Which airlines allow standby?
Standby policies vary by airline. Some offer it for free on same-day flights, others charge a fee or restrict it to elite members. Check out our table below for standby information with major US airlines.
How to Book Standby Flights
Where from?
Where to?
Date
Passengers & Class
Can you book standby flights?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. Standby flights let you wait for an open seat on a fully booked flight, usually without a guaranteed spot.
Most airlines no longer sell dedicated “standby tickets” to the public. Instead, standby is typically available in two ways:
- Voluntary standby - You’ve already bought a ticket and want to switch to a different flight on the same day, usually an earlier one.
- Non-revenue (employee) standby - Reserved for airline staff or their families using special travel passes.
For most passengers, standby is only possible after purchasing a confirmed ticket. Airlines often charge a fee for same-day standby, and policies vary by route and fare type. Domestic flights are more likely to offer this option than international ones.
To fly standby, you’ll usually need to check in early and ask to be added to the standby list. Even then, a seat isn’t guaranteed - it depends on no-shows, missed connections or late cancellations.
How to book a standby flight
Booking a standby flight works differently depending on the type of ticket and airline policy. Here's how to do it:
- Buy a standard ticket first. Most airlines require you to have a confirmed booking before offering standby. This is common for same day changes.
- Check the airline’s standby rules. Visit the airline’s website or contact Customer Service to see if standby is allowed for your ticket type and whether there’s a fee.
- Arrive early at the airport. Speak to a check-in agent or gate agent to ask about standby options. You'll need to be added to the standby list manually.
- Wait for seat availability. You'll be called if a seat opens up. Priority is often based on fare class, frequent flyer status, or check-in time.
- Be ready to board quickly. If your name is called, you’ll need to board immediately, so keep your bags and documents ready.
Some passengers, such as airline staff or family members, may use special employee standby passes, but these aren’t available to the general public.
| Airline | Standby eligibility | Same-day confirmed change | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | All fares incl. Basic Economy | Free for Premier members | International standby allowed. Can add or remove connections. |
| Delta Air Lines | Excludes Basic Economy | $75 | Domestic only. Non-elites can standby for earlier flights only. |
| American Airlines | All passengers eligible | $60 domestic $150 JFK–London |
Co-terminal standby allowed. Policy restored July 2025. |
| Southwest Airlines | Choice fares and higher only | Not free on Basic fares | Basic fares introduced May 2025. Assigned seating from 2026. |
| JetBlue | Blue Basic excluded | $75 (waived for Mosaic) | Standby requests must be made at the airport. |
| Alaska Airlines | Saver fares excluded | $25–$50 depending on route | Fee waivers for MVP Gold and above. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Pualani elites only | Not offered | Inter-island Hawaii flights only. |
| Spirit Airlines | All fares | $99 (free for elites) | Standby treated as a premium add-on. |
| Frontier Airlines | Classic Plus or WORKS only | $99 for Economy fares | Free standby only with bundles. |
| Allegiant Air | Not available | $110+ change fee | No standby offered under any conditions. |
Standby vs same-day flight change
While they sound similar, standby travel and same-day flight changes aren’t the same thing, and it’s important to know the difference before heading to the airport.
Standby means you're waiting for a seat to become available on a different flight. You won’t have a confirmed seat and may not fly at all. It’s based on availability and your place on the standby list depends on factors like your fare type, check-in time or frequent flyer status.
Same-day flight changes involve switching to another flight on the same day, but with a confirmed seat. You’ll pay a change fee (unless waived), and your new flight must follow the airline’s rules on timing and routes.
In short:
- Standby is uncertain but often cheaper
- Same-day changes cost more but give peace of mind
If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, a confirmed change is the safer choice. If you're flexible and hoping to save money or leave earlier, standby might be worth considering.
Pros and cons of standby travel
Flying standby can be flexible and low-cost, but it comes with trade-offs. Here's what to know:
Pros ✅
- Potential savings - Some standby options cost less than standard fares, especially for last-minute changes.
- Flexibility - If your plans are open, standby lets you jump on earlier or later flights the same day.
- Useful for missed flights - If you miss your original flight, standby can be a fast way to get rebooked without paying full price again.
- Priority for elite flyers - Frequent flyers may access standby at no extra cost and get higher priority on the list.
Cons ⚠️
- No guaranteed seat - You might wait hours, or not get on at all, especially during busy travel periods.
- Limited availability - Standby is often restricted to domestic flights and not available on basic or non-refundable fares.
- Unpredictable wait times - You’ll need to stay close to the gate and be ready to board at a moment’s notice.
- Extra fees - Some airlines charge for same-day standby or only allow it on higher fare types.
Frequently asked questions
What does flying standby mean?
Flying standby means you don’t have a confirmed seat on a specific flight. Instead, you're placed on a waitlist and only board if space becomes available, often due to no-shows or missed connections.
Is flying standby cheaper than buying a regular ticket?
Not usually. While some people associate standby with last-minute bargains, today’s standby travel usually requires buying a regular ticket first, and any cost savings depend on airline policy and fare type.
Can anyone fly standby?
In most cases, you must have a purchased ticket to fly standby. Exceptions exist for airline employees or elite frequent flyers, but the general public can’t just show up and buy a standby fare.
Can I fly standby on an international flight?
Only a few airlines (like United) allow standby on international routes. Most carriers limit standby to domestic travel only.
Does Basic Economy include standby access?
Usually not. Basic Economy fares are often excluded from standby and same-day change options. United is a key exception - it allows Basic Economy standby with lower priority.
How do I request a standby seat?
You can usually request standby through the airline’s app, at the check-in desk, or by speaking with a gate agent. Requests must be made on the same day as your original flight, and often within a specific time window.
What happens if I don’t get on a standby flight?
If you don’t clear the standby list, you keep your original ticket and flight. You won't be charged unless the airline has a fee for placing you on the standby list.
Do I get a seat assignment on standby?
Not until your name is called at the gate. If a seat opens up, you'll be assigned one just before departure.
Can I check bags if I’m flying standby?
Yes, but it complicates things. Checked luggage may not make it onto your standby flight, especially if you clear the list close to departure. It’s safer to travel with carry-on only when flying standby.