Are standby tickets risky?

While flying standby offers advantages, it is also never without risk. If you absolutely must be at your destination at a certain time, either plan for a sufficient buffer or refrain from flying standby in that case. Keep the right attitude: As mentioned, standby flying is almost like a game of chance.



Standby tickets are inherently risky as they operate on a "seat roulette" basis, where boarding is only confirmed minutes before the aircraft doors close. Passengers on standby—often employees, their families, or those using "buddy passes"—are only cleared if there are empty seats after all ticketed passengers and high-priority "revenue" standby travelers (like those from missed connections) have boarded. This risk is amplified during peak travel seasons, holidays, or on popular routes where no-shows are rare. Travelers risk being stranded at a hub for days or having to purchase an expensive last-minute full-fare ticket if the standby list is too long. To mitigate this, savvy standby flyers aim for the first flight of the day, check "load" counts religiously on airline apps, and always have a "Plan B" (like a hotel budget or an alternate routing). While they offer massive savings—often 90% off—they are not recommended for time-sensitive trips or those with non-refundable hotel bookings.

People Also Ask

No standby seat is guaranteed—hence, the name “standby”—but there are certain ways you can increase your chances. You first need to request standby as soon as possible, since airlines typically prioritize standby fliers on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Standby fees typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. Because flying standby is more expensive and not guaranteed, new travelers may want to avoid standby travel until they have more experience interacting with airlines and navigating airports.

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What it is. A standby list allows you to change to a different flight if a seat becomes available. It's an option if you're hoping for an earlier flight or if your flight has been canceled or delayed. Flying standby with us is free and easy, but there's no guarantee that you will get a seat while on a standby list.

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The exact percentage of airline standby customers who get off the list and into seats on average varies depending on the airline, flight, and other factors. Generally speaking, however, it is estimated that around 50-60% of those listed as standbys are able to board their flights.

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Non-employees can get on the standby list by speaking to a ticket agent or gate agent. This usually must occur in person at the airport, and not over the phone. When the flight boards, agents give any available seats to standby passengers, who wait at the gate to be called.

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In most cases, this means showing up a few hours before the first flight of the day. Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success.

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Holders of standby tickets do not have a mandatory right to carriage. This means that they can only fly if all seats are not already occupied by passengers with regular tickets. These have priority in any case.

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Traveling during off-peak times increases your chance of securing the standby flights you want. Airlines have fewer standby seats available during holidays and weekends. During quieter travel times, you can often call ahead and check standby availability before leaving for the airport.

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You will know if your cleared by the boarding pass they give you it will either be a standby pass (no boarding position or a boarding pass with position) if you get a standby pass check in at the counter when you get to your new next gate and let them know your there in case they cannot clef you right then.

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We are seeing fewer last-minute deals than in years past, especially when it comes to flights, a Kayak spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure. That's not to say last-minute airfare deals are non-existent, though. It's definitely possible to score a cheap last-minute flight — if you're flexible.

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Is it cheaper to book a flight at the last minute? We've said this before, but it's worth repeating at the outset—no, it's really not cheaper to book a flight at the last minute. Yes, last minute travelers used to score the occasional fare so low it might have induced shock, but that's no longer the case.

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Keep in mind that seat availability for same day standby travel will not be known until thirty minutes before the flight departs. During that time, be sure to stay in the boarding area, wait for your name to be called, and respond right away when the gate agent calls your name.

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Standby passengers typically have priority based on how much they paid for their tickets and their relative status in the airline's frequent flyer program.

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Every airline has its own priority system, but in general, the order for boarding standby passengers is as follows:
  • Full-fare passengers.
  • Commuting flight crews.
  • Standby passengers from the airline (in order of seniority or time of check-in)
  • Buddy pass travelers.
  • Standby passengers from other airlines.


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The letters SBY appear on a boarding pass when your boarding is subject to space and dependent on the waiting list at the airport to confirm your seat.

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Under the Travel Status dropdown for leisure travel process, selection that is available to IndiGo employees is “R2 standby”. R2 Standby means Leisure standby.

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How much does it cost to gate-check a bag? Unlike bags you check ahead of a flight, an airline will check any otherwise allowed carry-on bag at the gate for free, regardless of your fare type.

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