You bought your airline tickets ages ago, but when you're ready to leave you realize the departure time isn't going to work. That's where standby travel comes in. You stand by the gate of the earlier or later flight and wait to see if the ticket agent calls your name. If the flight is full, or if there are too many people ahead of you on the standby list, you're out of luck. Knowing your airline's ticketing policies and getting correct seating information beforehand can raise your chances of getting a standby flight.
Before you try for a standby flight, check both your ticket and your airline's standby policy. Some airlines allow you to standby for free, while others will charge you if you board an earlier or later flight through standby. Others may let you purchase a seat on another flight for a fee, eliminating the need to wait at the gate but adding extra cost to your trip. If you bought a discount ticket, you may need to make up the cost of a full-price ticket if you want to get on another flight, or you may not be allowed to travel standby at all. Time may also make a difference, as some airlines will let you board any flight on the day of your reservation, while others may only allow you to board earlier flights.
The golden rule of flying standby is to try to get on a plane that leaves earlier than your original flight. While this isn't always possible, getting an earlier flight means that you can still board your original flight if needed. You can check to see if there are empty seats on earlier flights by using your airline's Internet page or by calling a reservations agent. The website Seatcounter.com also shows how many seats are still available on a flight. If it looks like there's a chance of getting a seat, get to the airport as soon as possible so you can get a good place on the standby list.
The first thing to do once you're at the airport is to get to the check-in counter and put your name on the standby list (or, if you're flying on an airline that offers this option, purchase a confirmed seat). Don't check your luggage if you don't have to do so. Passengers with carry ons are more likely to get on a standby flight, as the airline doesn't have to bother with putting new luggage into a plane's hold. You're also less likely to have a mix up and have to wait for your baggage as it travels in on the next plane. At the gate, confirm that you're on the standby list with the ticket agent. Stay close to the gate so you can hear the ticket agent's announcements, so you don't miss your name being called.
