Originally Posted by
texashoser
There's on obvious reason for this: If they let everyone do what your trying to do without penalty. Then quite a few people would just book the cheapest flight for that day and either show up early or late, etc, and ask to get on another flight. Although, there is a flat tire rule that I'm sure gets abused...
Other airlines allow same day standby or changes for a small fee and don't seem to have problems. I personally think it's one of the ways they make up for not charging change fees.