How do Standby Flights Work - A comprehensive Guide

Planning a trip with the airline has a significant positive impact on the journey. Here, they could have enough services and amenities to customize the trip according to their preference. Moreover, airlines also consider uncertainties when traveling, which is why they allow adjusting the itinerary. One of the features that helps such a practice is the standby flight, and with this, the passenger can secure a seat on the same day as the originally booked flights. If you wish to use this feature, then go through the titles that have been listed at the bottom. 

How Do You Get On Standby For a Flight?

A standby flight means a passenger is looking for an available seat on the flight while holding a confirmed itinerary. Additionally, the standby ticket can be requested through a different method on the airlines, and it could vary according to the airline. However, this ticket can be purchased within 24 hours of departure, and the ways to get it are as follows:

  • Call the particular airline's help desk. 
  • Manage booking sections on the airline's official website or its app.
  • At an airport kiosk
  • With the airline's check-in counter at the airport. 

How Do You Qualify For Standby Flights?

Airlines allow flyers to make same-day changes, which are two different types. Further, the first is a same-day standby, and this does not need any additional costs. The other one is confirmed on the same day and provides a confirmed itinerary with some extra charges. However, the travelers had to be qualified to get these tickets, and those parameters would be:

  • A passenger must have a confirmed itinerary.
  • Inform about the standby flights.
  • Shows before their new flights.
  • Have an eligible fare condition.

Do Any Airlines Still Do Standby?

Yes, airlines still do standby flights. However, these offers are to be found on the selected airlines and are subject to their stated conditions. Other than this, the standby flights are not certain and could be regulated based on availability. An airline that is offering these services is mentioned at the bottom. 

  • Delta Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • JAL
  • JetBlue
  • American Airlines.

Will My Standby Seat Be Given Away If I’m Running Late?

Yes, your standby seat could be given away when you arrive late. Airlines have certain time restrictions for getting to the gate, and they vary according to the routes. The most common deadline for the domestic route would be 15 minutes before departure and 30 minutes prior to takeoff for international flights. If the traveler didn’t show up at the boarding gate, then not only could you be assigned to someone else, but the booking could be canceled, too.  

Conclusion

Furthermore, the particular explanation above could be made known to travelers with the exclusive feature of standby flights on the airlines. With this, you can wait for the seat on the earlier flight, and it is a complimentary service on most airlines. Moreover, the flight change depends on availability, and the original booking is not canceled until the standby flight is confirmed. Where it can be availed by the group, too, but again, it relies on the space and airline conditions. However, travelers who get the confirmed Standby and arrive at the desired region earlier.