All,

I've got a flight on Friday from DCA to ALB departing at 5:40 p.m. with a connection in PHL.

I was hoping to make an earlier trip up and saw a few options, some with connections. I am used to UA's Standby policy which is fairly easy to understand. Upon checking on this forum extensively, I still don't know the answer to my question:

If I were to travel 'standby' for earlier flight(s), would I be charged the $25 fee (I have a non-ref ticket) for the whole trip or for each individual segment (assuming the flight works best with a connection)? Also, what have you experienced with getting 'around' the $25 standby (going to the gate vs. check-in, etc) and has status (i'm *Gold - PremEx on UA) played a factor at all?

Thanks in advance to help me decipher this crazy policy,
Jeremy

At least i'm not trying to standby at IAD or BWI...that would make this question even crazier :-D

First advice would be not to read the "official policy" unless you plan on printing it out and are prepared to recite from it. Like most policies, it's interpretation lies in the hands of whomever is on the other side of the counter. Can really only speak from experience on your questions, having done this many times.

First, $25 fee is for whole trip.

Secondly, only two factors have gotten me out of paying the $25. First are just nice gate agents that don't charge you. Second, is if I can't be confirmed for the flight I want, I challenge them having to pay the $25. I'll pay it if they give me a confirmed seat on the flight I want...but I have a problem paying $25 to stand around playing the standby game all afternoon. This often wins the argument.

Status doesn't help much in this game. You may want to try in the lounge??

First advice would be not to read the "official policy" unless you plan on printing it out and are prepared to recite from it. Like most policies, it's interpretation lies in the hands of whomever is on the other side of the counter. Can really only speak from experience on your questions, having done this many times.

First, $25 fee is for whole trip.

Secondly, only two factors have gotten me out of paying the $25. First are just nice gate agents that don't charge you. Second, is if I can't be confirmed for the flight I want, I challenge them having to pay the $25. I'll pay it if they give me a confirmed seat on the flight I want...but I have a problem paying $25 to stand around playing the standby game all afternoon. This often wins the argument.

Status doesn't help much in this game. You may want to try in the lounge??

Thanks so much for the quick response - this was just what I wanted to hear. I didn't think much about actually having to pay the $25, it really isn't much money at all. Second, your reasoning is exactly what I was thinking for the possibility to avoid the fee...just by being nice - which is what I'll be doing, even more-so.

I don't have a RCC or USAirways club membership and since this isn't Int'l, I can't use the lounges...:-(

But, $25 is fine if need be, thanks for the quick and easy response!

-jeremy