Can you ask to fly standby?

Unlike the standby tickets of old, requesting standby nowadays usually comes with an added fee in addition to the price of your original ticket. Airlines that do offer a free standby option generally reserve that convenience for elite fliers and loyalty program members.



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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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You're more likely to get standby flights on less popular routes, off-peak travel seasons, or if you're a member of an airline's loyalty program. To improve your chances, arrive at the airport early and avoid checked luggage. Wait until the last minute in case your name is called.

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Standbys these days are reserved for people who have been bumped off the flight they were initially booked on, those who would like to get on an earlier flight on the same day they were meant to travel, or who wish to fly to a different airport at their destination.

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A buddy pass is a form of standby ticket by using your family's or friend's ticket benefits. It is not a confirmed ticket and means a person with buddy pass gets on a flight if there are empty or available seats. With this kind of arrangement, a buddy pass is typically much cheaper and flexible than confirmed tickets.

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If you don't make the standby flight, you'll still have your original confirmed flight to fall back on. Not a shabby deal.

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There's no sugarcoating it: Airfare is expensive. And while waiting until the last minute might sound like a good idea, it typically is cheaper to book your flights in advance. We are seeing fewer last-minute deals than in years past, especially when it comes to flights, a Kayak spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure.

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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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If the seats arent taken you will get on the plane however early or late you get there (within limits of course) They will usually wait until about 20 minutes before the flight goes before you are allowed on.

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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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