Stand-by w/jet blue-any experiences?

[nezy]

HI
Friends of ours are flying to WDW the same day as us but on an earlier JetBlue flight from the same airport-White plains. I am thinking of going to the airport early to try to get on their flight stand-by. There are 4 of us. I just don't want to be stuck at the airport as there are 5 hours btween out flights!

Does anyone have experience w/stand by? Is it that difficult?

 

[TheWog]

Difficult isn't really the issue. The issue is that particular flight having available seats. When you say 5 hours do you know if that is the flight right before yours or not?

 

[crashbb]

The more people you have, the harder it is. Four people can be a lot for stand-by given how full flights seem to be recently.

 

[TheWog]

Same Day Flight Change
Cities with Multiple Flights a Day
You can make your confirmed same day changes via 1-800-JETBLUE (TTY/TDD TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530) or at the airport beginning at midnight (in the time zone of the departing flight) of the same calendar day as your original scheduled flight.
You must travel on an earlier or later flight the same-day.
You must travel between the same city pairs.
A Same-Day Change Fee of $40 per person will be applied for your confirmed seat.
Cities with One Flight a Day The same-day change program is not available for cities with one flight a day.


Standby Travel
In order to travel standby, you must have already purchased a seat on JetBlue. Cities with Multiple Flights a Day
You must contact JetBlue within 24 hours of your original flight.
You are allowed to travel on the flight prior to your original flight only, regardless of whether it is a non-stop or connecting flight.
You must travel between the same city pairs (specifically, the origin and final destination BlueCity).
This option is free of charge.
If you are booked on the first flight of the day you cannot fly standby on the last flight the day before. However, you may jet standby one flight after your scheduled flight.
Cities with One Flight a Day
You must contact JetBlue the day prior to your original flight.
You are allowed to travel one day prior to your original flight only.
You must travel between the same city pairs.
This option is free of charge.
Standby travel is based on seat availability and is not guaranteed.


http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll?New,Kb=askBlue,case=obj(383871)#s2

 

[nezy]

I think I may take our chances. I will call as the day is closer and find out if there are many open seats on the filght.
I don;t think I wiuld pay the 40--there are 4 of us so $120 is alot.
I wiuld think if I can make the earlier flight I would somehow have to contact ME to make sure they have us on the correct bussing schedule.

 

[AllyBri]

We just did our first stand by on JB.

You must call 24 hours before your flight time, NOT 24 hours before the flight you want to be on. The agent on the phone told us we would be given our seats at the gate, but when we checked in, we were given a choice of seats at that time.

 

[Sleepy]

My flights last week were completely full in both directions. I know Richmond to JFK had standby (don't know how many), but the plane was completely full at take off. In fact, all 4 of my flights in the last month have been completely full. The airports included Dulles as well.

If you don't mind the expense and you can get everyone on the plane, then I would try. Spending time in the airport never bothers me. I like to be early to avoid traffic or to take care of some other mishap that always seems to fly my way. I just bring something to occupy my time while waiting.

 

[Lewisc]

1) Don't do it unless you're prepared to accept middle seats. Don't assume you'll be able to sit together.
2) Decide if you're willing to let 2 family members take the earlier flight with your friends if all 4 don't clear.
3) You really don't need to notify DME. They don't schedule specific buses for specific passengers/flights.
4) Bring something to read or to play DVDs in case you don't clear standby.

Remember some passengers will be willing to pay the $40. The fact that the flight shows 8 available seats a few days before your flight might not mean much.