Originally Posted by guv1976

In my experience flying in the U.S.A., most carriers that permit standby travel only permit it for passengers who have already purchased a ticket for travel on a different flight -- usually on the same day. And sometimes there is an additional charge.

Last-minute fares are frequently more expensive than advance-purchase fares, but you might find exceptions in certain markets at certain times.

For last-minute travel, amassing a large supply of frequent-flyer miles (perhaps through credit-card sign-up bonuses) can be the most cost-effective means. Some frequent-flyer flyer programs (like AA and UA) charge a close-in award-booking fee; others, like BA and IB, don't.

Of course, award seats would have to be available for your last-minute travel. Sometimes they are; sometimes they aren't.