Standby travel remains common but varies by airline. Before you go, check the carrier's standby and same-day change policies and enable app notifications. Arrive early - especially for the first flight of the day - and stay near the gate. Be polite, avoid repeatedly asking your position, and ensure elite status is on your reservation. Some airlines let you buy same-day confirmations via kiosk or app, but fees and procedures differ, so verify the carrier's rules. Pack light and stay flexible: standby is useful but inherently unpredictable.
Before you head to the airport
Check your airline's standby and same-day change policies before you travel. Policies, priority rules and fees vary by carrier and fare type, so confirm whether your fare qualifies and whether elite status or paid same-day confirm options apply.
Download the airline app and enable notifications. Many carriers now manage waitlists and send real-time updates by app, email or text, so you can monitor your position without crowding the gate.
At the airport: timing and position
Get to the gate early and stay nearby. Gate agents sometimes call the standby list before general boarding; other times they wait until the end. Being visible and ready to board (with your ID and boarding pass) makes it easy for agents to seat you quickly.
Try for the first flight of the day. Early departures often have the most open seats because crews and schedules have not yet cascaded delays through the day.
How to act at the counter and gate
Be polite and concise. Airline staff operate under tight time pressure. Rudeness rarely helps and can hurt your chances of getting helpful information or assistance.
Avoid repeatedly asking, "Where am I on the standby list?" Your place changes constantly as people check in, no-show, or are rebooked due to irregular operations. Ask once, then monitor the app or the gate-side display.
If you have elite status, make sure your number is added to your reservation before check-in. Status often affects standby priority.
Fees, kiosks and technology
Some airlines offer paid same-day confirmed options or allow you to accept standby offers at a kiosk or in the app; others handle these requests only at the gate or ticket counter. Fees and processes differ by carrier and fare class, so review the carrier's current rules before you rely on a kiosk option.
Practical packing and mindset tips
Travel carry-on only if possible. Being ready to board at a moment's notice makes you a better candidate for last-minute seats. Keep essential documents and a charged phone with boarding apps and alerts handy.
Remember: standby is unpredictable. Use it when you're flexible and prepared to wait or take alternative travel plans.
- Confirm which major US carriers currently allow purchasing same-day confirmed seats via kiosks or mobile apps and list any associated fees (e.g., American, Delta, United). [[CHECK]]
- Verify whether specific carriers still use traditional paper standby lists or have fully electronic waitlists and notification methods. [[CHECK]]