You can also fly standby with your pre-purchased ticket if you confirm your seat. This is more reliable in that the airline guarantees a flight for you later in the day. A perk of being an airline employee is that each year you receive several free passes to be shared with friends and family these tickets are not totally free, since you still have to pay taxes and fees.
Though buddy pass policy is different for each airline, the bottom line is the same: the standby passenger needs to wait until a seat becomes available. The process varies regarding how to book a flight using a buddy pass. Usually a buddy pass comes with a confirmation code, and you can list yourself on a flight by calling a reservation agent.
There are no guarantees, though, so using a buddy pass means being flexible about hanging out at the airport. Buddy pass traveling is first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early for your preferred flight. When I book award tickets for amazing destinations, I always leave that part to Juicy Miles!
Many people wonder if it is free to fly standby. Travelers often think you save money flying standby. Flying standby is not a cheap last minute strategy. The cost of flying standby depends on two things: the flight itself and your relationship with the airline. Every airline has its own policies and fees. In some cases, economy passengers are not eligible for standby Frontier; Delta.
In other cases, same-day standby ticket fees are waived for first class or business class passengers. Be sure to check ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises. For travellers using a buddy pass, be prepared to pay some fees and taxes. Check your airline and read the fine print. Alaska Airlines: Offers free, same-day standby for ticketed passengers in certain cities. Must be at gate 30 minutes prior to takeoff. This fee is waived for military personnel, first-class, business class and AAdvantage Elite members.
Basic Economy fares are not eligible for standby or same-day changes. To change a flight schedule after passing through security, approach the airline employees at the gate. Making a change to a flying plan often attracts an additional fee. The terms and conditions of the plane ticket usually state the fee the airline charges to change the flight.
What's more, if the new seat is more expensive, passengers usually pay the difference but if the seat is cheaper, the airline isn't likely to refund the difference. However, certain passengers can sometimes escape the transfer fees. Travelers who belong to airline privilege groups like frequent flyer clubs or people who collect air miles via credit card purchases may be able to board an earlier or later flight without paying anything extra.
As always, flying standby is often a waiting game. It's been too long since we've thrown our toothbrush in our hand luggage and gone on a last-minute trip. Skyscanner's search tools can help you bag last-minute flights without going over budget. Find cheap last-minute flights here:. Wed 24 Nov BUD. Air Arabia. Mon 6 Dec MAN. Tue 30 Nov BNX. Ethiopian Airlines. If you already have a ticket, JetBlue, for one, specifically states that there's no standby flying for routes that only fly once a day, and you can only standby for the flight right before yours.
Many limit the options to your original departure and destination airports and to flights between certain regions most often the U. Read our full article on detailed standby policies by airline. Whether you're a ticketed passenger or you have a buddy pass, you'll want to show up as early as possible if you can't get on the list by phone or online. In most cases, this means showing up a few hours before the first flight of the day. Because passengers are placed on the standby list on a first come, first served basis, this will maximize your chances of success.
If you're using a buddy pass, be prepared to stay for the last flight of the day, since airlines will place paying customers first. And don't give up or leave until the flight you're trying to get on actually takes off; you never know when last-minute changes might occur. What are my others options for cheaper, flexible travel? Airlines have become eerily efficient at filling up planes, which has given them greater leverage to keep prices high and steady.
If you're looking to save on last-minute travel, look towards the budget carriers Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, etc.
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