Standby and Airlines

[jmxthievez]

Hey guys, was just wondering what the official rule was for standbys? Usually I think it's from the same origin to the same destination you can try and go standby for an earlier flight, that's my understanding.

Yesterday, I had a buddy who was going from ny to chicago but connecting in DC, but went (and got) standby from ny straight to chicago. Is this a regular thing?

Also, is it possible to standby for a later flight? (risky)
Is it possible to standby for a completely different flight in terms of destination? What about similar destinations? like Newark, NJ to JFK, NY or something.

ty

[jmxthievez]

nobody?

[meep_42]

For the most part, they'll charge you for standing by for an earlier flight unless you have status, maybe $25 or so, max. Standing by for later flights is fine, too, though you may want to check schedules and you're really taking your trip into your own hands at this point. All you need to do is be late for your first flight, if you're there within an hour most times they'll rebook you on the next flight.

Going to another destination -- forget about it. If it's a shared-city airport (LGA/JFK/EWR - DCA/IAD/BWI - OAK/SFO, etc), they'll send you to the other airport usually only when you specifically ask.

-d

[PilotMatt]

Just make sure you don't check any baggage before you list on the standby list, otherwise they won't let you change.

btw, i belive it's $50 at Delta for a change