Originally Posted by Flyer23
I had a situation a few months ago on AS where I tried to stand by for an earlier flight, and the GA told me, "The flight is oversold. There is no way you'll get on from the standby list." So, being the nice traveler that I am, I thanked her and walked away. When the flight went to board, wouldn't you know, they cleared some folks off the standby list. Of course, I was not among them... because the GA had refused to put me on the list in the first place.
I'll second (third?) the always-get-on-the-list sentiment. I was travelling SJC-ORD-BOS. Before I even left SJC my ORD-BOS was cancelled due to weather, and I protected myself on a late-night flight. When I got to ORD there was an earlier flight, but it was full. I asked about standby, and the GA informated me that there some huge number of people on the list. She did put me on without my having to insist, but I was not confident. I did, however, get an aisle toward the back, no problem. Status likely put me ahead of others, but I was certain I was going later.
In the end, it can never hurt to be on the list.
Cheers.