Kennethfine,

What I have done that seems to work for me is this.

First, make sure your ticket alows going standby. If so, then there will be no increase in $$$.

Keep checking seat availability on those flights. One way of doing this is to check the website of Alaska. If you can book a dummy reservation on the flight, then that means that there are seats available, and a good chance of going standby.

Also, your status of MVP Gold will get you higher on the standby list.

Remember, that if you do get on, the only seats may be middle seats, and you will not get an upgrade into F. (at least I never have, even as a gold) If you are there early, you should be able to snag a better seat than a middle seat.

The only way I know of to get on the list is at the airport. Talk with the Ticket agent at check in or talk to a gate agent.

This has worked well for me in the past. Good luck.