What does SBY mean on Air Canada?

Travel peak season is here, and you may have been lucky to have never seen the word standby or “SBY” appear on your boarding pass when you check in, but it can happen. Most of the time, this will be resolved at the latest at the gate when you are waiting to board.



On Air Canada in 2026, SBY stands for "Standby." When you see this on your boarding pass, it means you do not have a confirmed seat assignment at that moment. This typically happens for one of three reasons: the flight is oversold and the airline is waiting for "no-shows," you are a passenger on a Basic Economy fare where seats are only assigned at the gate, or there has been an equipment change (down-gauging) to a smaller aircraft. In 2026, Air Canada’s system automatically ranks standby passengers based on their frequent flyer status (Aeroplan Elite) and fare class. If you are at the top of the SBY list, you will likely receive a seat assignment 15–30 minutes before departure. If you are eventually "bumped" from the flight due to overbooking, 2026 Canadian air passenger protection regulations entitle you to compensation ranging from $900 to $2,400, depending on the length of your delay. It is best to check in with the gate agent as soon as you arrive to confirm your position on the SBY list.

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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.

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Standby fees typically cost $25 to $100, with most airlines charging a $75 same-day change fee. Because flying standby is more expensive and not guaranteed, new travelers may want to avoid standby travel until they have more experience interacting with airlines and navigating airports.

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Keep in mind that seat availability for same day standby travel will not be known until thirty minutes before the flight departs. During that time, be sure to stay in the boarding area, wait for your name to be called, and respond right away when the gate agent calls your name.

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The cost of flying standby depends on two things: the flight itself, and who you are to the airline. Most likely, however, there will be a nominal charge of between $25 and $100 to fly standby. receive a free standby flight as compensation.

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Electronic Boarding Passes. Pass through security and board your flight paper free! The next time you check in for an eligible flight, enter your email address or mobile number to have your electronic boarding pass (EBP) sent to the Air Canada app on your mobile device or to your email inbox.

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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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Most flights nowadays have standby passengers awaiting that precious open seat. Giving the airline enough notice also improves your chances of being rebooked on the next available flight, space permitting. And just because you're late doesn't mean you should throw in the towel.

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on standby. : ready or available for immediate action or use.

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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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Traveling during off-peak times increases your chance of securing the standby flights you want. Airlines have fewer standby seats available during holidays and weekends. During quieter travel times, you can often call ahead and check standby availability before leaving for the airport.

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If you aren't able to confirm an Air Canada eUpgrade prior to your flight, you'll be put on a waitlist for an upgrade. Once check-in closes, the list is cleared, and space-available upgrades are given out in a priority sequence at the gate.

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