Last edit by: Prospero
American Airlines Same Day Standby Policy and Discussion
(Not to be confused with SDFC / Same Day Flight Change - see links below)
Standby has its own rules and peculiarities: (As of 14 Jan 2016)
Same-day standby
Standby for a fee (waived for AA Elites)
For $75 on domestic flights, you may standby on an earlier flight under the following conditions:
*Standby between NYC-LON is offered for $150.
AAdvantage elite members may use the standby option for earlier or later flights.
Though it appeared those with checked bags were being denied SDS, JonNYC clarified that AA affirmed AA Elites are allowed to SDS if they have checked bags. Link.
Complimentary standby
Get complimentary same-day standby with:
Complimentary same-day standby is also available for:
Link
The following passengers may standby at no charge based on availability:
Link
Q. What happens to my upgrade if I stand by for another flight?
Your upgrade and position will be lost. You can not be added to the upgrade list on your desired flight until you have cleared from standby. At that point, it may be too late to request your upgrade, given upgrade requests are normally processed prior to the standby list.
See "Airport Upgrade and Standby List" / Order, PALL List and issues (FT)
Previous posts have been archived and can be read here
Standby is not the same thing as SDFC / Same Day Confirmed Flight Change:
See "Domestic" Same Day Confirmed Flight Change / SDFC / CFC / "Standby" or
International Same Day Flight Change / SDFC / SDC / CDC
(Not to be confused with SDFC / Same Day Flight Change - see links below)
Standby has its own rules and peculiarities: (As of 14 Jan 2016)
Same-day standby
Standby for a fee (waived for AA Elites)
For $75 on domestic flights, you may standby on an earlier flight under the following conditions:
- Standby is not allowed for international flights*.
- Has the same origin and destination
- Is for the same calendar day of departure
- Is marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle
- Changes to another multi-city airport or to different connecting cities are not allowed
- You can standby for your originally purchased cabin (not upgraded cabin)
- Standby means upgrades on the original flights are lost (you can not be on an upgrade list until your standby has cleared)
- Standby pax may be required to gate check carry-on baggage
- Standby is prioritized - see "PALL List" link below
*Standby between NYC-LON is offered for $150.
AAdvantage elite members may use the standby option for earlier or later flights.
Though it appeared those with checked bags were being denied SDS, JonNYC clarified that AA affirmed AA Elites are allowed to SDS if they have checked bags. Link.
Complimentary standby
Get complimentary same-day standby with:
- Unrestricted Economy Class (Y fare), Business or First Class tickets
- American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, Platinum Pro or Gold status and companions in same record
- oneworld Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby status and companions in same record
- AirPass membership
- First and Business Class MileSAAver award tickets
- AAnytime award tickets
- Choice Plus fares
Complimentary same-day standby is also available for:
- Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders or personal travel
- Active U.S. military dependents traveling on orders
Link
The following passengers may standby at no charge based on availability:
- Customers who purchase unrestricted Economy Class fares (Y class of service)
- Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets
- Active U.S. military personnel traveling on orders or personal travel
- Active U.S. military dependents traveling on orders
- American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum or Gold members
- oneworld alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members
- Customers flying on the same reservation as an American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum or Gold member or oneworld alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flyer status or fare type
- AAirpass members
- First and Business Class MileSAAver Awards
- First, Business and Economy Class AAnytime Awards
- Customers who purchase a Choice Plus fare
Link
Q. What happens to my upgrade if I stand by for another flight?
Your upgrade and position will be lost. You can not be added to the upgrade list on your desired flight until you have cleared from standby. At that point, it may be too late to request your upgrade, given upgrade requests are normally processed prior to the standby list.
See "Airport Upgrade and Standby List" / Order, PALL List and issues (FT)
Previous posts have been archived and can be read here
Standby is not the same thing as SDFC / Same Day Confirmed Flight Change:
See "Domestic" Same Day Confirmed Flight Change / SDFC / CFC / "Standby" or
International Same Day Flight Change / SDFC / SDC / CDC
Same Day Standby / SDS (not SDFC) Rules & Discussion (master thread)
#496
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 107
The "24 hours" you might be thinking of is when you can make the initial request to standby, just like you can check-in 24 hours before the flight.
