How does standby work?

[Ronda93]

We are reservation people. Airfare booked way in advance. Hotel paid for. Cars... everything is nailed down months before we take a trip. I get itchy when booking 14-day fares for business trips. Anyway...

Friends are going to be in WDW during our next trip (Oct 17). They will be arriving the 16th. Our flights with American begin at 2:55. After connecting, we arrive at MCO at 8:45. We really, really want to get to WDW earlier in the day so that we can share more time with them (they depart Monday, the 20th).

I contacted American. To move to an earlier flight would be around $200 per person (diff in fare, plus $100 change fee). I could book Southwest for less than that (we're flying on vouchers from last year, the only reason we'd put up with the connections).

The telephone agent suggested that we could fly standby. Standby... what's that? Really, what does it mean? She sounded amused... show up for the earlier flight, tell them you want to fly standby. If they have room you get on?

What about luggage? Our trip is for 8-days. We *will* have checked luggage. Can it get on the earlier flight with us? Should we hold on to it until our status is known and check it at the gate?

If the stand-by travel veterans could share some experience I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ronda

 

[mcnuss]

The telephone agent suggested that we could fly standby. Standby... what's that? Really, what does it mean? She sounded amused... show up for the earlier flight, tell them you want to fly standby. If they have room you get on?

It does mean you fly "space available". You go to the airport, tell them you want to get on the earlier flight, and they put you on a list. The earlier you get on said list, the better. Position on the stand-by list is determined by a) status with the airline and b) time you got on the list. Before trying this, call the airline and ask how the flight looks for stand-by. You can ask how many seats are currently available. Then you make your decision. If there are a lot of seats, then when you check in and ask to be put on the list, press the agent a little by saying "gosh, I was told this morning there were a lot of seats on this flight, couldn't you just confirm us now?" Sometimes that works!

What about luggage? Our trip is for 8-days. We *will* have checked luggage. Can it get on the earlier flight with us? Should we hold on to it until our status is known and check it at the gate?

Yes, of course. your luggage would go with you if you clear the list. Different airlines handle this differently. I would call AA and ask, but on US Airways, you'd check your luggage as though you are definitely on the flight, and if you did not get on, they would re-tag your luggage for the later flight.

There are several caveats to doing this:

1. Do not attempt it without call to find out what the load is for that flight.
2. Be prepared to miss the earlier flight, and have a back-up plan for what to do if there is a long delay between that flight and yours.

I do this all the time, it's pretty routine. But I only do it with all the facts.

Good luck!

 

[dznyntnh]

I've flown stand-by several times, when I fly with a friend that works for an airline. This is the only way we get employee fares.

The toughest part is that you can call and ask about the status of the flight and be told its not full and then arrive and find it over booked.

Also, keep in mind that if you have children or if sitting together is a priority stand-by may not be a great option as you get whats available, often after most of the plane has boarded and the seats are often not together. It all depends on how full the flight is.

I've only been willing to use this when I had plenty of time on both ends, and not when I wanted to make sure I was someplace at a particular time. It can work out for you if you are flexible.

As far as lugguge, I've had mine get to the airport before me a few times, but never after (at least not a result of flying stand-by).

Good luck!

 

[safetymom]

Yes call and find out how the flight is looking before going to the airport. Even then be prepared for a wait. Not sure about AA but several of the airlines charge a standby fee of $25 per person.

You can be confirmed on the new flight or you may have to standby at the gate.

I have received different info about my luggage. I was told to hold onto it until I was confirmed onto a flight. Your experience may be different. I did this on my last flight to MCO.

Realize if you have a seat preference you probably won't get it. It is a great way to get to Orlando earlier. It saved me money the last time because I got the better flight that had cost more money and I got almost 8 extra hours in Orlando.