Originally Posted by MyTravels

Yes, US based.



Thanks, this is helpful.

The main argument for allowing standby is that that an empty seat on a departing flight is an expiring good - so if an airline has the availability to utilize it now and free up a seat on the later flight - even if it's the seat on the later flight is not immediately needed - the airline is better off to do so (as it's a free option for the airline). Many of us have seen weather or mechanical issues that makes empty flights suddenly book up. Secondarily, (wayyyyy down in the list) is that it's a positive customer service experience.

The counter argument in the US is that if standby is allowed customers will buy the cheapest flight after their desired departure time, then go standby for the earlier flight(s). Although this is possible, there are no guarantees that the passenger will get on the earlier flight and may end up spending HOURS in the airport waiting for their booked flight. Hence why this argument doesn't hold a lot of water and it's clearly not practical for business travelers, groups or anyone connecting - especially with high load factors due to reduction in fleets.