What is the best day to fly standby?

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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You're more likely to get standby flights on less popular routes, off-peak travel seasons, or if you're a member of an airline's loyalty program. To improve your chances, arrive at the airport early and avoid checked luggage. Wait until the last minute in case your name is called.

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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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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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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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During boarding, as seats are available, names will be called in order from the list, and passengers will be issued seats for the flight. If the flight fills up before they get to your name, you'll be left at the gate watching the plane take off.

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The cheapest day to book your ticket is Saturday and Sunday, but the cheapest day to actually fly on is Tuesday. And the cheapest time of day to physically book your ticket is between 6AM and 12PM.

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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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The best time of day to fly is in the morning, before 8 a.m. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed or go through turbulence, and they're often cheaper.

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Is it cheaper to book a flight at the last minute? We've said this before, but it's worth repeating at the outset—no, it's really not cheaper to book a flight at the last minute. Yes, last minute travelers used to score the occasional fare so low it might have induced shock, but that's no longer the case.

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Are Late night Flights Often Cheaper? Yes. Red eye flights are definitely cheaper than flights departing at other times of the day. If you feel that taking a late flight won't be physically draining for you, then settle for a red eye flight.

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Note that standby flights are not guaranteed, and people who missed flights can only go onto the standby list when specific conditions are met (check with your airline for a full list of their standby rules).

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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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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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There are two types of reserve days: Airport Standby: this is where you wait at your base airport, usually for 4 to 8 hours. Most airlines will have a crew lounge you can wait in. You need to be in uniform and ready to go to the gate at any moment.

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