I'm 1k with 2 O/W Saver award tix DLH - ORD - IAD - SHD on same PNR.
We're ticketed on early am departure, but want to leave in the afternoon -- flights look fairly open all the way through *but* there is no X/XN space available so deposit and rebook is not possible

If saver seats are not released before day of travel, is this the correct procedure?
- call >24 hours before original depart time and get put on standby for later departure
- skip showing up for the first flight
- show up for standby'd departure and hopefully go

questions:
- how does checking bags work if standby may not clear on first leg until gate?
- If we make it on first flight but then standby does not work for leg 2 or 3 what happens? Just continue to go standby on subsequent flight(s) until we make it home, right?

Thanks!!