#497
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
This isn't formally allowed, the rule is "same calendar day". Back in January I flew CUN-CLT-CHS, and had an overnight layover in CLT. I arrived to CLT in the morning and asked if I could get on one of the several flights to CHS and they were really strict and said there was absolutely no way. I expected them to say that, but had to get a hotel in CLT.
The "24 hours" you might be thinking of is when you can make the initial request to standby, just like you can check-in 24 hours before the flight.
The "24 hours" you might be thinking of is when you can make the initial request to standby, just like you can check-in 24 hours before the flight.
Looks like they're gonna get me for the change fee on this one.
#498
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist;Bonvoy Lifetime Titan ; Hilton DIA (amex); AA Plat
Posts: 221
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Last edited by I 40; Nov 19, 2017 at 1:59 pm Reason: double entry
#499
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,939
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Why would they upgrade someone else over a paid FC ticket, then refund them the fare difference?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Why would they upgrade someone else over a paid FC ticket, then refund them the fare difference?
Sloppy systems that allow an agent to handle things according to their discretion, combined with poor training, leads to inconsistent and incorrect service.
#500
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Looks like the agent used the wrong pall code or the gate agent didnt honor/notice/use/clear per the code.
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
#501
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NYC
Posts: 56
This is my experience of SDS as an EXP. Last Thursday, I had an itinerary ORD->PHL->LGA that left 5am @ ORD. The connection @ PHL left me with about 40 minutes to connect from A to F in PHL (the intinerary stated that I would have an hour). Realizing that this is cutting close, I decided to wait for the next direct flight as I had some time to kill.
So, I took this as an opportunity to stop by and visit some colleagues in town. Realizing that there are two other direct flight @ 3:50 & 6:30, I checked for availability and there wasn't enough availability for SDFC so I asked one of the angel @ Admiral Club to just put me on 3:50pm standby (there were 3 available seats with me as #1 on the standby list). She printed the standby voucher and I stopped by the new Centurion Lounge before I left the airport. Came back around 2:50pm and found out that terminal F does not have TSA Pre and waited almost 25 minutes before clearing the TSA. Ran to the gate and waited until everyone boarded and got a seat.
Couple of observation points:
in my AA Apps, I noticed that when I did not get on 8:50am flight to LGA, that segment disappeared from my itinerary. My guess is that when I did a no-show @ 8:50am, they took me off the flight. After I got home, I noticed that appropriate mileage were credit to my account for PHL->LGA segment.
This was a gamble since I potentially could not have a seat if there were circumstances that open seats were taken during the day. Ideally, if I can SDFC, I would feel a bit comfortable, but due to # of seat availability, it was not an option.
Don't go through terminal F @ PHL, but instead through C as there is a TSA-Pre and then take the shuttle to F (probably faster).
In retrospect, I should have take my time and show up @ my gate for 850am flight late and tell them that I missed my connection flight. I think under that circumstance, they would have confirmed my 3:50pm flight.
l8r
-doc
So, I took this as an opportunity to stop by and visit some colleagues in town. Realizing that there are two other direct flight @ 3:50 & 6:30, I checked for availability and there wasn't enough availability for SDFC so I asked one of the angel @ Admiral Club to just put me on 3:50pm standby (there were 3 available seats with me as #1 on the standby list). She printed the standby voucher and I stopped by the new Centurion Lounge before I left the airport. Came back around 2:50pm and found out that terminal F does not have TSA Pre and waited almost 25 minutes before clearing the TSA. Ran to the gate and waited until everyone boarded and got a seat.
Couple of observation points:
in my AA Apps, I noticed that when I did not get on 8:50am flight to LGA, that segment disappeared from my itinerary. My guess is that when I did a no-show @ 8:50am, they took me off the flight. After I got home, I noticed that appropriate mileage were credit to my account for PHL->LGA segment.
