What is same day standby?

SAME-DAY STANDBY You may wait for a seat on an earlier flight than your original ticket, if the Same-Day Confirmed option is not available. Same-Day Standby is a complimentary service at no cost to you. Until you have been assigned a seat on an earlier flight, your original flight will remain confirmed.



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On most modern airlines, flying standby is when a passenger without a seat assignment waits at the gate to see if there is an extra seat after all scheduled passengers have boarded.

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A prospective passenger is not booked on the flight, but waits to see if there is an extra seat after all scheduled passengers have boarded. A missed flight requires a passenger to fly standby on the next flight to the same destination, as they now lack a reservation.

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No standby seat is guaranteed—hence, the name “standby”—but there are certain ways you can increase your chances. You first need to request standby as soon as possible, since airlines typically prioritize standby fliers on a first-come-first-served basis.

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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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Standby is reserved for folks who are involuntarily bumped from their original flights, passengers who, for one reason or another, want to get on an earlier or later flight on the same-day of their original scheduled flight and airline employees and their families and eligible companions who fly for free or near free.

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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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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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In most cases, this means showing up a few hours before the first flight of the day. Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success.

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Note that all standby passengers need to already have a confirmed ticket. Flyers with companion passes do not get the same benefits as the original (top tier) ticket holder they're traveling with, which means they're not eligible for standby.

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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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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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