Generally speaking, however, it is estimated that around 50-60% of those listed as standbys are able to board their flights. That said, if you're looking for a guaranteed seat when flying with an airline that offers standby options then it's best to book in advance!

In 2026, getting on a standby flight is less common and more difficult than it was in previous decades due to the "Load Factor" optimization used by modern airlines. Most commercial flights today operate at 90% to 95% capacity, meaning there are very few empty seats available for standby passengers. Airline employees and their families (non-revenue travelers) are the most frequent users of standby, and their success rate depends heavily on the day of the week and the route; they might get on 70% of flights on a Tuesday but only 10% on a Sunday evening. For regular ticket-holding passengers, "same-day standby" is usually reserved for those trying to get on an earlier flight or those whose original flight was canceled. Your chances of success are significantly higher if you have Elite Status or are traveling alone without checked luggage. In 2026, many airlines have shifted toward "confirmed same-day changes" for a small fee, which has further reduced the number of traditional "hopeful" standby travelers waiting at the gate.