Can you standby for an earlier flight

Southwest Airlines charges no fees for a same day change or standby request. This is because it already has no fees to change or cancel tickets. However, the total cost to change a flight could actually be more expensive as a result. Confirmed changes to a new flight require you to pay the difference in fare or receive a refund if you choose a cheaper flight.

This is not unusual. Many carriers allow you to change to a different flight by canceling and rebooking your ticket, paying the difference in fare. Standby requests to an earlier flight do not usually require any additional payment. However, they can only be requested at the airport on the same day of travel.

However, the fee will only be charged if your standby is successful. Members with Premier Gold, Platinum, or 1K status do not have to pay this fee. A same day confirmed change requires availability in the fare class originally booked.

The difference in price will be added to the change fee if you choose to book a different fare because your original fare class is not available. The change must be requested within 24 hours before departure of both the original flight and the new flight.

Travel must be between the same two cities, but different connection points are permitted. Scott is a former scientist and business student who created Travel Codex to unravel the complexity of travel loyalty programs.

After 11 years in Seattle, he now lives in Austin with his wife and flies over , miles every year. 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. If you have time to plan, aim to travel on days that are less frequented by business travelers. On a typical week, Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the best days to travel and avoid the business commuters, which in turn can lead to lower fares.

Find The Best Cruises. Find the best deals! Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices. LaGuardia Airport to John F. Kennedy Airport changes are not available for a Same-Day Confirmed change. Same-Day Confirmed changes from connection to nonstop flights are not permitted Basic Economy fares E are not eligible for Same-Day Confirmed travel changes.

Applicable Change Fee — These fees vary based on your ticket and its applicable fare rules. Additional Rules. Medallion Complimentary Upgrades do not transfer to your rebooked ticket The same-day travel program is subject to change and the rules in effect on the date of travel will apply Seats purchased or upgrades purchased for the original flight do not transfer to your rebooked ticket. Same-Day Standby.

If a Same-Day Confirmed flight change is unavailable, you may be eligible to stand by for an available flight. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines. Fact checked by Jillian Dara. Emerson College. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. TripSavvy's fact-checking. Share Pin Email. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Tell us why! Your Privacy Rights.