This was a gamble since I potentially could not have a seat if there were circumstances that open seats were taken during the day. Ideally, if I can SDFC, I would feel a bit comfortable, but due to # of seat availability, it was not an option.
Don't go through terminal F @ PHL, but instead through C as there is a TSA-Pre and then take the shuttle to F (probably faster).
In retrospect, I should have take my time and show up @ my gate for 850am flight late and tell them that I missed my connection flight. I think under that circumstance, they would have confirmed my 3:50pm flight.
l8r
-doc
#502
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,620
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Last year I was booked into economy on an I fare JFK-SFO. Online check-in added me to upgrade list and I was around 8 on the list when I got to airport. I spoke with airport agent and explained I'm on a business fare. She removed me from upgrade list and put me on standby for J instead. Was given J seat at gate and upgrade list only show 4 passengers being cleared. Had the airport agent not put me on the correct list, I would have been in economy.
If your F ticket allows for no change fee, I would get rebook into Y on desired flight on the F ticket and then standby for F to get priority over upgraders.
#503
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA Ex-Plat, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 668
I have a flight to LV tonight at 6:25pm. My mom is meeting me at the train station a lot earlier than anticipated so we may be able to get to the airport at 3pm for the 4pm flight if everything is on time.
I am Plat. Pro.
Here are my questions:
Is it my best bet to wait to SDC for when I get to the airport?
She wants to check a bag, how does that work with stand-by?
I have not checked in for our original flight yet. Does it matter if I do?
There are currently plenty of 1st class seats available on the 4pm. Can I be put on the upgrade list and the standby list?
What happens if I put our names on standby now, but my Mom's train is late and we can't make the 4pm flight?
Thanks for the last minute help.
Rich
UPDATE: Train was on time and we made it to airport an decided to go directly to the gate. I checked in online at 130 and put us on the stand by list.
Got to the gate at 310 asked about being put on the upgrade list. There were 5 open seats and no one else on the upgrade list. Was told it couldn’t be done. You can only be on one list. Even after I was given our coach seats, she could not put me on the upgrade list. Fantastic. I love AA.
I am Plat. Pro.
Here are my questions:
Is it my best bet to wait to SDC for when I get to the airport?
She wants to check a bag, how does that work with stand-by?
I have not checked in for our original flight yet. Does it matter if I do?
There are currently plenty of 1st class seats available on the 4pm. Can I be put on the upgrade list and the standby list?
What happens if I put our names on standby now, but my Mom's train is late and we can't make the 4pm flight?
Thanks for the last minute help.
Rich
UPDATE: Train was on time and we made it to airport an decided to go directly to the gate. I checked in online at 130 and put us on the stand by list.
Got to the gate at 310 asked about being put on the upgrade list. There were 5 open seats and no one else on the upgrade list. Was told it couldn’t be done. You can only be on one list. Even after I was given our coach seats, she could not put me on the upgrade list. Fantastic. I love AA.
Last edited by puchalskir; Nov 21, 2017 at 3:01 pm
#504
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist;Bonvoy Lifetime Titan ; Hilton DIA (amex); AA Plat
Posts: 221
Rebooking into Y is interesting, something to consider, but my original thought was, you shouldn't have to do that. What is the AA policy?
Side note, I got my fare difference refund today (automatically) and as in the past, received the double EQMs.
Last edited by I 40; Nov 21, 2017 at 11:49 am
#505
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Paid FC ticket in I inventory (not an upgraded coach ticket), tried to go standby on an earlier flight.
I got got to the gate for the earlier flight and was #1 on the standby list.
The gate agent processed one upgrade and then started processing standbys. I was cleared but was given seat a middle sea in coach. No thanks.
What compensation should I get from this? 5,000 miles maybe?
#506
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,864
What is the priority for FC on a paid FC ticket doing a SDSB?
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
Today- Paid FC ticket, decided I wanted to leave later in the day. Online only showing SDSB (wonder how accurate this is, Delta, where I have the most experience doing this, usually incorrect).
