Waitlist requests: When a flight is full, passengers can request to be added to the waitlist either online or by calling the airline's customer service. Priority ranking: The airline will prioritize passengers on the waitlist based on their status, such as frequent flyer status or ticket class.

An airline waitlist is a system used when a specific flight or fare class is currently fully booked. When you request to be waitlisted, you are essentially "standing in line" for a seat that may become available if another passenger cancels or the airline decides to release more inventory. Waitlists are prioritized based on several factors: elite frequent flyer status is usually the top tie-breaker, followed by the price paid (fare class) and the time the request was placed. You typically do not have a confirmed ticket until the waitlist "clears," at which point you are notified via email or app and your status changes from "WL" to "HK" (Hold Confirmed). Note that not all airlines or fare types allow waitlisting; it is most common for Award Seats or for business travelers on flexible tickets. For "Basic Economy" or low-cost carriers, waitlisting is rarely an option, and your only choice is to monitor the site for a new opening.