In the past, standby flights were a cheap option for flyers who did not book a ticket in advance and hoped to get an inexpensive flight. Now, customers who have a ticket are given the option to stand by for an earlier flight on the day of their departure.
Airline policies differ, and it is best to verify the terms and conditions of your ticket before planning to stand by. This option is not available at all airlines, for all ticket types or for all destinations.
TIPS FOR STANDBY FLYING
-Request to standby in person, most airlines will not accept phone or online requests.
-Follow the order — people who were overbooked will get extra seats first, followed by those who missed flights, then everyone else will be given the option to standby.
-Understand that open seats are not guaranteed, and it is unlikely that a group will be able to fly standby.
-Most airlines only allow flyers to switch to an earlier flight, not a later one.
-Flyers usually incur fees for flying at a different time. To avoid this, purchase a refundable ticket.
-Understand the airline procedures and terms.
United Airlines
Customers who are traveling between the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can stand by for a fee of $50. Standby customers are entitled to a flight on the same day between the same cities if an extra seat is available.
Southwest
Complementary standby travel is available at Southwest, but only for business select flyers.
AirTran
AirTran allows flyers to stand by for another flight to the same destination on the same day at no charge. For $25 per person, flyers can reserve an open seat on another flight.
Delta
Delta Airlines allows travelers to change the time of their flight within three hours of departure for a $50 fee. This service is available at no charge for those who purchased a flexible fare ticket at the time of booking.
US Airways
If there is an open seat available on a flight that leaves the same day to the same destination in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean or Canada, a reservation can be reserved for $50. If open seats are not available on a comparable flight, customers can stand by at no charge.
Sources:
http://www.airtran.com/policies/general_information.aspx
http://www.standby-flights.net/
http://www.southwest.com/html/air/fare-information.html
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/ticket_changes_refunds/sameday_travel_changes/index.jsp
http://www.ehow.com/how_5070806_fly-standby-southwest.html
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