Standby on SW - anyone Done it?

[Slsguy]

I booked a late flight out of Manchester (8pm) to MCO becuase we will have familly in town that day and thought we may want to vist with them before we leave - I'm starting to find out that people are leaving in the afternoon and am wondering if i go to the airport early what the chances of getting on an earlier flight is.

Obvioulsy this is effected the msot by if the flight is full, I'm wondering more on the hassel it is to do it, any fee's there may be, etc.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We do this all the time on the DC-Boston US Air Shuttle. If there is room, US Air will put you on an earlier shuttle at no cost.

However, you often have to pay the difference in ticket costs on other airlines. I don't know the policy for SWA.

 

[Lewisc]

SW offers discounted fares in exchange for passengers committing to taking a specific flight. Standby travel requires you pay the difference in fare between the fare you paid and the fully refundable (most expensive) fare.

This isn't an issue if you're using a full fare or even a rapid reward (frequent flyer) ticket. SW will waive those charges during very bad weather or during other problems such as the recent security issues.

If you're less than 2 hours late for your flight SW will let you standby for the next flight without charging extra, the so called flat tire rule.

 

[disneyldwjr]

I booked a late flight out of Manchester (8pm) to MCO becuase we will have familly in town that day and thought we may want to vist with them before we leave - I'm starting to find out that people are leaving in the afternoon and am wondering if i go to the airport early what the chances of getting on an earlier flight is.

Obvioulsy this is effected the msot by if the flight is full, I'm wondering more on the hassel it is to do it, any fee's there may be, etc.

SWA covers this quite well on their website.

Lewis, however, says it so much better.

 

[tracys2cents]

In other words if you really want this early flight....change your ticket and book the full fare now, because this is the fare you will be paying for taking that flight if you change your ticket on flight day. Why wait?

 

[Slsguy]

I don't want it bad enough to pay nearly $300 extra for the two of us. I had gotten $59 each way and I think it is nearly $200 each way for the full priced tix. Oh well, WDW will have to wait a few more hours - I will probably need a nap by then anyway!

Thanks to everyone for there response!