When a passenger boards a plane without a reservation for that exact flight, it is known as flying standby. Most people fly standby in order to catch an earlier flight, or when they have missed their flight and are forced to take a later one, but some budget-savvy travelers purchase standby tickets directly from the airlines. This allows airlines to fill previously unoccupied seats while giving travelers the chance to fly at a deeply discounted rate.

Step 1

Determine the range of dates you are available to travel. Standby flights often come with a two- to four-day availability window; consequently, they are not the best choice for those on a rigid schedule.

Step 2

Go to the website of airline you wish to use. Choose a minimum of three flights with departure dates that fall without your availability window.

Step 3

Check seat availability on www.flightstats.com. Make note of any flights with available seats; the emptier the flight is, the better your odds are.

Step 4

Contact the airline by phone or in person and purchase a standby ticket. Standby tickets are based purely on seat availability; your specific flight details can be modified by the airline at any time.

Step 5

Reconfirm your ticket information 24 hours before your intended departure date to ensure seats are still available on your preferred flight.

Step 6

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the intended departure time. Bring a valid photo ID and your ticket reference/confirmation number. If you’ve missed a flight or would simply like to take an earlier one, ask the ticketing agent at the check in counter to add your name to the standby list. Confirming a seat on a different flight is essentially a ticket change; a service which generally incurs a fee.

Step 7

Check in at the departure gate. Find a comfortable seat and wait for your name to be called. Standby travelers are seated last. If the flight has sold out, you will be asked to wait for the next available seat. Be prepared for delays.

Tip

  • When flying standby, do not check any luggage. If you are asked to wait for a different flight, your bags will arrive at your final destination without you.

About the Author

Lisa Parris is a writer and former features editor of "The Caldwell County News." Her work has also appeared in the "Journal of Comparative Parasitology," "The Monterey County Herald" and "The Richmond Daily News." In 2012, Parris was honored with awards from the Missouri Press Association for best feature story, best feature series and best humor series.

Photo Credits

  • Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
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