Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
For the record, DL charges a SDC/SDS fee to nonelites, although it's only charged if/when the standby clears. It had been $50 (including for FOs and those without status traveling on paid FC tickets, although of course if someone has a changeable/refundable fare, they would simply change the ticket rather than try for SDC/SDS) but was recently raised to $75. Moreover, DL imposes stricter rules on nonelites, such as not being allowed to standby for later flights (although this doesn't seem to have been an issue in your case).
Understood. I think this speaks to the ethos of AA - I've noticed the delta "look and feel" for everybody, is really pleasant. Status or not. They aren't going to levy fees in an unsavory way.
The idea that I would need to jump through all these hoops on AA to stand by despite being told otherwise (and I of course understand human error), is really silly.
I am sure many people would not even notice the $75 fee. Even if that occurs 20% of the time, it's straight profit for AA.. no cost .. and these guys are just milking the crap out of these fees. Whatever it takes to crawl out of bankruptcy, I guess.