Originally Posted by
grisjuan
This is a good point. In my experience as a UA 1K, US does *not* offer free standby (except during IRROPS). The DCA-BOS shuttle runs hourly so jumping on an earlier flight is often desirable. The standby fee is currently $50 (I paid it about 1 month ago).
I've had good luck moving up flights if there's space available at the departure gate just by asking and have yet to pay the fee (1K on UA but no US status). Booked as a US flight, not codeshare. Goes for the LGA shuttle too. YMMV.