Originally Posted by Totoro
If my ticketed flight is delayed to the point that the next flight will depart earlier, will stand-by for the next flight fall under "standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity" and therefore free? I may not have a connection but would like to arrive as close as possible to my originally scheduled itinerary.
Yes,
Totoro, in a scenario like this it would be considered “involuntary standby,” and would therefore be exempt from this fee.
The FAQ states "if you miss your flight, you will be permitted to stand by for any alternative flight up to two hours after your original flight for no charge, provided there is one." With the planned cutbacks, many routes will have flights separated by more than 2 hours. If I miss my flight, will I have to pay the fee to stand-by for the next flight if it is scheduled to leave >2 hours later than my ticketed flight?
Originally Posted by Yad
Worse. You'll have to pay $150 change fee plus the fare difference (which could easily be $500-1000 I would guess). At least that's how I read the policy.
As written, this policy is really capricious since so much depends on when the next flight is. I had thought they used to say that if you showed up within 2 hours of your scheduled flight, you would be accomodated on the next flight even if it is 6 hours later.
To clarify, our policy for when you’ve missed the check-in cut-off for your flight hasn’t changed with this introduction of this new policy. Our same-day change option is available only until your original flight is closed for check-in. After that, beyond our two-hour rule, the normal change fees associated with your fare will apply.
Originally Posted by SAT Lawyer
Is it safe to assume from the FAQs that WorldPerks Platinum and Gold elites are not eligible for the 50% standby fee reduction extended to our OnePass brother and sister elites?
Yes,
SAT Lawyer, that’s correct.
Originally Posted by jjgollum
OK - so let me test this out:
I'm scheduled for 5 pm departure IAH-BOS but it doesn't look like a I'll get the upgrade (3 seats left and though I am platinum, I am on a B class ticket). The 7 pm departure is wide open in First class.
Can I change to the 7pm flight at 7 am or 5 am? (for 25 dollar fee, of course)
Hi
jjgollum, at 7am. While you can confirm same-day changes within the 24 hour "same-day" window, you can only choose from flights that depart within 12 hours of when the request is made.
Originally Posted by jjgollum
Am I included on the upgrade standby list as soon as the change is confirmed or do I have to go to the airport/gate to be put on the upgrade list?
You’ll automatically be added to the upgrade standby list on your new flight when making your change via kiosk or online check-in. If making the change over the phone, you’ll be added to the upgrade standby list when you check in for your flight. If you're making the change with one of our airport personnel, be sure to ask to be added to the upgrade standby list on the new flight (upgrade requests aren't automatic in these cases).
Originally Posted by FT Lurker
First post here. I have been lurking for about a year now and had a quick question. To whom would I write a letter after being charged the $50 fee for voluntary standby before the change took effect? I tried to switch my flight last Friday the 13th (from CO 468 to CO 268) and was told that voluntary standby was no longer available. After being redirected to the Customer Service Center at EWR, I rushed to the earlier flight only to sit on the tarmac for 2.5 hours in the Penalty Box!
Hi
FT Lurker, sorry for the confusion. You shouldn’t have been charged to stand by in this case. Please send contact our Customer Care department at 800-WE-CARE-2 to request a refund. If you have any problems, please send me a PM.
Originally Posted by gary_nj
I have a reservation for a flight next week; the ticket was purchased last December. At this point, it looks likely that I would be able to make use of standby for an earlier flight. I wonder what will happen when I attempt to quote the fare rules that were in effect when I booked my ticket as a reason that I should be exempt from the new fee for standby...
Hi
gary_nj, since you purchased your ticket before this policy went into effect, you should be permitted to stand by for free. Our kiosk and online check-in systems have been programmed to recognize this automatically. If you're requesting to stand by with our airport personnel, you may need to point out to them the date of your ticket purchase.
Originally Posted by Bonehead
Can anyone verify that this functionality is now live?
Hi
Bonehead, as of a few minutes ago, this is now available via continental.com check-in (a day behind schedule). Our kiosks have also been updated, and of course, you can also handle same-day changes over the phone by calling your local Continental reservations number.