Understanding Standby Travel: A Guide To Last-Minute Trips

Flying standby is when a passenger without a seat assignment waits at the gate to see if there is an extra seat after all scheduled passengers have boarded. This used to be a spontaneous means of travel where you could arrive at the airport without a ticket and buy one on the spot. However, in the post-9/11 world, it's no longer possible to travel without a pre-purchased ticket. Flying standby now usually refers to making an unconfirmed, same-day flight change, which requires a paid ticket that's been purchased in advance.

Standby is no longer a spontaneous, cheap option

In the past, flying standby was a spontaneous and cheap way to travel. You could simply show up at the airport without a ticket and buy a heavily discounted ticket for a flight to your desired destination. However, this is no longer the case due to increased security measures and capacity algorithms implemented by airlines.

Security measures after 9/11

Following the events of 9/11, security measures at airports were heightened, making it impossible to enter the airport without a pre-purchased ticket. This means that travellers can no longer show up at the airport and buy a cheap standby ticket as they could in the past.

Capacity algorithms

Airlines now use capacity algorithms to ensure that their flights are filled as much as possible. This has reduced the availability of standby seats, as there are fewer empty seats on flights. This makes it less likely that travellers will be able to get a cheap, last-minute standby ticket.

Standby now refers to same-day flight changes

Today, "flying standby" usually refers to making an unconfirmed, same-day flight change, which requires a paid ticket that has been purchased in advance. Travellers with pre-purchased tickets can request a change to an earlier or later flight on the same day, but this is not guaranteed and may incur additional fees.

Standby fees

Most airlines charge a fee for flying standby, which can range from $25 to $100, with a typical fee of $75 for a same-day change. This means that flying standby is no longer a cheap option, especially when compared to the heavily discounted standby tickets of the past.

Standby is not ideal for groups

Flying standby is also not ideal for groups, as it is unlikely that multiple standby seats will be available on the same flight. This makes it difficult for groups to travel together, which further reduces the spontaneity and flexibility of standby travel.

Standby now means same-day flight changes

Flying standby is still possible, but it's not the same budget-friendly option it once was. In the past, standby tickets were a great way to save money on flights, with travellers able to show up at the airport and buy a heavily discounted ticket. Today, however, most airlines won't allow you to buy a standby ticket without a regular flight ticket already in hand.

So, what does standby mean now? Essentially, it means making a same-day change to your travel plans. This could be because:

• Your original flight was cancelled.
• You were bumped from your original flight due to overbooking.
• You want to take an earlier or later flight to your destination.
• You missed your flight due to a missed connection or circumstances beyond your control.

It's important to note that standby flights are not guaranteed. If you missed your original flight, you can only go on the standby list if certain conditions are met, which vary by airline.

How to Get a Standby Flight

While standby used to be a cheap option, today you can expect to pay a fee on top of your original ticket price. Most airlines charge these fees, although some first-class, business-class, and elite program members may enjoy free standby. Standby fees typically range from $25 to $100, with a common fee being a $75 same-day change fee.

To get a standby flight, you'll need to check your airline's specific policies. Some airlines will let you phone in or register online for the standby list, while others may require you to show up at the airport and speak with an agent or use the kiosks. Each airline has specific windows for making these changes, which could be a few hours before your scheduled departure or even the day before.

Tips for Standby Success

• Sign up for elite status with the airline.
• Travel during off-peak times, as there are fewer standby seats available during holidays and weekends.
• Pack lightly, as some airlines won't allow standby with checked luggage.
• Arrive at the airport early, as the chances of securing a standby seat are higher for earlier flights.
• Travel alone, as it's unlikely a flight will have multiple standby seats available.
• Be polite and pleasant when dealing with gate agents.
• Bring some entertainment, as you may have a long wait.

You need a pre-purchased ticket to fly standby

In the past, flying standby was a spontaneous and flexible way to travel. You could show up at the airport without a ticket and buy a heavily discounted ticket to your destination. However, in a post-9/11 world, security concerns and capacity algorithms have made it impossible to fly without a pre-purchased ticket. Today, "flying standby" usually refers to making an unconfirmed, same-day flight change, which requires a paid ticket that has been purchased in advance.

Most airlines will not allow you to buy a standby ticket without a regular flight ticket already purchased. This is because airline seating algorithms now ensure that each flight is filled as much as possible, reducing the availability of standby seats. Therefore, if you want to fly standby, you will first need to purchase a ticket to your intended destination. It is important to note that flying standby is not guaranteed, and you may end up on a later flight or with different unplanned connections.

There are a few instances where you may be able to fly standby without a pre-purchased ticket. One option is the "buddy pass" system, where airline employees receive several free passes each year to share with friends and family. These passes allow the holder to fly standby for only the cost of taxes and fees. Another option is to purchase a "TripFlex" add-on from Allegiant Air, which allows passengers to change their flight and destination within one hour before departure, although they are responsible for any changes in airfares.

Standby is not guaranteed and may be stressful

Flying standby is a gamble. It is not a guaranteed way to travel, and it can be stressful for those who are not prepared for the uncertainty. While it can be an exhilarating way to travel for some, it can also be a source of anxiety for those who are not expecting the possibility of last-minute changes or the potential for not getting a seat at all.

Standby policies vary by airline, and it is essential to understand the specific rules and fees associated with standby travel before attempting it. Most airlines require a pre-purchased ticket for the same destination and only allow standby requests for same-day changes. Some airlines may also offer a confirmed same-day change option, which guarantees a seat on another flight on the same day for a fee.

Standby seats are typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no guarantee that a seat will be available, even if you arrive early. This uncertainty can be stressful, especially for those who are not flexible with their travel plans. It is important to be prepared for the possibility of not getting a seat or having to take a later flight.

In addition, standby travel usually only works if you do not have checked baggage, as there may not be enough time to transfer your luggage to the new flight. This can further add to the stress of standby travel, as you may have to worry about your luggage being delayed or lost.

To increase your chances of securing a standby seat, it is recommended to travel alone, as it is challenging for airlines to accommodate multiple travellers in the same party. Additionally, travelling during off-peak times and arriving at the airport early can improve your chances. However, even with these strategies, there is still no guarantee of getting a standby seat, and you may need to be patient and flexible, which can be stressful for some travellers.

Standby policies vary by airline

Standby policies vary significantly by airline. Some airlines, such as Allegiant Air, do not offer standby flights at all. Others, like Southwest Airlines, provide same-day standby options to all passengers without additional charges.

Some airlines allow standby for free under certain conditions. For example, as of June 25, 2024, United Airlines offers free same-day standby. However, passengers can only join the standby list within 24 hours of their original flight, and the new flight must be on the same day. Delta also offers free standby for flights within the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. However, tickets booked in Basic Economy and other international routes are not eligible for standby.

Other airlines may charge a fee for standby. For instance, JetBlue allows standby travel for a $75 fee, but it's complimentary for Mosaic members. American Airlines restricts free standby to passengers with elite status or fully refundable tickets, and charges $75 to all other passengers.

Standby policies also differ in terms of the types of passengers who are eligible. For example, some airlines give priority to passengers with elite status in their frequent flyer programs. Additionally, airline employees and their families are often eligible for standby travel at significantly reduced rates or even for free.

Frequently asked questions