Does anyone have experience flying standby?

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The agent isn't supposed to tell you exactly how many seats are available, that's a trade secret.

Loads are only a trade secret to non-airline personnel. Most airlines give web access to employees, as well. You're right they aren't supposed to, but in all helpfulness, I've known many a chatty agent who have no problem giving precise loads to IATA and interline employees or their families.

 

[bittyx2]

Unless the plan is empty and SW is planning on overbooking by 19 seats.

The agent isn't supposed to tell you exactly how many seats are available, that's a trade secret. My guess is 150 is an expression that means the plane has a lot of empty seats.

My husband's manager and another co-worker also told us to call about a week out and then again a day before to see how the flight is looking and what flight would give us the best chance of getting on. In fact, I believe that there was sone printed information included with our tickets that gave us the number to call to inquire about this.

I also had another question, when we got the tickets, it shows that we are leaving STL and going to Nashville and then to Orlando. I noticed that Southwest doesn't even fly to Nashville, and on standby you won't know what flight you are on anyway, right? So what is this Nashville ticket for?

 

[Lewisc]

In this case the OP was told there are 150 empty seats in a plane that seats around 130. I suspect that's an expression that means the plane is wide open.

Loads are only a trade secret to non-airline personnel. Most airlines give web access to employees, as well. You're right they aren't supposed to, but in all helpfulness, I've known many a chatty agent who have no problem giving precise loads to IATA and interline employees or their families.

 

[JanB]

Disclaimer -- I do not have a lot of standby experience. I have flown twice using a Buddy Pass from my brother, who is with Delta.

I was surprised to read that the OP would be allowed to check bags. I guess what I'm really surprised about (maybe I'm questioning??) is that the airline would allow your bags to be on a flight that you are not on. I know that being separated from your bags could frequently happen in the pre-9/11 days. But I thought that all of the security changes in recent years precluded a bag from being on a flight without its owner.

I don't honestly recall about the first time I flew on the Buddy Pass. But the last time was 2004. I had to keep all of my belongings with me until I got on the plane -- or maybe until I was confirmed on the flight, which was 10 minutes pre-flight. I chose to carry it all on. Possibly I could have had them to check it at the gate.

So, is it indeed true that SW or other airlines will check your bag before you are confirmed on a flight?

 

[Lewisc]

All checked bags are now screened. Almost every airport X-Rays the bags but alternatively they can be searched by hand. There is no longer a TSA regulation that requires passengers be on the same plane as their luggage.

The rules vary by airline. Southwest will allow you to check a bag on a flight you're standing by for. Your bags will be on the flight even if you don't clear.

Other airlines have different rules. Some will hold your luggage and will load it on the plane if you clear.

This works great for guests using DME. Your luggage will get sent to your resort.

I was surprised to read that the OP would be allowed to check bags. I guess what I'm really surprised about (maybe I'm questioning??) is that the airline would allow your bags to be on a flight that you are not on. I know that being separated from your bags could frequently happen in the pre-9/11 days. But I thought that all of the security changes in recent years precluded a bag from being on a flight without its owner.
.......So, is it indeed true that SW or other airlines will check your bag before you are confirmed on a flight?

 

[chicknoodle99]

As an airline employee's spouse (and my father was an airline employee) I want you to know that the advice you have been given is great! I have traveled standby since I was little so I know how difficult it can be. We are going to WDW in Sept but we bought tickets because we didn't want to mess with standby (and our 2yr old will be with us) as usually MCO is hard to non-rev in and out of.

The key, in my opinion, is patience. Be prepared for the worst but hope for the best. In the airline industry things happen and even the best laid plans can change.

Also, that the chance you will not get seats together is good advice to be prepared for - and bet on it being a middle seat! The few times DH and I have flown standby to MCO we have never sat together and always had a middle seat. Again be prepared for not sitting together and if you do, then great!

Flying standy has it's downside but the price is right! Enjoy your trip and I hope all goes well for you getting there and back!

Good luck!
Stephanie