If you have time to plan, aim to travel on days that are less frequented by business travelers. On a typical week, Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the best days to travel and avoid the business commuters, which in turn can lead to lower fares. Find The Best Cruises. Find the best deals! Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices. Pick-up location. Drop-off location. Not only will this bump you up the standby list, but you may also have a great lounge to enjoy while waiting to fly standby.

Avoid highly restrictive tickets. They may not allow standby travel, so always read the fine print. Head to the departure gate for your chosen standby flight as early as possible. Similarly, be ready to respond when the gate agent calls your name. Failure to respond quickly may result in the next person on the standby list getting your seat. Be patient and flexible. Be prepared to do a lot of waiting around and potentially walking from gate to gate.

Alaska Airlines Depending on the destination and ticket class purchased, passengers may be eligible to fly standby on Alaska Airlines. Delta Air Lines Complimentary and voluntary standby is available to Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members family members and travel companions are not eligible when there are no confirmed seats in the original ticketed paid cabin available via the same day confirmed flight change on Delta and Delta Connection flights within the U.

Porter Airlines Porter Airlines does not offer standby; however, depending on the type of ticket purchased, passengers may be able to change flights for free or for a fee. Southwest Airlines Passengers flying on Business Select and Anytime fares can standby for travel between the same city pairs on the original date of travel for no change in fare.

United Airlines United passengers can standby for free when the ticket fare does not have any penalties for making changes or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity. Virgin America Virgin America passengers have several standby options. WestJet WestJet allows complimentary, same-day flight changes for Plus and WestJet Rewards Gold members looking to change to an earlier flight or who want to be re-accommodated for a missed flight if requested within two hours of the missed flight.

How to navigate standby flights was last modified: June 26th, by Lauren Mack. Previous Article Flying before iPhone vs. Next Article Our travel picks: The best places to visit in September.

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