To get on a "standby" list in 2026, you generally need to have an existing, confirmed ticket for a later flight on the same day. Airlines no longer sell dedicated "standby tickets" to the general public; instead, standby is used for Same-Day Changes. You can join the standby list through the airline's mobile app (often starting 24 hours before departure), at a self-service kiosk, or by speaking with a gate agent. Priority on the list is determined by several factors: Elite Status (frequent flyer level) comes first, followed by the fare class of your original ticket, and then the time you joined the list. If a seat becomes available due to a no-show or a missed connection, the gate agent will call your name just before the cabin doors close. For the best chance of success, it is a "pro-tip" to travel with carry-on luggage only, as airlines are often reluctant to clear standby passengers if their checked bags are already loaded on a different aircraft. "Involuntary standby" also occurs if your original flight is canceled or oversold, in which case the airline handles the listing for you.