...and you can still sign up for free standby when checking-in online, right? Does it help to do this and thus put your name on the list as early as possible? (i.e. among those whose status is the same, are free standbys confirmed in order of time requested?)
On empty flights, with a free standby request, do they ever let you know that you are confirmed well before arrival at the gate? (Would be great to know before leaving for the airport.)
Sorry, newbie questions, I don't fly UA usually...apologies if answered elsewhere.