Only the 3rd time I have done this. First 2 times there appeared to be no seats in FC and I flew coach. Interesting that I received a refund both times for the fare difference,( but still got double EQMs).
Today, I notice there are FC seats available, but they clear the upgrades first , then the standbys, so I clear into coach.
I asked the gate agent why they would upgrade someone over paid first (and then refund them the $s) , and he said that is how it is done.
If correct, seems like an odd business practice.
#507
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,133
I just had the same thing happen to me!
Paid FC ticket in I inventory (not an upgraded coach ticket), tried to go standby on an earlier flight.
I got got to the gate for the earlier flight and was #1 on the standby list.
The gate agent processed one upgrade and then started processing standbys. I was cleared but was given seat a middle sea in coach. No thanks.
What compensation should I get from this? 5,000 miles maybe?
Paid FC ticket in I inventory (not an upgraded coach ticket), tried to go standby on an earlier flight.
I got got to the gate for the earlier flight and was #1 on the standby list.
The gate agent processed one upgrade and then started processing standbys. I was cleared but was given seat a middle sea in coach. No thanks.
What compensation should I get from this? 5,000 miles maybe?
#508
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 107
Got to the gate at 310 asked about being put on the upgrade list. There were 5 open seats and no one else on the upgrade list. Was told it couldnt be done. You can only be on one list. Even after I was given our coach seats, she could not put me on the upgrade list. Fantastic. I love AA.
#509
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
If the AA gate agent had done his job correctly, following AA policy, then I would have been given a first class seat on the earlier flight, and all would have been good.
I'd think that AA would want to be sure to train gate agents to clear people with paid FC tickets into FC first before processing upgrades, to avoid having to refund fare differences to people. Think of how much revenue AA is refunding to people when if policy were followed, no refunds would be given. Or AA should want to just tweak its software so that a legend would appear next to the name of anyone with a paid FC ticket, such as "PAID FC PAX: CLEAR DIRECTLY INTO FC BEFORE PROCESSING UPGRADES".
I would assume that AA would refund the FC ticket price paid minus the coach fare at the time of going standby. In my case, that would have been zero.
Last edited by ibrandsguest; Nov 26, 2017 at 11:45 am
#510
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Well, if you didnt ask the agent at check in may I ask what PALL code you are using? Then how do u know they processed it incorrectly???
anytime u are are the PALL and it is not automatic ask what code is being used. And especially on standby F where there are a few options.
anytime u are are the PALL and it is not automatic ask what code is being used. And especially on standby F where there are a few options.
I didn't end up going standby. My original flight, which I took, was late (after I boarded), and I got home around midnight.
If the AA gate agent had done his job correctly, following AA policy, then I would have been given a first class seat on the earlier flight, and all would have been good.
I'd think that AA would want to be sure to train gate agents to clear people with paid FC tickets into FC first before processing upgrades, to avoid having to refund fare differences to people. Think of how much revenue AA is refunding to people when if policy were followed, no refunds would be given. Or AA should want to just tweak its software so that a legend would appear next to the name of anyone with a paid FC ticket, such as "PAID FC PAX: CLEAR DIRECTLY INTO FC BEFORE PROCESSING UPGRADES".
I would assume that AA would refund the FC ticket price paid minus the coach fare at the time of going standby. In my case, that would have been zero.
If the AA gate agent had done his job correctly, following AA policy, then I would have been given a first class seat on the earlier flight, and all would have been good.
I'd think that AA would want to be sure to train gate agents to clear people with paid FC tickets into FC first before processing upgrades, to avoid having to refund fare differences to people. Think of how much revenue AA is refunding to people when if policy were followed, no refunds would be given. Or AA should want to just tweak its software so that a legend would appear next to the name of anyone with a paid FC ticket, such as "PAID FC PAX: CLEAR DIRECTLY INTO FC BEFORE PROCESSING UPGRADES".
I would assume that AA would refund the FC ticket price paid minus the coach fare at the time of going standby. In my case, that would have been zero.