Originally Posted by tismfu
Sorry if this has already been answered in this thread, but I couldn't find it (or decipher it).
I have a multi-leg itinerary upgraded one class of service using 25k miles. I want to fly standby on an earlier flight for my first leg (domestic). Am I out of luck and stuck in Y or will I be put in First if a seat is available? Where am I in the pecking order? I am Gold.
Thanks for any clarification
You are an R3. You are not confirmed on the flight, so you are a true standby. Now, if you are confirmed on your later flight in F/C, then the gate agents will assume you want F/C and put you there if a seat is available.
I guess I should explain. On the standby list, the gate agent can see what booking class you are booked in on the later flight. So when you are confirmed on a later flight in A and are put on the standby list for an earlier flight, it shows you on the standby list as an "A" class traveler for your confirmed flight. Likewise, if you have an "L" class ticket, it shows you on the list as "L." In that case, if you want to upgrade using stickers, you have to let them know, or coach it is.
Oh, and yes. This also applies if you are confirmed in "X" or "R" on a later flight and are standing by for an earlier one. The gate agents will assume you want F/C if there is a seat available by the time they get to you. Just remember that you are lowest priority, below everyone who is already confirmed on the flight.