People flying standby go to check-in as usual and pass through security. At the gate, the waiting begins. 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.

Yes, even if you have a standby ticket (such as a "Buddy Pass" or a same-day confirmed standby request), you must still complete a formal check-in process. For most airlines in 2026, this can be done via the mobile app or at a self-service kiosk to obtain a "Standby Information" document, which looks like a boarding pass but lacks an assigned seat. This document is essential because it allows you to clear TSA security and reach the departure gate. Once at the gate, you must check in with the gate agent to ensure your name appears on the standby list visible on the overhead monitors. The agent will then wait until the final boarding process is complete before releasing any open seats to standby passengers. If you are using a "non-revenue" employee pass, you must also adhere to the airline's specific dress code and behavior standards during this wait. Checking in early is vital, as standby priority is often determined by the time of check-in, your status level, or the type of pass you are using for the journey.