Standby Domestic Flights
Feb 14, 2012, 1:37 am
#16
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: QF Gold
Posts: 1,242
Well that's an interesting unintended consequence. I once purchased the cheapest full flexi fare available on the day with the pure purpose of changing to a different flight at the airport-such a strategy would be very risky now by the looks of it.
Feb 14, 2012, 2:01 am
#17
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
However, allowing for last minute purchases and flights switches by high fare passengers needs to be taken into account when NZ fills up seats with cheap standby fare passengers, IMO.
Jul 15, 2012, 3:43 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ*E, DL
Posts: 14
I recently flew standby AKLCHC and managed to get on ok but on my return two days later I turned up at CHC airport to find a very long standby queue and a sign saying "No Standby today for the following flights AKL,WLG,NPE,ZQN,DUD,HLZ,ROT.. They said flight loads were prohibitive and no standby were allowed. They could however sell me a $390 CHCAKL flight as there was four seats left. The other option was to fly to PMR and drive which was out of the question. Long story short I paid the $390 as JQ was the same price but I got my SP/AP on NZ. My advise is dont assume the standby fares will be available even on the days/times they say you can try.