How to Attempt Flying Standby
Gone are the days of running to the airport ticket counter and hopping on a cheap standby flight. The threat of bankruptcy and new safety guidelines have the majority of airlines saying no way to last minute travelers with no ticket. But purchasing a ticket and following these steps may have you flying high sooner than expected.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Carry-on bag
- Airline ticket
- Driver's license or passport
- Patient attitude
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Find the Flight You Need
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1
Purchase an airline ticket that has you leaving on or shortly after the day you want to travel. The easiest way to find the lowest price and availability is to use a travel agent or on-line travel service.
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2
Plan to only travel with a carry-on bag, as checked luggage can cause problems for the airline and run the risk of your luggage being lost.
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3
Determine how much time you want to wait at the airport for an open seat on an earlier flight. Some airlines have limits on how soon you can check in, so you will need to confirm with the airline how soon you can arrive before your scheduled flight leaves.
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4
Travel to the airport and check-in at the airline station. Ask the airline official if there are any openings on earlier flights. If so, you can decide if the earlier flight is good for your plans or if you want to try to get an even earlier flight.
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5
Proceed to the gate and make sure to put your name on a standby waiting list for an earlier flight, if such a list is available.
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6
Prepare to wait and see what flights become available for you. If nothing comes available, then you can take the flight you are scheduled for.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Each airline has different requirements for flying standby, but the majority of airlines require you to have a ticket for a flight to the same destination you are trying to fly standby.
Be aware that most airline personnel are allowed on standby flights before the general public.
Instead of offering cheaper standby flights, most airlines, travel agents, and on-line travel sites now offer discount tickets with advance-purchase and minimum-stay requirements.
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Comments
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I agree with J.D. - really no mention of saving money. I know one way that sometimes you can save money is if you DO have a confirmed seat - and airline is requiring passengers to give up their seat to another customer (high paying probably due to last minute booking - or as in most cases - airlines overbook flights - knowing that certain percentage of passengers won't show up). With that said. You rush up to counter to say you'll sacrifice your ticket - and you wait to see if you are picked. You are usually put on either a later flight - either same day - or next - put up in hotel and/or given a free flight that can be used within a years time. So, in the long run, guess you save, but if you are pushed for time to get to main destination - then not so good. You have to be fairly flexible is really the whole thing of saving on flights.
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So this sounds like it might get you flying sooner but there's no mention of cheaper.
