Many airlines offer standby flights and they can be a great option for extending your vacation or changing the time of your travel on the same day. What does it mean to fly standby and which airlines offer these types of tickets? This is a common doubt and we have answered most of your questions regarding standby flights in this article...
Standby Tickets Meaning and How To Book Explained:
Standby flight tickets are tickets that are offered to passengers who have been waiting for last-minute flight booking. Sometimes, airlines might have seats that remain empty due to a passenger not showing up or due to its remaining unsold. They wait-list other passengers wanting those seats and later, offer them to fill up the vacant seats. However, standby might not be the cheapest ticket as a standby fee is generally applicable to such bookings.
Mobile applications and airlines’ websites can help you with standby flight booking. You can even call the customer support of the airline and ask for the availability of standby flights. If you are a frequent flyer of elite status, your chances of getting on a standby flight increase significantly.
You can use buddy pass if you are an airline employee to help your family or yourself with availing standby flights. You can also wait for standby flights if you missed your flight or your flight got canceled due to some reason. However, there might be terms and conditions on your flight tickets that would prevent you from using standby flights.
How to Increase My Chances of Getting A Standby Flight?
You can increase your chances of getting on a standby flight by being nice while asking for the availability, and by carrying less number of bags, preferably only a carry-on. Use popular routes with many flights taking off and avoid opting for rush days for making your reservation. You also need to reach the boarding gate as early as possible, as you are not a confirmed passenger till the plane leaves from the gate. Wait for the agent to call your name out and help you with the first come first serve to board. Early hours in the morning is when maximum passengers fail to show up and you can utilize these hours for booking a standby flight.
What is Standby Fee Applicable on My Booking?
A standby fee might be applicable to your booking that can go up to $100 as it depends on the demand and availability. Economy class passengers of Delta and Frontier Airlines aren’t allowed to book standby flights while on certain carriers, business and first-class passengers do not have to pay any additional money for making a standby flight ticket booking.
Thus, booking a standby flight is subject to airline rules and regulations and you should always read their terms and conditions carefully before booking such itineraries. If you still have doubts floating in your mind about flight ticket cancellation, booking or refund, you can give us a call on +1-855-737-8707 and we would help you find the best flight tickets as per your need at the maximum discounted fare for a budget-friendly travel experience!