stand by on connecting flights?

[Tinkim]

I know there have been some threads lately about stand-by and change fees, etc. (I had posted a question earlier about US Air's change fee myself). My question now is has anyone ever done stand by on a connecting flight? I had originally had a 1-1/2 hour layover in Charlotte, NC but now they have changed my flights and it is a 2-1/2 hour layover. Is there any chance I could get an earlier flight out of Charlotte using standby specifically with US Air? My original flight arrived at Charlotte at 11:09 a.m. and we flew out on a flight at 12:30. Now will be arriving at 10:09 a.m. and there is an earlier US Air flight to MCO departing 11:00 a.m. Would they consider letting us stand-by for the 11:00 a.m. flight instead of waiting for the 12:30 flight? I realize it would probably cost $25 per person to do stand-by but the thought of sitting in the airport for 2-1/2 hours with 3 kids doesn't thrill me so it might be worth $100. Thanks for your help.

 

[DebbieB]

Will you have checked luggage? If so, it will automatically be transferred to your ticketed flight. I don't think they could pull it if you get on the earlier flight. If no checked, I would give it a shot. You may want to call USAir and see if they would change your connection since it was a change by them.

 

[dudspizza]

Have you tried to call USAir to see if they will move your connecting flight to the earlier one? They have lengthened your stay over by an hour... maybe the will help you.....

Duds

 

[Tinkim]

Thanks for the replies. I did call US Air and they said there were only two seats available on the earlier connecting flight but there are four of us so she said she couldn't recommend stand by for that flight. I asked about getting a flight the day before and it was $175+ per ticket. So I guess I will just keep things the way they are. Anyone ever been to the Charlotte Airport? Hopefully we can get lunch there and find something to do while we're waiting.

 

[cruiseonmagic]

Hi there,
When I worked for an airline and flew standby and I knew there were 2 coach seats open, I knew I would get on the plane. There will be people upgrading to first, no shows, time changes etc. that will open more coach seats. They still have 20 days to overbook the flight, which happens alot for MCO. I would call US every day to see if they have had cancellations so you can be confirmed on the earlier flight. There shouldn't be a charge because they are the ones who changed the times.

That being said, the airport in Charlotte is my second favorite, next to MCO. 2.5 hrs is nothing to kill there. Heres the link to the airport map site--click on terminal guide brochure. http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Maps+and+Directions/home.htm

bill

 

[safetymom]

There are a number of places to eat in the airport at CLT. There are also rocking chairs scattered around where you could sit and watch the people go by and the kids could run around a bit.