SuzyQue,
Yes, in my estimation that would be flying "standby'.
I just did it a couple of weeks ago on NWA out of Detroit to MCO. I was originally booked on the last flight out (9:05 p.m.) and as it was, I got out of work early and could make the 5:30 flight. I called early in the afternoon the NWA 800 number and asked what my chances were to get on that early flight on standby. She told me the flight was NOT booked and my chances were good, but she, of course, couldn't guarantee. We got to the airport early, got our luggage checked at the counter and got a pass that would get us through security. The gate agent told us that it looked good for us to get on the flight and sure enough, we did.
I know people tend to think NWA is a pain, but I actually find them very easy to deal with.
pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002