Wanderlust World Wanderlust World If you are a member of the Delta Airlines Medallion Club, you have the option of Same-Day Stand-by. This allows you to change your flight to another one happening the same day, free of charge. If you have dependents or children with you, they must also be Medallion members to take advantage of this service. Children are given the same amount of miles as adults when they fly.
Since ticketed children are treated the same as ticketed adults, the rules for general stand-by apply to children the same as adults. Generally, coach passengers can ask to stand by on a different flight for a stand-by upgrade fee of $50 to $350, as of 2010, depending on the flight. First class and Business Elite class passengers can typically try for a stand-by seat with no charge.
Depending on the age of your child, you may not have to worry about their stand-by status at all. According to Delta Airlines, if you are traveling with a child who is less than 24 months old, she is not required to have her own ticket. Unticketed children must remain on your lap during the duration of the flight. If you are flying stand-by, you will only need one seat for both of you, so your chances of getting on the flight may be better. Also, you can cross your fingers that gate agents may look more in your favor if you're traveling with a young child, not wanting to leave you with a long layover.