Flying standby can be a great way to save money on flights, but it comes with its own uncertainties. If you have been asking how to get a standby ticket for airlines or how airline standby works, then this guide covers everything you need to know. From the basics of standby airline tickets to tips on increasing your chances, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about the pros and cons, the airline standby list, and how to buy a standby ticket airline.
What Is a Standby Ticket?
A standby ticket lets you wait for an available seat on a flight without having a confirmed booking. In fact, many travelers use standby tickets because:
- Missed their original flight.
- Want to get on an earlier flight.
- Have access to discounted travel options, like buddy passes.
How Does Airline Standby Work?
You’re added to a list of passengers waiting for an open seat. If any confirmed passengers don’t show up or there’s extra room, you’ll be allowed to board. It’s a gamble that can lead to significant savings if successful.
Types of Standby Provisions
Different airlines have different policies regarding standby travel. Here are the most common types of standby situations:
- Standby Due to Missed Flight:- If you miss your flight, you can ask to be placed on the standby list for the next available flight. Be prepared for long waits and no guarantees of a seat.
- Same-Day Standby:- You can get an earlier flight on the same day when you book it. With different airlines, you have to pay no extra cost for this standby when you qualify.
- Buddy Passes:- Airline employees always hand out buddy passes to their friends or relatives. Then these buddies will fly at discounted prices. Inexpensive buddy pass travelers are usually last in line standby.
Airlines Offerings Standby Tickets
Many airlines have standby. Check the airline specifically that you will be flying as everyone has different rules surrounding flying standby. Here are some of the most common policies:
- Southwest Airlines: Most passengers are free to use same-day standby.
- Delta Airlines: Free standby is allowed on earlier flights.
- United Airlines: Like Delta, United permits free same-day standby on qualifying tickets.
- JetBlue Airways: They do have standby, but they are not afraid to collect from those with standby privileges.
- Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air Canada: All of these major airlines have standby, but their rules vary from route to ticket.
How Does Flight Standby Work?
We can now understand the general process of being flight standby, which is defined above.
- Eligibility: You have to check first that standby is allowed on your ticket and in your fare class. Some cheap tickets cannot be changed the same day or standby, like basic economy.
- Check-In: Go to the check-in desk or gate agent at the airport and tell them you would like to be placed on stand-by for an earlier available flight.
- Priority: In some airlines, standby passengers are preferred due to factors like frequent flyer status, cabin class and the type of ticket. Do arrive early, preferably carrying just a carry-on to ensure an even better chance.
- Waiting: Once added to the list, wait until the gate agents start the boarding process. In case one seat is available, then the traveler would be alerted. If no seats come up, then the original flight has to wait for.
How Do You Buy Standby Airline Tickets?
You cannot buying standby airline tickets over the counter. You need to have another confirmed ticket on a later flight and then request to be put on the standby list. This is how it works:
- Book a regular ticket: First, one needs to book a regular ticket before he can attempt to fly standby. This is because you can only fly standby on the same airline and on flights that have available seats.
- Inform the airline: You must let the airline know that you would like to fly standby once you have purchased your ticket. This is usually done by either contacting the airline or by going to the check-in desk at the airport.
- Wait for availability: You are permitted to board if a seat is available; otherwise, you will be put on the standby list for the next available flight or your original flight.
Best Standby Travel Times
Timing is everything when it comes to your standby seating possibilities. Remember these tips:
- Days of the Week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least busy, so they’re always a good time to use standby. Avoid weekend and holiday travel.
- Times of Day: Flights early in the morning will likely have empty seats due to no-shows. Flights at the end of the day are usually sold out.
- Seasons: Shoulder seasons, spring and fall, tend to offer better standby opportunities than the peak travel periods.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Standby Seat
Flying standby is not for everyone, but if you’re willing to take the risk, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a seat:
- Know your airline’s policy: Different airlines have different rules for standby, so understanding your airline’s specific policies is crucial.
- Arrive early: The chances of getting positioned higher on the standby list improve with early arrival at the airport.
- Be flexible: The more flexible you are with your travel plans, the better your chances are of getting an available seat.
- Join a frequent flyer program: Chances increase with membership in an airline’s frequent flyer program. Many airlines will give priority to loyalty members for standby seats.
- Travel light: Chances of traveling with carry-on baggage increase since the chances of standby are often complicated with checked bags.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Standby Tickets
Standby tickets have their advantages and disadvantages. Before opting for standby travel, weigh the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Savings: Standby is way cheaper than regular tickets.
- Flexibility: Allows the adjustment of travel plans.
- Environmental Benefits: Fills in the empty seats that do not need to fly.
Disadvantages
- No Guarantee: You may be left not getting on a flight, which means extended waiting times.
- Stressful: The unknown can be anxiety-provoking; this is more so where tight schedules are involved
- Extra Expenses: A missed flight may incur additional costs such as hotels or rebookings not foreseen.
Conclusion
Flying standby is a big money-saver and adds flexibility in your traveling plans. Through patience and preparation are involved, being aware of how airline standby works will make the process much smoother. Sticking to airline policies, choosing the right time to travel, and being flexible increases the possibility of getting a seat. Whether one is an adventurous traveler or just looking for cost-savings options, standby tickets can be an exciting way to explore the skies.
FAQs Section
A standby ticket lets you wait for an open seat without a confirmed reservation. First, buy a confirmed ticket, then request standby.
You can’t buy standby tickets directly. First, purchase a confirmed ticket for a later flight, then request to be added to the standby list.
You are put on a standby list and get on if there is space left over after all the confirmed passengers are on board.
Yes, but the buddy pass traveler is an afterthought and at a lower level of priority.
YES, but each airline has policy on how many times and when you can switch flight/