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Air travel can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how to navigate the various features and amenities offered by airlines. One such feature is standby, which is a popular option for travelers who want to be flexible with their travel plans. So, how does standby work on American Airlines?
When you book a flight with American Airlines, you have the option to add standby to your itinerary. This means that if your original flight is overbooked or delayed, you can potentially be put on a standby list for another flight that day. But there are some important things to know about how standby works on American Airlines, including eligibility requirements and fees. Let’s dive in and explore this feature in more detail.
How Does Standby Work on American Airlines?
When traveling with American Airlines, standby is an option available to passengers who want to catch an earlier or later flight than their scheduled one. Standby allows passengers to change their flights without paying any additional fees, as long as there are available seats on the desired flight. But how does standby work on American Airlines? Let’s take a closer look.
Eligibility for Standby
To be eligible for standby, passengers must have a confirmed reservation with American Airlines. In addition, passengers must be traveling on a domestic flight within the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Standby is not available for international flights or flights to/from Hawaii.
Passengers can request to be put on standby for an earlier or later flight at the airport ticket counter or through the American Airlines mobile app. It is important to note that standby is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of seats on the desired flight.
Priority for Standby
When it comes to standby, priority is given to elite members of American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, AAdvantage. Elite status is determined by the number of miles flown or the number of segments flown with American Airlines.
The order of priority for standby is as follows:
1. Executive Platinum members
2. Platinum Pro members
3. Platinum members
4. Gold members
5. Non-elite members
Within each elite level, priority is given based on the time of the request for standby.
Benefits of Standby
The primary benefit of standby is the ability to change flights without paying any additional fees. This can be particularly helpful for passengers who have a change in plans or need to get to their destination earlier or later than originally planned.
In addition, as mentioned earlier, elite members of American Airlines’ frequent flyer program receive priority for standby, which can increase their chances of getting on a desired flight.
Standby vs. Same-Day Flight Changes
Standby is often confused with same-day flight changes, but they are two different options available to American Airlines passengers.
Same-day flight changes allow passengers to change to a different flight on the same day as their original flight for a fee. Same-day flight changes can be made in advance through the American Airlines website or mobile app, or at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel.
Standby, on the other hand, allows passengers to request to be put on an earlier or later flight without paying any additional fees. Standby is only available on the day of travel and is subject to availability.
What Happens if You Miss Your Standby Flight?
If you miss your standby flight, you will be automatically placed on standby for the next available flight. It is important to note that if you are traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, you will not be able to request standby or same-day flight changes.
If you need to guarantee your seat on a specific flight, it is recommended to purchase a Regular Economy ticket or higher.
Conclusion
Standby is a useful option available to American Airlines passengers who need to change their flights without paying additional fees. It is important to remember that standby is not guaranteed and depends on the availability of seats on the desired flight.
If you are an elite member of American Airlines’ frequent flyer program, you will receive priority for standby, which can increase your chances of getting on a desired flight. However, if you need to guarantee your seat on a specific flight, it is recommended to purchase a Regular Economy ticket or higher.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is standby on American Airlines?
- How do I request standby on American Airlines?
- What is the difference between standby and a confirmed ticket on American Airlines?
- How does American Airlines prioritize standby passengers?
- Can I change my standby request on American Airlines?
- Flying Standby | American Airlines Explained
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standby on American Airlines?
Standby is an option that allows passengers to wait for an available seat on a flight that is fully booked or has limited seats. Passengers on standby have not been assigned a seat and will only be allowed to board the flight if there are any open seats after all the confirmed passengers have boarded.
Standby is offered to passengers who have missed their original flight, have a flexible schedule, or want to try and get on an earlier flight than their scheduled one.
How do I request standby on American Airlines?
To request standby on American Airlines, you will need to go to the airport and speak to a customer service representative. You cannot request standby online or over the phone. You will need to provide your flight information and explain why you want to be on standby.
If there are any available seats after all the confirmed passengers have boarded, you may be able to board the flight. It’s important to note that standby is not guaranteed, and you may have to wait for several flights before getting a seat.
What is the difference between standby and a confirmed ticket on American Airlines?
A confirmed ticket guarantees you a seat on a specific flight. You will have an assigned seat and can check in online or at the airport.
Standby, on the other hand, does not guarantee you a seat. You will not have an assigned seat and can only board the flight if there are any open seats after all the confirmed passengers have boarded.
It’s important to note that standby passengers are not eligible for upgrades, and they may have to wait for several flights before getting a seat.
How does American Airlines prioritize standby passengers?
American Airlines prioritizes standby passengers based on their elite status, fare type, and time of check-in. Elite status members and passengers who have purchased higher fare classes will have higher priority over those who have purchased lower fares.
Passengers who have checked in earlier will also have higher priority over those who have checked in later. If there are multiple passengers on standby, they will be prioritized based on these factors.
Can I change my standby request on American Airlines?
You can change your standby request on American Airlines by going to the airport and speaking to a customer service representative. You cannot change your standby request online or over the phone.
If you want to change your standby request, you will need to explain why you want to make the change and provide your flight information. It’s important to note that changing your standby request does not guarantee you a seat on the flight. You will still need to wait for any available seats after all the confirmed passengers have boarded.
Flying Standby | American Airlines Explained
In conclusion, standby is a useful option for American Airlines passengers who want flexibility in their travel plans. By opting for standby, passengers have the opportunity to fly earlier or later than their originally scheduled flight. It’s important to note, however, that standby is not guaranteed, and passengers may have to wait for available seats.
To be eligible for standby, passengers must have a ticket for a flight departing within 24 hours and pay a fee, which varies depending on the ticket type and destination. Passengers can request standby at the airport or through the American Airlines app.
Overall, standby is a convenient option for those who need flexibility in their travel plans and are willing to be patient for available seats. With American Airlines, standby is a straightforward process that can help make travel more convenient and stress-free.
