The allure of spontaneous travel is undeniable, and the idea of showing up at the airport, ticketless, hoping for a flight to somewhere exciting used to be part of that dream. Flying standby once represented a golden opportunity to snag incredibly cheap airfares if you had a flexible schedule and a sense of adventure.
Unfortunately, the landscape of air travel has shifted dramatically. The days of simply waiting at the gate for a standby flight and saving a fortune are largely over. Major airlines in the U.S. and most international carriers have discontinued the practice of allowing passengers to fly without a pre-purchased ticket. This change is driven by a combination of heightened security concerns since 9/11 and sophisticated algorithms that enable airlines to maximize flight occupancy with paying customers.
Today, “flying standby” has evolved. It primarily refers to a system where passengers with existing tickets can request a seat on an earlier flight on the same day. For example, if you’re booked on a 1:30 p.m. flight from Chicago to Denver, you might try for standby on the 9 a.m. flight on the same route. Let’s delve into what you need to know about navigating the modern world of standby flying.
Understanding Standby Flying in 2024
So, can you still just turn up at the airport without a ticket and expect to fly standby for a fraction of the cost? The straightforward answer is no. Airlines no longer permit travelers to wait at the check-in counter hoping to secure a “standby flight” to fill the last available seat on a departing plane. Furthermore, purchasing a ticket on the day of your intended flight is likely to be incredibly expensive, the opposite of saving money.
In contemporary air travel, “flying standby” generally means requesting an unconfirmed, same-day flight change. This requires you to have already purchased a valid ticket in advance. There’s also the possibility of a confirmed same-day change, which essentially guarantees you a seat on a different flight on the same day as your original booking, usually for a fee that is less than a typical flight change fee. This reduced fee reflects the gamble you’re taking that seats will be available on the desired flight. Unconfirmed standby may also involve a fee, depending on the airline and your ticket type.
The Buddy Pass: A Vestige of Old Standby Flying
The only remaining scenario where “flying standby” resembles the original concept – simply arriving at the airport and hoping to board a flight – is through the use of a “buddy pass.” These passes are a perk offered to airline employees (both current and retired). Airline staff typically receive a limited number of buddy passes annually, which they can distribute to friends and family. These passes allow the holder to fly standby, paying only for the ticket’s taxes and fees.
However, as expected, you’ll need to wait at the airport until a flight has available seats. The specifics surrounding buddy pass issuance vary significantly between airlines and are often kept confidential as proprietary information. Nevertheless, if your goal is to experience standby travel and save significantly on airfare, cultivating a friendship with someone employed by an airline is your most promising avenue.
How Does Modern Standby Work for Ticketed Passengers?
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the rules of the airline you are flying with. Some airlines allow you to request standby via phone or online, often for confirmed same-day changes. However, these options may not be available for all ticket types or routes. Other airlines might require you to request standby in person at the airport, either by speaking with an agent or using airport kiosks. Crucially, each airline sets a specific timeframe within which you can request a same-day change, which could be a few hours before your scheduled departure, after midnight on the day of travel, or even 24 hours prior to your originally ticketed flight.
Further restrictions may apply. For instance, JetBlue specifies that standby is not available for routes with only one flight per day, and standby is limited to the flight immediately preceding your originally booked flight. Many airlines also restrict standby options to your original departure and destination airports and to flights within specific regions, most commonly within the U.S., Canada, and occasionally to the Caribbean.
Whether you are a ticketed passenger seeking a same-day change or traveling with a buddy pass, arriving at the airport as early as possible is crucial if online or phone standby requests are not possible. In most cases, this means arriving several hours before the first flight of the day to maximize your chances, as standby lists are often managed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are using a buddy pass, be prepared to wait for potentially the last flight of the day, as paying customers are always prioritized. It’s essential not to leave the airport until your desired flight has actually departed, as last-minute changes and seat openings can occur unexpectedly.
Related: The Best Airline Credit Cards
Exploring Alternative Avenues for Affordable, Flexible Travel
Airlines have become remarkably adept at maximizing flight occupancy, giving them significant leverage to maintain relatively high and stable ticket prices. If you are seeking savings on last-minute travel and flexibility, consider budget carriers and aim to fly during less popular times, such as very early morning or late-night flights. If you have the flexibility to plan, aim to travel on days less frequented by business travelers. Typically, Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the most favorable days to travel to avoid business commuters, potentially leading to lower fares.
