If you are a business traveler you probably have heard about the convenience of buying standby tickets. However, you might not know exactly how they work, how to choose them and where to go to find them. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal on your standby tickets.
Alaska Airlines
The best way to buy standby tickets for Alaska Airlines flights is by calling a customer service agent. When you call, be sure to tell the agent the flight you wish to book. They will check your eligibility to fly on the airline, as well as your travel plans. If you are eligible, you may then be given a list of available flights.
If you can’t make a reservation on your selected Alaska Airlines flight, you can request a change. This is possible if you have a refundable ticket or a flight that departs within 24 hours of your original departure. As long as the flight you are changing is in your desired airport, you can pay a small fee to change your flight.
There are also other ways to change your flight. You can call a customer service representative at the airport, or you can use the internet to do so. Both options will require you to enter your reservation number, date, and from and to information.
Unlike some other airlines, Alaska Airlines doesn’t charge a fee for changes that are made more than six hours before a flight’s scheduled departure time. This allows you to avoid last minute rushes to the airport. However, you are required to arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Another option is to request a same-day standby ticket at the airport. A same-day standby ticket costs $25 per segment. It’s a bit of a gamble, though. Purchasing a same-day standby ticket can be a great idea, but you’ll want to be sure you can get a confirmed seat on your next flight.
Another way to find out whether you are eligible for a same-day standby ticket is to go to the website for Alaska Airlines. The site offers a search bar to help you narrow down your choices. Once you have a list of available flights, you’ll be able to choose which one is right for you.
Lastly, you can purchase an Alaska Airlines Guest Pass, which lets you monitor your flight’s status. You can purchase this pass up to 30 days before your flight, and it’s valid for 90 days.
Frontier
A Frontier standby ticket is a great way to change your travel itinerary without adding more expenses. It’s also an excellent method to get a refund if you miss your flight. However, there are some limitations to the service.
If you want to change your Frontier standby ticket, you will need to follow the original ticketed itinerary. You can change your trip up to an hour before departure. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a $25 fee for the change.
The Frontier airline offers three tiers of elite status. To get to the next level, you’ll need to fly a certain number of segments in a year. As an Elite member, you’ll have access to standby for no cost.
Other flights will charge fees. For example, Delta charges $75 for standby. But you can get a free standby with Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines.
Another option is to purchase a Frontier Buddy Pass. This pass gives you access to discounted fares for friends and family. And you can use it on a number of Frontier destinations.
Frontier’s Flight Refund Program can provide a partial or full refund. This is subject to the Frontier Airlines’ Contract of Carriage. If you’re unable to get a refund, you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee.
Another Frontier standby ticket option is to use the GoWild! Pass. Travelers can find out more about this on the Frontier website. Essentially, it allows travelers to book a flight one day in advance.
When comparing prices, it’s important to understand that the extras and packages Frontier Airlines offers can add up. In addition to the regular ticket price, you’ll have to pay for your checked and carry-on bags. Additionally, you’ll have to pay for drinks and snacks.
Some flights are subject to blackout dates, so be sure to check the Frontier website to ensure you don’t miss your flight. Also, remember to pack compactly. Don’t forget to bring any pets or other items you might need.
When you’re booking a flight, ask the gate agent if you can take advantage of a standby status. Once you get to the airport, you’ll need to check in with a customer service agent.
United
If you’ve purchased a ticket on United Airlines, you can standby for free. You’ll just need to be aware that your status will not be known until 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. This means that you should be ready to check in at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
You can request a standby status when you check in at the airport. United’s Customer Service Center will be happy to help you with your standby needs.
The main thing to remember is that there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a seat. However, if you’re in a rush and have no time to book a ticket, you may be able to request an alternative flight.
There are three steps to request a same-day change. First, you’ll need to contact the airline. Depending on your specific airline, you’ll need to pay a fee for the modification.
Second, you’ll need to check in with the customer service agent at the airport. Third, you’ll need to make sure that you have the proper documentation (including proof of payment). Lastly, you’ll need to confirm that you’re still within your ticket’s window of opportunity.
For free same-day changes, you’ll need to be a member of the Premier or MileagePlus program. Members of the Basic Economy program do not have these privileges. In addition, you’ll need to provide your credit card information.
Free same-day changes are also available for passengers with a Plans Change Pass. If you don’t have a Plans Change Pass, you’ll need to pay $25 for a same-day change.
To learn more about free same-day changes, contact your airline’s customer service department. It’s a great way to find out what options are available to you.
On the other hand, if you’re not a Premier or MileagePlus member, you might have to pay a small fee to get the same-day change. Regardless, it’s a good idea to make your same-day change request. Having the option of a same-day flight can be a lifesaver if your plans change at the last minute.
Southwest
It used to be that flying standby meant you could get cheap tickets on a seat that was left over from a flight. But today, flying standby is much more complicated. There are many different airlines and they have different policies and procedures.
Some airlines require a fee for standing by. Others will only allow you to fly on the day of the flight. For a change, the fee varies depending on the type of ticket and the relationship you have with the airline.
Southwest Airlines offers three public-facing ticket categories. These are Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime. You can stand by for the same city pairs if you have an Anytime fare. If you are not sure which category you are in, call the customer service department of your airline. They will help you determine your status and make your request.
You can also call an airline to make a same-day change. Same-day changes are available for $25 to $50 per ticket. However, it is important to call the airline in advance to avoid a high fee.
Another way to fly standby is through a buddy pass. This allows you to board the plane with a friend who is an employee of the airline. The only downside is that you will still have to pay taxes and other applicable fees.
Several airlines offer same-day standby flights. Some of these are available through phone calls, while others are kiosks at the airport. In order to obtain a standby ticket, you will need to show up at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight. Getting on the flight early is the best way to increase your chance of getting on the flight.
Depending on your relationship with the airline, you may be able to fly standby for free. For instance, Delta offers free standby to those who qualify. To do so, you will need to sign up for their benefits package. Other airlines offer a voluntary program that provides standby opportunities.
In addition to these standby programs, you may be able to find a standby flight on an online website. Using sites such as CheapOair can help you find seats for a standby flight.