How do I make sure I get a seat on standby?

Be Polite and Pleasant At the departure gate, politely explain you're on the standby list. If you're not already on the standby list, ask if the gate agent can add your name. Make a good impression, and your chance of securing a standby seat increases. Bring Some Entertainment.



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Some airlines will let you phone in or register online to get on the standby list, but these options may only be available for confirmed same-day changes. Others may require you to show up at the airport and speak with an agent or at least use the kiosks at the airport.

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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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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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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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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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Standby Etiquette Business casual attire is suggested. Short shorts, torn or tattered jeans, bare feet, halter-tops, exercise clothing, T-shirts or sweats are not appropriate.

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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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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.

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Price: if you do without the security of a commercial ticket, you save money first and foremost. Standby flights are in fact quite cheap. Just about 10% of the normal price must usually be paid. So a standby flight can be quite financially rewarding.

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How do you avoid a seat selection fee? If you're traveling with a group, the best way to avoid a seat selection fee is to book your seats at the same time. If the airline is assigning seats for you, it typically seats people under the same record locator number together.

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They do, sometimes, but you won't get them. First of all, on a lot of flights, next-day isn't nearly last minute enough to warrant a discount. Plenty of people want or need a next-day flight and are willing to pay a premium for it.

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Tuesdays and Wednesday seem to be two of the best for flying standby. Simply, there are generally less travelers and more space on planes.

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