Originally Posted by
MyTravels
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.
There are no such guarantees with a flexible ticket, either!! A flexible fare doesn't mean that you can get on a full flight! So, you pay a lot of money to be able to change, and still run the risk of having to wait for hours...
It's a no-brainer for the airline!