Southwest Earlier Flight Stand-by?

[katieandemismom]

If we get to the airport, will Southwest let you on an earlier flight if the flight isn't full without charging more for the ticket? We've got a 2:00 flight and will just be hanging around the airport waiting from about 10:00 am (my nephew is flying into our airport almost 2 hours earlier than expected). There is a noon flight, and if he actually gets in on-time, we could easily make that one.

It's not a big deal either way, but I'd rather spend 2 hours in Disney than in the Columbus, Ohio airport (especially with 9, 7, and 7 year olds!).

 

[uva185]

As far as I know Southwest does not allow standby. You may change your ticket without paying a change fee, though the applicable fare difference is required.

 

[msmayor]

It all depends on the fare you originally purchased....from Southwest's website:

If you purchased a Business Select fare:

Standby travel between the same city pairs and on the original date of travel is permitted with no change in fare; however, you may lose the privilege of boarding in the first portion of the "A" group.

If you purchased an Anytime fare:

Standby travel between the same city pairs and on the original date of travel is permitted with no change in fare.

If you purchased a Wanna Get Away fare:

Standby travel is permitted but requires that the Customer pay the difference between the original fare and the "Anytime" fare.

If you purchased a Ding! fare:

Standby travel is permitted but requires that the Customer pay the difference between the original fare and the "Anytime" fare.

So basically, if you purchased one of the higher-class fare tickets you won't be charged, but most folks purchase Wanna Get Away or Ding! fares because they're cheaper...and while you will be permitted to take the earlier flight it will cost you the difference in fare if you do (assuming the earlier flight is more expensive).

 

[ScubaCat]

I would still ask anyway regardless of the policy. Gate agents are often given some latitude in those situations, especially when it benefits the company as well as in this case.

 

[clkelley]

I would still ask anyway regardless of the policy. Gate agents are often given some latitude in those situations, especially when it benefits the company as well as in this case.

Yep, DH flew down to Orlando earlier this year to meet me. (I was already down there on business). My son had some commitments that required him to drop DH off at the airport way early. DH asked a gate agent a question about his flight (did not even mention going earlier) and the AGENT offered to let him fly in on an earlier flight. No change in price. It was a wanna get away fare.