I appologize in advance, as I know this topic has been discussed rather frequently. However, I have never flown standby before, and I don't want to ruin my vacation.

On May 19 we are scheduled DTW-IAD, departing at 7:15 PM and arriving at 8:44 PM. We are then scheduled IAD-FRA, departing at 9:48 PM. The connection time makes me a little nervous, so I thought about standing by on the 12:05 PM DTW-IAD. I know it will be a long time to wait at IAD, but it's better than losing a whole day of our vacation if we misconnect.

I think I know the procedure for standing by, but I just want to make sure. We show up before the 12:05 flight we want to standby on, and when we check in, we tell the agent we want to stand by on the 12:05 flight. Once we clear security, we then proceed to the gate and tell the GA we want to be placed on the standby list for that flight. Am I correct so far?

I've also read problems with people not being able to standby when they have checked bags. Will this be a problem for me since it's the first part of my trip? Also, there are 12 seats (+4 exit row seats, I'm assuming) left on the 12:05 (it's on a CRJ). I don't want to do confirmed standby if I don't have to....so how early should I show up to the airport to check in for standby?

Sorry this post was so long.....thanks in advance for your help!!