how likely is this?

[bowlingchicaroo]

so my dh and i were originally going to be flying out on friday the 18th at 7:10pm from dtw...arriving at mco around 9:40pm...but now he doesn't have to work that day as planned and we would like an earlier flight out...so he called nw airlines and they said the only way to get our flight changed was if it changed by 30 mins...of course it had only been changed by 10 mins...so she suggested we could do stand-by and pay the $50.00 per person if they had room on an earlier flight...what are the chances they would have room? we also don't want to be sitting in the airport all day either...

 

[brianm27]

I am looking at the flights on NWA and they look pretty full. It is hard to tell by the seat maps on NWA.com because the premium and select choice seats will show open until filled by elites or filled after elites have been upgraded. It looks like the best shot right now would be the 9:15 or the 12:05, although it isn't looking real good.

Take a look at the seating grids the night before. All the upgrades for elites should have processed and seats should be assigned. If there are LR(limited recline) or non designated (blank) seats left, there is probably a chance of availability. This is not 100 accurate. You might also try booking some coach tickets (and stopping before actually purchasing). If availability shows in the first step of the booking process, seats are available.

 

[bowlingchicaroo]

thanks for the quick reply...helpful info too...i wouldn't have thought to do that...so thanks again...we already have 2 hr. drive to get to the airport so most likely the 12:05 would be the flight to try to get on...

 

[TheWog]

I don't fly NWA so I am not familiar with their policies, but they may allow you to pay for a flight change. If you really want the earlier flight you could do that if seats are available. Waiting around is part of standby. You need to be prepared for it if you decide to try and do it. Good luck!