How to Fly Standby on American Airlines
By Isaiah David
Like most air carriers, American Airlines will allow you to fly standby for an earlier flight if empty seats are available. Standby can be a good way to get to your destination a bit ahead of schedule. It is never a sure thing, however, so if you absolutely must get there earlier, change your flight time instead of going standby.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Get to the airport early. Try to be there more than an hour before the flight you want to be on standby for.
When you check in, indicate that you want to go on standby. If you check in with an automated machine, select the standby option. If you check in with a ticket agent, simply tell her you want to fly standby.
Go to the gate of the earlier flight and inform the gate agent that you want to go on standby. Ask if there are seats available. The earlier you get to the gate, the more likely you will be able to fly standby.
You may have to wait until just before the flight departs before the gate agent informs you of whether you will be on the flight. Go to your original flight's gate if they are unable to put you on the new flight. Waiting to fly standby will not void your original reservation, so if you can't get on an earlier flight, board your reserved flight as normal.
Tips & Warnings
If you need to fly earlier, American Airlines will let you reschedule your flight for a $50 fee. You can reschedule at the ticket counter, an automatic check-in machine or by calling (800) 433-7300. If you can afford it, this method might be a better choice, since you will be guaranteed a flight at the new time.
About The Author
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has nearly five years' experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
Photo Credits
airplane image by Christine F Saulnier from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
