Airlines have now established specific rules and fees that apply to flying standby that can be disconcerting. Make sure you know the specific airline's standby policies. If you have already bought a full fare ticket and want to fly standby on an earlier flight or for the same day, a fee of $25 to $75 applies depending on the airline. This fee is known as an early confirmation fee, standby fee or standby list fee, in which they will put you on a waiting list within 24 hours of your original flight.
Flying standby may mean that you have to act quickly to find an open seat on a flight. Checking baggage will slow you down and there is no guarantee that you will get that specific flight. Also, you may not be able to confirm a flight at the ticket counter, so you will have to try to catch the flight at the gate. Having luggage will keep you from being flexible with your schedule and possibly flying standby at all. The best option is to only bring carry-on items.
Flying standby will mean that you have to wait for an available seat. Due to recent airline bankruptcies, flights are being filled more than ever before. This means you may not be able to leave the day that you desire, so plan on waiting and potentially sleeping overnight at the airport.
The sense of uncertainty and insecurity may be the biggest problem in flying standby. A full fare, confirmed flight brings you peace of mind that you will get the flight that you want; flying standby does not. Choosing to flying standby will generally afford you with the least comfortable seats, such as in the middle, close to lavatories or in the back of the plane. It is also increasingly difficult when traveling with more than one person as it compounds the problems. Another problem is having future plans and trying to arrive at a certain location by a specific time.
