Things You'll Need:
- Ticket
- Luggage
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Step 1
Get a ticket for your American Airlines flight. The only way you can fly standby is if you take a flight earlier than yours and with the same route. If there is a connecting flight on your original flight, then you need a connecting flight with your standby flight. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting stuck in the airport of the connecting flight.
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Step 2
Call American Airlines about 3 hours before, if you realize that there is an earlier flight that you want to take. If there are six or more seats available, then it's probable that you can get a seat. Also, ask for the size of the standby list. Write down any information that the American Airlines attendant tells you, including the flight number that has available seats.
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Step 3
Rush to the airport, if there are seats available and the standby list is short. Don't waste time now. You can only get yourself on the list at the airport.
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Step 4
Go to the American Airlines ticket counter and say that you would like to fly standby. Tell the attendant what the flight number is so that she doesn't need to search for it.
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Step 5
Go straight to the gate after security because most gates will post the names of standby passengers. If your name is on, wait patiently to get on the plane. Standby boards last.
