Standby Flights: What are They, and How do They Work?

Standby travel means you’re waiting for an available seat on a flight. Passengers typically need to have a ticket for a later flight and show up early to standby, or be airline employees or relatives who are eligible for this perk.

Flying standby is an option that may conjure images of travelers waiting at the airport with packed bags, ready to snag a last-minute seat on a flight. This method can be a valuable tool for flexible travelers but it may not always be an option. Here, we explore what standby flights are, how they work, and provide tips on how to successfully fly standby.

What are standby flights?

Standby flights are flights where there’s an unsold seat or a seat that someone does not show up for that standby passengers can occupy at the last minute. This option is sometimes used by passengers who want to catch an earlier flight than their booked one. Or for those who missed their original flight and couldn’t get a confirmed seat on a new flight that was early enough. Flying standby is also popular among airline employees and their families, as they can travel at significantly reduced rates if seats are available.

How do standby flights work?

Standby travel means you’re waiting for an available seat on a flight. It’s important to note that you can’t simply show up at the airport without a ticket and expect to fly standby. Passengers typically need to have a ticket for a later flight and show up early to standby, or be airline employees or relatives who are eligible for this perk.

Same-day confirmed vs same-day standby: What’s the difference?

Same-day confirmed allows you to confirm a seat on a different flight on your day of departure, while same-day standby is used when you wish to switch flights but no confirmed seats are available. Same-day confirmed changes are more likely to require a fee and are subject to availability, whereas same-day standby does not guarantee a seat and passengers must wait to see if they can be accommodated—depending on the airline, you may or may not be able to standby for free or at all depending on the airline’s rules, the ticket booked, your elite status with the airline, and other factors.

How much do standby flights cost?

For regular passengers holding a ticket, airlines may offer the option to standby on an earlier flight for free or for a nominal fee. But it often depends on the type of ticket, the airline, and the status of the passenger’s membership in the airline’s frequent flyer program. For airline employees and their families, standby travel is usually available at a significantly reduced rate.

Standby flights: The pros and cons

Pros:

• Flexibility: Standby flights offer flexibility for travelers with open schedules.
• Cost-effective: It can be a cheaper way to travel on a more convenient flight if you have enough flexibility. It can be a cheaper way to travel altogether for airline employees and eligible relatives.

Cons:

• Uncertainty: There is no guarantee of boarding; whether or not you fly depends on available seats.
• Priority: Lower priority compared to confirmed passengers or those willing to pay to confirm a change onto a different flight, especially for airline employees and their relatives.

Advice for getting onto a standby flight

Whether you get onto a flight when you’re flying standby will depend on there being any available seats, but there are a few things you can do to make your chances slightly better.

1. Travel light: Only bring carry-on luggage to avoid check-in complications.
2. Arrive early: Being at the airport early increases your chances as you can potentially be listed before others.
3. Be flexible: Have multiple flight options and dates as backups.
4. Check busy periods: Avoid busy travel days like holidays and weekends. If possible, check flight loads through your airline employee portal, if you have access.

Which airlines offer standby flights?

Many airlines provide options for standby travel, but policies and terms can vary widely. Here’s how standby works with some major airlines.

Delta standby flights

As of June 25, 2024, Delta only offers standby if Same-Day Confirmed flight changes are not available ($75 fee may apply for Same-Day Confirmed). Delta may allow standby for flights departing on routes within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands for free. Tickets booked in Basic Economy and other international routes are not eligible for standby. Those with elite status may be allowed to standby for more flight options than those without elite status.

United Airlines standby flights

As of 25 June 25 2024, United offers free same-day standby. You can join the standby list within 24 hours of your original flight, but the new flight must be on the same day. The order of priority for standby passengers starts with those with United Premier elite status.

American Airlines standby flights

As of 25 June 25 2024, American Airlines permits standby for earlier flights on the same day for free if you’re a member of American’s AAdvantage program (no elite status is required). Any AAdvantage member can standby for an earlier flight departing on the same day, but only elite members can standby for a later flight. Flights must be operating between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands to be eligible for standby.

Southwest standby flights

As of 25 June 25 2024, Southwest provides same-day standby options to all passengers without additional charges.

Jetblue standby flights

As of 25 June 25 2024, JetBlue allows standby travel for a fee of $75, but it's free for Mosaic members. Otherwise, standby is not available for Blue Basic fares. It’s only possible to standby on sold-out flights between the same two cities, on the same calendar day.

FAQs about standby flights

Can you pre-book standby flights?

No, standby status can typically only be requested within 24 hours of your originally scheduled departing flight. Normally, you can only standby on a flight that’s operated the same day as your original flight. Some airlines may allow you to request standby via their website or app, while others may require you to do so at the airport.

What happens if you don’t get on a standby flight?

If you don’t get on your intended standby flight, you will retain your original reservation or can standby for another flight. If you’re an airline employee or eligible relative who’s flying standby as a non-revenue passenger, you can standby on a later flight.

Are standby flights free?

Flying standby may or may not cost, depending on the airline you’re flying, the fare you booked, your level of elite status with the airline, and other factors. If you’re an airline employee or eligible relative, standby flights typically will charge a fee that is much lower than the normal fare.

What’s the difference between standby flights and standby upgrades?

Standby flights are for changing to a different flight on the same route, while standby upgrades are requests to move to a higher class of service on the same flight. Policies for standby upgrades vary by airline.