How To Fly Standby On United Airlines?

Flying standby can be a great way to save money on your airfare, especially if you’re flexible with your travel plans. United Airlines offers standby options for their flights, but it can be a bit tricky to navigate the process. In this article, we’ll go over some tips and tricks on how to fly standby on United Airlines and increase your chances of getting on the flight you want. So, whether you’re trying to catch an earlier flight or just looking to save some money, keep reading to learn how to fly standby on United Airlines.

Note: Flying standby is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Fees may apply for changing your flight.

How to Fly Standby on United Airlines?

If you need to travel last minute or need to change your itinerary, flying standby on United Airlines could be an option. Flying standby means you are willing to take a flight that is not confirmed, and you are waiting for an available seat on a flight. Here’s how you can fly standby on United Airlines.

Check United Airlines Standby Policy

Before you decide to fly standby, make sure you understand United Airlines standby policy. United Airlines allows passengers to fly standby on the same day as their original flight, but they must have a confirmed ticket and pay a fee. The fee for domestic standby is $75, and the international standby fee is $125. You will only pay this fee if you are confirmed on a flight.

It’s important to note that standby passengers are not guaranteed a seat on a flight. If you’re flying standby for a connecting flight, make sure you have a backup plan in case your standby flight does not have availability.

Check Flight Availability

Before you head to the airport, check the flight availability for the flight you want to fly standby. You can do this by logging into your United Airlines account or by calling United Airlines customer service. It’s important to have a few backup flights in case the one you want is not available.

United Airlines also offers a mobile app where you can check flight availability and purchase standby tickets. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Arrive Early at the Airport

Arriving early at the airport is crucial if you want to fly standby on United Airlines. You will need to check in at the United Airlines ticket counter to purchase your standby ticket and be added to the standby list. It’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before your desired flight time.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your ID and confirmation number, to check in for your standby flight. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you have your passport and any necessary visas.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when flying standby on United Airlines. You may not get the flight you want, and you may have to fly to a different airport or on a different day. If you’re flying standby for a connecting flight, make sure you have a backup plan in case your standby flight does not have availability.

It’s also important to be flexible with your seat assignment. You may not get a seat in your preferred class of service or in your preferred seat location. However, being flexible can increase your chances of getting a seat on a flight.

Be Patient

Flying standby can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to be patient. Standby passengers are not guaranteed a seat on a flight, and you may have to wait for several flights before you can get a seat. It’s important to stay calm and patient, and understand that the airline is doing their best to accommodate all passengers.

Bring a book or something else to occupy your time while you wait for your standby flight. You can also use this time to explore the airport or grab a bite to eat.

Benefits of Flying Standby

• Cost-effective way to travel last minute
• Allows for flexibility in travel plans
• Opportunity to save money on airfare

Disadvantages of Flying Standby

• Not guaranteed a seat on a flight
• May have to wait for several flights before getting a seat
• May not get a seat in your preferred class of service or seat location

Conclusion

Flying standby on United Airlines can be a great way to travel last minute or make changes to your itinerary. However, it’s important to understand United Airlines’ standby policy, check flight availability, arrive early at the airport, be flexible and patient, and understand the benefits and disadvantages of flying standby. By following these tips and being prepared, you can increase your chances of getting a seat on a standby flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about flying standby on United Airlines:

1. What is flying standby?

Flying standby means traveling on a flight without a confirmed reservation. Instead, you show up at the airport and hope to get a seat on a flight that has open seats. This is a good option if you need to travel at the last minute or if you missed your original flight.

Keep in mind that flying standby is not guaranteed, and you may have to wait for several flights before getting a seat. It’s also important to note that the rules and fees for flying standby can vary depending on the airline and the type of ticket you purchased.

2. Can I fly standby on United Airlines?

Yes, United Airlines allows customers to fly standby on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you must have a valid ticket or a confirmed reservation for a different United Airlines flight to be eligible for standby travel. You can request to fly standby at the airport or through the United Airlines app or website.

United Airlines also offers the option to purchase a standby upgrade, which allows you to pay a fee to increase your chances of getting a seat on an earlier flight. This option is only available to certain customers, such as MileagePlus Premier members or customers traveling on a full-fare ticket.

3. When is the best time to fly standby on United Airlines?

The best time to fly standby on United Airlines is typically during off-peak travel times, such as early in the morning or late at night. This is when there are usually more open seats on flights. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the seat availability for different flights before heading to the airport to increase your chances of getting a seat.

Keep in mind that flying standby during peak travel times, such as holidays or weekends, may be more difficult and may require more patience and flexibility.

4. What are the fees for flying standby on United Airlines?

The fees for flying standby on United Airlines can vary depending on the type of ticket you purchased and your MileagePlus status. For example, customers with a basic economy ticket may not be eligible for standby travel, while customers with a standard economy ticket may have to pay a fee to change their flight to a standby status.

Additionally, customers who purchase a standby upgrade may have to pay a fee based on their MileagePlus status and the availability of open seats on the flight. It’s important to check the specific fees and rules for standby travel before attempting to fly standby on United Airlines.

5. What should I do if I’m unable to fly standby on United Airlines?

If you’re unable to fly standby on United Airlines, there are several other options you can consider. You can try to book a confirmed reservation on a different flight, even if it means paying a higher fare. Alternatively, you can consider flying with a different airline or using other modes of transportation, such as driving or taking a bus or train.

It’s important to have a backup plan in case you’re unable to fly standby, especially if you need to travel for an important event or meeting.

How to Fly Standby: Our MOST ASKED Question!

In conclusion, flying standby on United Airlines can be a great option for travelers who need flexibility in their travel plans. By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of securing a seat on your desired flight and potentially save money in the process.

Remember to check in early, be prepared with all necessary documentation, and dress appropriately for the flight. Being polite and respectful to the gate agents can also go a long way in improving your chances of success.

While there may be some uncertainty when flying standby, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile option for many travelers. So next time you’re considering a last-minute trip, consider flying standby on United Airlines and enjoy the adventure of spontaneous travel.