Standby Flights: What are they and how do they work?

Standby flying is a method that might evoke images of people waiting at the airport with their luggage, ready to grab a seat on a flight just about to take off. Such a technique can undoubtedly become a great tool for people who travel with no fixed plan, but it is not always available. In this article, we discuss what a standby flight is and how it works, and we also provide tips for flying standby successfully.

What are Standby Flights?

Standby flights are those in which the passengers who have not been sold a seat or for whom the ticket was unclaimed can occupy at the very last moment the seat that a particular passenger has given up or did not show up for. Sometimes this alternative is implemented by people who desire to be on an earlier flight than the one they have already booked. 

Or it could be someone who missed their original flight and received no confirmation of a seat on a new flight that was early enough to catch the same route. Moreover, airline workers and their families often use the standby-flying mode, as they can travel at very low rates when seats are available.

How do Standby Flights Work?

To travel on a standby basis means holding on to the hope of a seat becoming available on a particular flight. Importantly, arriving at the airport without a ticket and demanding to be flown on a standby basis is not allowed. Normally, passengers are required to have a ticket for another flight and come early to the airport to be on the waiting list, or only employees of a certain airline and their relatives might be entitled to this ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌privilege.

Same-day​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ confirmed versus same-day standby: What are the differences?

Same-day confirmation can secure a seat on a different flight on the day of your departure, while same-day standby is used when you want to change flights but there are no confirmed seats available. 

Same-day confirmed changes are more likely to incur a fee and are subject to availability, on the other hand, same-day standby doesn’t guarantee a seat and the passenger has to wait to see if he/she will be able to get on the flight, as a result of the airline rules, the ticket, your elite status with the airline, and other factors, you might be allowed to standby for free or you might not be allowed to at all.

How much do standby flights cost?

For regular ticket holders, airlines may offer the option to board an early flight for free or at a very low rate. However, it depends on the ticket type, the airline, and the passenger’s membership status in the airline’s frequent flyer program. The cost of standby for the airline workers and their families is usually significantly less than the regular price.

Pros​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ and cons of standby flying

What could be the reasons for you to fly on standby? The mere fact of not knowing if you will be able to go on the trip you have planned might give you a thrill, but it is probably not compatible with most people’s plans. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the demand for standby flights is very high, and that is justified by some good ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reasons:

Pros​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ of Standby Flying

For passengers who don’t mind a bit of uncertainty, standby flying can offer cost savings and earlier departure options. Below are the main pros.

• Cheaper Tickets: In some cases, a standby ticket can be purchased for as little as 1/10 the regular fare, making it very affordable.
• High Flexibility: The main reason is that prices don’t change significantly, allowing travelers to book at the very last minute.
• Possible Extras: Moreover, if you are a member of an airline crew, you can enjoy a few extra benefits, such as a discounted hotel stay or a small treat on board.
• Environmentally Efficient: When they do it this way, airlines make their flights more energy-efficient because emissions per passenger decrease, and they also eliminate the empty seats that would have gone to waste – hence, a win-win situation is created.

Cons of Standby Flying

Standby travel isn’t always predictable and may not suit every itinerary. Below are the main disadvantages to keep in mind.

• No Planning Certainty: What if boarding is denied and you already have a hotel reservation, car rental, and planned schedules?
• Risky Connections: Even if the first flight is successful, the connecting flights may not have seats available, leaving you to wait for the next one without compensation.
• Unexpected Costs: What if there are no empty seats besides the one you want? Or is the airline you want to fly with increasing its prices? What if the last-minute ticket you have to buy is relatively expensive? The answer to all of these questions is: you will have to spend more money ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌unexpectedly.

Which Airlines Offer Standby Flights?

Most airlines offer the option to travel on a standby basis, but guidelines and regulations can vary widely. Standby with some big airlines is functioning the following way.

Delta Airlines Standby Flights

Delta Airlines has been providing only a standby option since June 25, 2024, when Same-Day Confirmed flight changes were unavailable (a $75 fee may apply to Same-Day Confirmed). Delta could offer a free standby for flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Standby is not allowed for Basic Economy ticket holders and those going on international routes. Members with elite status may be placed on the standby list for more flight options than those without elite status.

United Airlines Standby Flights

As of 25 June 25 2024, United Airlines offers free same-day standby. You must be on the standby list no later than 24 hours before the original flight, and the new flight must be on the same day. The first of those with United Premier elite status is the one to be given priority for standby.

Southwest Airlines Standby Flights

Southwest Airlines provides free same-day standby service for earlier same-day flights for all fare types (including Wanna Get Away). Passengers can list online or via the app starting at midnight on the day of travel. If you are cleared, you get a new seat without paying any fare difference, but your original reservation is held if you are not cleared.

Advice​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ for Getting onto a Standby Flight

Whether you manage to board a flight while on a standby will rely on the availability of free seats; however, you can still do a few things to slightly increase your chances.

• Travel light: Do not check luggage to save time and avoid potential complications.
• Arrive early: Early arrival at the airport is a great advantage, as you can be put on the list before the others.
• Be flexible: You should consider other flights and dates, as well as backups.
• Check busy periods: Do not travel on heavily trafficked days such as holidays and weekends. Additionally, you may want to check out your airline employee portal to see the loads of the flights if you have access to it.

Conclusion

To​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ sum up, it can be said that there are a few benefits to be found in standby flights although the decision to make such a booking must be thought over carefully. If you can spare the time and are not bound by a strict schedule, trying your luck with a standby flight ticket is definitely a great idea. Have a pleasant ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trip!

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