Originally Posted by
rownada
Does anyone know how the the free same-day stand-by at airport works?
As an example, let's look at this scenario:
Say if I am booked on AA827 + AA2017 from DCA to DFW to TUS in N class on June 21st... and I am thinking about putting myself on stand-by at the airport that morning for AA1487 + AA305 via ORD instead
Now, the following issues got my head in...
1. Is this actually allowed (changing the route)
In theory, but as you allude to below, you risk getting stuck somewhere. (EDIT: In theory, that is, assuming your fare rules originally allowed the desired new routing).
2. Does this mean if I elect to stand-by for the ORD routing, I will check in my lugguage at counter for AA1487 and find out at the gate at DCA whether a seat is actually available?
They likely won't be able to clear you off the list at the ticket desk, but yes, if you do have luggage, you'll need to let them know of your standby intentions. That being said, I wouldn't expect your luggage to actually make it with you. The agents will probably discourage you all along the way from trying since its highly unlikely your bags will actually make whatever flights you clear on to -- mainly because the standby list is handled so close to departure.
3. What happen if I don't get cleared- will I be able to retain my original seat on AA827 which departs 5 mins later? Will the lugguage system be clever enough to transfer my lugguage from AA1487 back to AA827?
Yes, you don't lose your original seat until you clear the list off the new flight. Consider, though, that the standby list is usually cleared pretty late, so five minutes may not be enough time for you to get to your original flight if you fail to clear the list.
And, no, the system is not smart enough to handle that luggage transfer... especially with only a matter of minutes to do it.
4. If I get cleared at DCA for AA1487, will they confirm my AA305 whilst I am at DCA too or will I also need to stand-by for AA305 at the gate at ORD? i.e. will I have the risk of being stuck at ORD if I am turned down at the gate for the ORD-TUS sector?
You'll need to standby for each leg; its unlikely they'll be able to clear you in advance. So, yes, you could get stuck in ORD, which is always the problem with standing by for a different routing, and why they discourage it. If you really want a different routing, thats when the $50 confirmed standby comes in handy.
5. Miles. Will I itinerary keep the same fare bucket (N) if I am successfully cleared for the ORD route?
Yes, you'll keep the same bucket (although mistakes happen).
6. Something else... What happen if I choose to standby AA1429 and AA1437 instead (i.e. still via DCA but departs c. 1 hours 40 mins later) and subsequently got turned down at gate? Will I keep standing by for the next flight and risk not being able to travel at all if the remaining flights of the day are extrememly busy?
Yes, you can technically standby for the later flight, but you should let them know in advance so that your reservation is not automatically canceled when you don't board your original flight. That being said, keep in mind there is the chance you won't clear the standby list for the later flight, and so you could be SOL.
7. How busy normally are these DCA-DFW, DFW-TUS, DCA-ORD and ORD-TUS sectors on a Sunday morning with AA?
Thanks a lot for your help guys![/QUOTE]