Top Tips for Flying Standby: How to Increase Your Chances and Stress Less
Flying standby can be a great way to score last-minute deals or change your flight plans without extra fees. However, it also comes with a level of uncertainty, as your ability to board the plane depends on seat availability. Whether you're flying standby as a backup option or as part of a last-minute travel adventure, these tips can help you maximize your chances of securing a seat and make the experience smoother.
1. Know the Different Types of Standby
Before you dive into the standby process, it’s important to understand the two main types:
Revenue Standby: This is when you're waiting for an available seat after missing a flight or changing your flight time. It’s often used by travelers who need to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day.
Non-Revenue Standby (Buddy Pass or Employee Standby): This is for airline employees or their designated friends and family. It's typically free or at a reduced fare but comes with the lowest priority for available seats.
Knowing which type of standby you’re on helps set expectations for your chances of making it onto a flight.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
Flexibility is key when flying standby. You’re not guaranteed a seat, so having a flexible schedule can ease the stress of waiting for an available flight. Be prepared for potential delays and even the possibility of staying overnight if you can’t get on your desired flight.
Travel on less busy days: Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to have more availability than weekends or holidays.
Aim for less popular routes: If possible, try to fly on less busy routes or at off-peak hours to increase your chances of getting a seat.
3. Check Flight Loads in Advance
If you're flying standby, checking the flight loads (the number of available seats) beforehand is crucial. Some airlines provide tools or apps that allow you to see how full a flight is, though this feature is often available only to airline employees or travelers with special passes.
If you're not an employee, you can still call the airline to ask about the status of upcoming flights. While they may not give you an exact number of open seats, they can give you a general sense of how likely you are to get on board.
4. Arrive at the Airport Early
Arriving early is always important when flying standby. Many airlines prioritize standby passengers on a first-come, first-served basis, so showing up early can boost your chances of getting a seat. Plan to arrive at least two to three hours before your desired flight, especially during peak travel times.
Also, being at the gate well before boarding begins puts you in a good position to snag an open seat if one becomes available at the last minute.
5. Pack Light
When flying standby, it’s best to pack light, ideally with just a carry-on bag. Since your plans are not set in stone, you may have to switch flights quickly or make last-minute changes. Having just a carry-on means you won’t have to worry about checking or retrieving luggage, making you more agile when navigating airport terminals or hopping on new flights.
Additionally, airlines sometimes give preference to standby passengers with fewer or smaller bags, as it makes boarding faster and more efficient.
6. Dress Smart and Stay Professional
Believe it or not, the way you dress can impact your chances of getting on a flight when flying standby—especially for non-revenue standby. Some airlines require passengers flying on buddy passes or employee standby tickets to adhere to a dress code, such as business casual attire. Avoid wearing shorts, flip-flops, or overly casual clothing, as airlines reserve the right to deny standby passengers who don’t meet their dress standards.
Even if there’s no strict dress code, dressing professionally and being polite to the gate agents can make a positive impression, and might help increase your chances of securing a seat.
7. Be Polite and Courteous to Airline Staff
Flying standby can be a stressful process, but it’s important to remain polite and courteous to gate agents and airline staff. These employees have the power to move you up or down the standby list, and treating them with respect goes a long way. Remember, they are often managing a lot of people, so patience is key.
Building a rapport with gate agents might even help you in the future, as some will keep track of repeat standby travelers and reward those who are consistently respectful and easygoing.
8. Have Backup Plans
Always have a Plan B in case you don’t get on the flight you’re aiming for. This could mean:
Looking for other flights on the same airline later that day.
Checking flights from nearby airports (especially if you're in a large city with multiple airports).
Booking a backup hotel room, especially if you’re traveling late in the day or during peak seasons when flights are typically full.
Having alternatives ready will save you stress if you’re left waiting longer than expected or need to make quick adjustments to your travel plans.
9. Monitor Standby Lists and Status
Most airlines will provide standby passengers with an updated list of where they stand in line to get a seat. This list usually appears on airport monitors near the gate or within the airline's app. Stay close to the gate and keep an eye on these updates so you’re aware of your position and can prepare to board if your name is called.
If you're flying standby on a non-revenue or buddy pass, remember that you’ll generally be placed lower on the list, behind full-fare passengers, frequent flyers, and anyone else flying standby for other reasons. Don’t be discouraged—it all depends on how many passengers check in for the flight.
10. Be Prepared for Downtime
Flying standby often means waiting around the airport for several hours, and sometimes you might not get on a flight until much later in the day. Bring along something to keep yourself entertained—books, movies, or podcasts. Some airports offer lounge access for a fee, which might be worth considering if you’re going to be waiting for a long time.
Also, stay fueled with snacks and drinks, as running between gates or being stranded without access to food can add unnecessary stress to an already uncertain situation.
Conclusion: Flexibility and Patience are Key
Flying standby can be a great option if you have a flexible schedule and an adventurous spirit, but it’s important to go into it with realistic expectations. Always be prepared for potential delays or last-minute changes, and use these tips to maximize your chances of getting on your desired flight. By staying flexible, packing light, and being courteous to staff, you can navigate the standby experience with less stress and more success.
