Flying standby used to mean substantial airfare discounts in exchange for waiting at the airport for a flight with seats that remained unsold. It was an excellent way to fly cheaply for those with lots of time but little money, such as college students. Although this type of flight is still available, it costs the same as a regular ticket and could incur additional charges. Policies vary among carriers, but there are some general guidelines.
Buy a standard ticket. In general, any ticket qualifies for a standby flight, though more expensive ones might eliminate some standby costs.
Check in through a self-service terminal at the airport, but request standby for a different flight. Some airlines charge for this service, and you aren't guaranteed a seat. If you want to confirm a seat, you might have to pay a surcharge (as of November 2009) and fly within the next 12 hours. The terminal gives you a boarding pass for the new flight.
Check in instead with the gate agent and request a standby for an alternate flight. The same restrictions, time frame and payments apply.
Change your flight as a final option before arriving at the airport, which you generally need to do via phone. Free standby is not available. You might have to pay a phone-ticketing charge as well as the confirmation charge for flights within 12 hours.
