? about flying standby

[Letsbgoofy]

Do airlines typically let you fly standby on an earlier flight with no fee? I'm, fling Delta through Detroit - one flight has a 37 minute layover and the next flight a little over 2 hours layover. I picked the longer layover just in case, but would I be able to fly standby on the earlier flight if I could make it and there were seats available?

 

[MAH4546]

Yes, for $50 per person.

 

[skiingfast]

Just ask at the gate since you will already be in the terminal.

Airlines run in to a problem each day as planes get delayed and flights canceled. It's in their interest to get all of thier customers where they wanted to go, so if they have extra seats later in the day that's a "just in case" advantage to them.

 

[DebbieB]

Do airlines typically let you fly standby on an earlier flight with no fee? I'm, fling Delta through Detroit - one flight has a 37 minute layover and the next flight a little over 2 hours layover. I picked the longer layover just in case, but would I be able to fly standby on the earlier flight if I could make it and there were seats available?

There's a difference between "same day change" and "standby". With Delta, if there are seats available they will do a "same day change" for a $50 fee (except higher elite levels or full fare). If there are no seats available, they will let you wait until boarding to see if a seat opens up for no fee.

Now you are talking about a connection, there might be a chance they would let you on the earlier flight for free if there are seats. It would be up to the gate agent. That would only work if you are not checking luggage.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Thanks for all the information. Since I would be checking luggage, I think I will plan to just stick with the later flight. Delta sent me free passes for the sky club with my CC so I'll at least have something to do.