Airlines and Their Standby Policies

Flying standby can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially if you have flexible plans. However, understanding the specific standby policies of different airlines is crucial. Here’s a detailed look at the standby policies of several major airlines to help you understand where and how you can fly standby:

Disclaimer: Always check the latest information directly from your airline’s official website, as policies can change. If you read something that isn’t correct or if you have information to add, please send an email to [email protected] so we can update it.

Key Terms:

Same-Day Standby: Allows passengers to standby for an earlier flight on the same day as their original booking without a confirmed seat. If a seat becomes available, the passenger is allowed to board. This service usually has no fee, especially if you have certain fare types or elite status with the airline.
Different-Day Standby: Refers to the option to standby for a flight on a different day from your original booking. This is less commonly offered and often involves a fee or may require rebooking your flight, which could mean paying the fare difference. Some airlines may not offer this option at all, or it may be limited to passengers with elite status.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Allows passengers to confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same day as their original booking for a fee. This differs from standby because you are guaranteed a seat on the new flight once you pay the fee and make the change. This service is often available for a fee, but it may be free for

Airline Standby Policies:

American Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers wishing to take an earlier flight on the same day as their original booking.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $75 fee for non-elite passengers. Allows you to confirm a seat on an earlier flight.
Different-Day Standby: This option is not typically available; changing to a different day usually requires rebooking and paying the fare difference. Elite status passengers can often standby for free for an earlier or later flight on the same day as their original booking.

Delta

Same-Day Standby: This service is free for passengers wishing to take an earlier flight on the same day as their original booking. There is no fee for same-day standby. All passengers with a valid ticket can standby for an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Passengers can confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same day as their original booking. There is a $75 fee for non-elite passengers, but the fee is waived for elite status passengers. This option is available to passengers with a valid ticket, with priority given to elite status members.
Different Day Standby: This option is not typically available; changing to a different day usually requires rebooking and paying the fare difference. Fees apply for rebooking to a different day. Elite status passengers may have more flexibility.

United Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers wanting to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $75 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: $75 fee, waived for passengers with elite status.

Southwest Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers wanting to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $75 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: No fee for a different day, but a $100 fee applies if flying to a different destination.

JetBlue Airways

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers looking to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $75 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: $75 fee, but free for elite status passengers.

Alaska Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers wanting to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $50 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: $25 fee, waived for elite status passengers.

Frontier Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers aiming to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $99 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: $99 fee, waived for passengers with elite status.

Spirit Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers wanting to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $99 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: $99 fee, waived for elite status passengers.

Allegiant Air

Standby Policy: Allegiant Air does not offer standby flights.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Allegiant Air does not offer same-day confirmed flight changes.

Hawaiian Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Free for passengers looking to take an earlier flight on the same day.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: $50 fee for non-elite passengers; fee waived for elite status passengers.
Different-Day Standby: Not typically offered, so check with the airline for specific policies.

Sun Country Airlines

Same-Day Standby: Available with varying fees; policies are not as standardized, so check with the airline.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Available with varying fees; policies are not as standardized, so check with the airline.
Different-Day Standby: Not commonly offered, contact the airline for details.

British Airways

Same-Day Standby: Policies may vary depending on the ticket type and route; typically more flexible for elite status members.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Policies may vary depending on the ticket type and route; typically more flexible for elite status members.
Different-Day Standby: Generally not offered; changes often require rebooking and associated fees.

Air Canada

Same-Day Standby: Free for higher fare classes and elite status members; available for a fee for other passengers.
Same-Day Confirmed Flight Change: Free for higher fare classes and elite status members; available for a fee for other passengers.
Different-Day Standby: Generally not offered; rebooking policies and fees apply.

Understanding these policies can help you make informed decisions when planning your next trip. Always check with the airline directly for the most up-to-date information and any potential changes to their policies. Happy traveling!