Standby flights are basically for those passengers who face some issues with their original flights.
Also, a passenger who needs to reach a place early or catch a late same-day flight can fly standby.
Thus, if you are one of these, you must know all about standby flights and how they work.
Here is all you need to know if you are flying standby from the USA to India or vice versa.
Standby Flights – A Closer Look
An essential factor you must consider these standby flights is that these are not guaranteed.
Further, the trend of flying standby is decreasing day by day. Still, you can find such tickets. Also, these may not be as economical as they were earlier.
Therefore, the chance of getting cheap flight tickets is scanty in such a case.
Eligibility
Another factor to consider is whether you are eligible to catch standby flights or not. This typically depends on your situation and the policy of the airline you are taking a trip with.
Further, some airlines do not allow same-day change. Hence, it will be challenging to get standby tickets in such a case.
Moreover, if you have a family or a friend working in a particular airline, it is easier for you to get standby flight tickets.
Also, you do not need to spend a lot to fly standby. You can do so to examine the terms and conditions of your airline thoroughly.
This way, you may end up getting cheap flight deals.
Thus, you are eligible for standby flights if:
- You have a complimentary ticket.
- You were not able to board your booked flight.
Tips for Flying Standby
When you need to get on standby flights, there are some tips that you must follow. We are here to help you with the same. Have a look:
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Make sure to travel with carry-on luggage.
Usually, airlines do not allow passengers with already checked bags to get on standby flights.
Also, if you just have a carry-on with you, it reduces your worry, as well. Your bags cannot get lost, and there can be no delay.
Thus, if there are chances of your flying standby, make sure to do this.
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Make a request for standby as early as possible.
There may be times when you cannot get on your cheap flights from the USA.
During such a time, make sure to request standby at the earliest.
This is because airlines typically consider the requests as they receive them.
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You can join any airline loyalty reward programs and gain some status.
This will not only help you get standby flight but is beneficial otherwise, too.
With this, you can access the lounges at the airport.
Also, if you are looking for how to find cheap flights, this is a great way.
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Make sure to avoid highly restrictive flight tickets.
Such tickets may hinder you from getting on standby flights.
Therefore, make sure to research your ticket type thoroughly.
And book it only when the conditions satisfy you.
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Always head to the departure gate for standby flights early.
You must be there when the gate agent calls out your name.
Otherwise, the next person in the standby list may end up getting your place.
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Be more patient and flexible.
The ticket change on your flight to India is what you want. Therefore, make sure to be patient while waiting to board your standby flights.
Also, you may need to get from one gate to another. Make sure to be flexible with that.
Standby for a Different Flight
To understand this, you can consider a Delta Air Lines flight. You can request a same-day change for an airline ticket with this airline.
However, this depends on your ticket type. Hence, if you are eligible, you can request for standby flights. The airline will consider your request and approve it.
However, if the seats are available on some different flight, the airline will give you a confirmation for the same.
Further, in case you have to fly standby for some involuntary reason, the process will be different for you. It is automated.
Thus, you will have to check for your name on the standby list.
Standby Flights – Airline Policies
Here are the policies of some popular airlines regarding Standby flights:
1. Delta Air Lines
If you opt for a basic Economy fare type with this airline, you cannot avail of same-day flight changes.
Thus, you do not stand any chance of getting standby flights in this case.
Therefore, think before you book cheap air flights with Delta Airlines.
Further, all Platinum, Gold, Diamond, or Medallion members can easily avail of this facility.
Also, there is no extra charge that you need to pay to fly standby in such a case. And all other passengers will have to pay $75 to fly standby.
However, you must note that the policy of this airline regarding standby flights changes frequently.
Therefore, make sure to check these. And some Delta fare-types are not transferable.
2. Alaska Airlines
As per the policy of this airline, you can get standby flights quickly. Passengers avail of these for free. Also, they can do so even for same-day departure.
However, there is a twist in this. It is for specific destinations only. These include the Pacific Northwest, California, or Alaska.
Otherwise, to request to get on standby flights, the airline will charge you $25.
Moreover, in case you have a booking with this airline for a non-stop flight shuttle, you can even request a same-day standby for free.
However, this is only for flights between Seattle and Spokane, Seattle and Portland, and Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Also, you must reach your gate on time. It is 30 minutes before your Standby flight’s departure.
3. American Airlines
If you are an elite AAdvantage member of this airline, you will get many benefits and some fantastic flight deals.
Also, you will not have to pay anything for standby flights.
Further, if you are a passenger with a high fare coach, you may get free same-day flight standby, as well. For all other passengers, the fee is $75.
4. Allegiant Air
The flights of this airline do not operate on a daily basis. Also, some of their routes are seasonal. Therefore, in this place, you cannot get standby flights.
Further, this airline has a service ‘TripFlex.’ Through it, you will not have to pay the itinerary-change charges.
5. United Airlines
Just like most airlines, getting standby flights is simple if you are an elite member of this airline.
Otherwise, the fee is $75. Thus, all other passengers must pay it to fly standby.
You need to take care of all other conditions, as well. The most important one is your fare type.
It is the deciding factor for your eligibility for standby flights. Thus, when you book flights online, make sure to check the same.
6. Virgin America
You can get multiple standby travel deals with this airline. For this, you have to buy a ‘Plans Change Pass.’ It will cost you $25. However, every change you make after this is free.
Thus, you can readily get standby flights. All other passengers need to pay a specific set of a fee. This will depend on their fare type.
7. WestJet
If you are among the Plus and WestJet Rewards Gold members, you can quickly get standby flights.
Also, as per the policy of this airline, you can do so for free. For all others, you will have to pay a fee for your standby request.
Also, you cannot change your departure destination and the place you wish to reach. Furthermore, you must have only your carry-on with you.
8. Porter Airlines
Getting standby flights with porter airlines is not possible. However, you may make changes to your itinerary.
And this depends on your ticket type. Therefore, think before you book flights with this airline.
9. Southwest Airlines
Booking flights with this airline is an excellent idea as it is quite reasonable.
However, when it comes to standby flights, your eligibility for it depends on your fare type. It is possible to fly standby on some while you cannot do so on others.
Also, for some ticket types, you will have to pay some additional fees.
10. Spirit Airlines
This airline has a costly standby travel fee. Thus, in case you need to get on standby flights, booking air tickets with it is not a great idea.
The cost is $99. Also, there may be an instance when you can place a request for the same only when you reach the airport.
11. Frontier
If you are an elite level passenger, only then can you get on standby flights of this airline. Also, you cannot make any changes to your original itinerary.
Further, in case of a non-stop original booking, the standby must also be the same.
Also, the airlines do not allow connections for this. All other passengers will have to pay for a new standby ticket.
12. Hawaiian Airlines
If you are a Pualani Platinum or Gold passenger, you can quickly get on standby flights.
Also, you will get early and free access to it. But, it is valid only for the neighboring islands.
Also, if you book cheap flights to India through Corporate Web Portal of Hawaiian Airlines, you can avail of the same service.
13. JetBlue
For specific airline ticket prices, this airline offers standby for just $75. Also, when you request for standby flights with JetBlue, you must do it soon.
This is because they do so as per the first-come, first-serve policy. Also, you cannot fly standby to cities that have only a single flight a day.
This is all you must know about standby flights. Also, make sure to go through the policies of all the above airlines before you make a booking.
You can even visit their official website for more information or also contact them. Just remember to get yourself the best deal.