Can anyone get standby tickets?

Can anyone get standby tickets? While flying standby used to be a cheap travel option, today you can expect to pay a standby fee in addition to your ticket cost. Most airlines charge such fees, although first-class travelers, business class passengers, and elite program members often enjoy free standby options.

How do they choose who goes on standby?

How it works. You can join the standby list 24 hours before or on the same day as your original flight. The new flight must be on the same day and have the same start and end point as your original flight. If a seat is available, we'll assign one to you automatically.

Can civilians fly standby?

While airline employees and their guests are primarily the people flying standby, it's also an option available to many non-employees who are looking for a way to hop onto a different flight than the one they booked.

Are standby tickets risky?

While flying standby offers advantages, it is also never without risk. If you absolutely must be at your destination at a certain time, either plan for a sufficient buffer or refrain from flying standby in that case. Keep the right attitude: As mentioned, standby flying is almost like a game of chance.

Are standby flights first come first serve?

In most cases, this means showing up a few hours before the first flight of the day. Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success.

How do I get a flight on standby?

Some airlines will let you phone in or register online to get on the standby list, but these options may only be available for confirmed same-day changes. Others may require you to show up at the airport and speak with an agent or at least use the kiosks at the airport.

Is it worth trying to fly standby?

Standby fees typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. Because flying standby is more expensive and not guaranteed, new travelers may want to avoid standby travel until they have more experience interacting with airlines and navigating airports.

Can flight attendants fly standby on other airlines?

Discounted standard tickets. Flight attendants, pilots, (and possibly other employees that I'm not aware of) can fly standby with other airlines (not just your employer). This goes for most airlines, except sticklers like Delta that only stay within their network.

How guaranteed is standby?

Note that standby flights are not guaranteed, and people who missed flights can only go onto the standby list when specific conditions are met (check with your airline for a full list of their standby rules).

Do they call your name for standby flights?

Keep in mind that seat availability for same day standby travel will not be known until thirty minutes before the flight departs. During that time, be sure to stay in the boarding area, wait for your name to be called, and respond right away when the gate agent calls your name.

Are you guaranteed a seat on standby?

What it is. A standby list allows you to change to a different flight if a seat becomes available. It's an option if you're hoping for an earlier flight or if your flight has been canceled or delayed. Flying standby with us is free and easy, but there's no guarantee that you will get a seat while on a standby list.

Who gets priority on standby?

Standby passengers typically have priority based on how much they paid for their tickets and their relative status in the airline's frequent flyer program.

What happens if you are on standby and the flight is full?

If the seats arent taken you will get on the plane however early or late you get there (within limits of course) They will usually wait until about 20 minutes before the flight goes before you are allowed on.

Can anyone buy a standby ticket?

Standbys these days are reserved for people who have been bumped off the flight they were initially booked on, those who would like to get on an earlier flight on the same day they were meant to travel, or who wish to fly to a different airport at their destination.

What happens if no one volunteers for an overbooked flight?

Sometimes, when an airline asks for volunteers to give up their seats and fly on a different flight, there are not enough volunteers. When this occurs, the airline will select passengers to give up their seats. This is called “involuntary denied boarding” or “bumping.”

Who gets bumped on overbooked flight?

Usually, airlines decide to bump those on an overbooked flight who have fewer privileges such as lower-fare tickets and late bookings. People who booked earlier or paid more for their ticket will usually get to stay on board. Another deciding factor is the type of ticket that was purchased.

Can you sue airline for overbooking?

Passengers who are denied boarding involuntarily due to oversales are entitled to compensation that is based on the price of their ticket, the length of time that they are delayed in getting to their destination because of being denied boarding, and whether their flight is a domestic flight or an international flight ...