Nov 8, 2015, 3:40 pm
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Previous posts have been archived and can be read here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)
Apr 7, 2017, 7:30 pm
#451
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
All that the agent told you is correct. U should be able to use ur BP to get into the counciyrae. Plus when u go on the list at the airport u will get a priority verification card which can also be used to go through security.
Called in to do a SDFC for a flight tomorrow LGA-CLT-MIA. Everything is sold out and overbooked the agent says so I ask if I can be put on the Standby list for a flight and he says I can only do that at the gate, I tell him the flight I want to standby for is at 1120 and the original flight is at 659 and ask can I even get through security to get to the gate. He says he doesn't know. Is this a true policy or did I just get a newbie ?
I am in First (booking code I) just as a data point.
He did say that the F standby would clear before any upgrades cleared. Not sure how true that is or not.
Thanks
I am in First (booking code I) just as a data point.
He did say that the F standby would clear before any upgrades cleared. Not sure how true that is or not.
Thanks
Apr 9, 2017, 1:33 am
#452
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Called in to do a SDFC for a flight tomorrow LGA-CLT-MIA. Everything is sold out and overbooked the agent says so I ask if I can be put on the Standby list for a flight and he says I can only do that at the gate, I tell him the flight I want to standby for is at 1120 and the original flight is at 659 and ask can I even get through security to get to the gate. He says he doesn't know. Is this a true policy or did I just get a newbie ?
I am in First (booking code I) just as a data point.
He did say that the F standby would clear before any upgrades cleared. Not sure how true that is or not.
Thanks
I am in First (booking code I) just as a data point.
He did say that the F standby would clear before any upgrades cleared. Not sure how true that is or not.
Thanks
Apr 10, 2017, 6:40 am
#453
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 193
Question about Standby with checked bags.
DFW-SFO. Booked on the 7p, but want to take the 5p flight.
If i want to check in bags, do i arrive 45 minutes before the earlier 5pm standby flight? If i do make the 3pm flight i assume the flight will have my bags. Is that correct?
DFW-SFO. Booked on the 7p, but want to take the 5p flight.
If i want to check in bags, do i arrive 45 minutes before the earlier 5pm standby flight? If i do make the 3pm flight i assume the flight will have my bags. Is that correct?
Apr 11, 2017, 5:57 pm
#454
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
As a GLD on a milesaaver ticket, to standby for a flight 8 hours later than mine, do I just no show my flight and turn up to the airport for the later flight?
That's what the AAgent told me to do but don't want to risk the ticket being cancelled.
Also - do I check in for the flight I'm not taking?
That's what the AAgent told me to do but don't want to risk the ticket being cancelled.
Also - do I check in for the flight I'm not taking?
Apr 12, 2017, 12:21 pm
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
As a GLD on a milesaaver ticket, to standby for a flight 8 hours later than mine, do I just no show my flight and turn up to the airport for the later flight?
That's what the AAgent told me to do but don't want to risk the ticket being cancelled.
Also - do I check in for the flight I'm not taking?
That's what the AAgent told me to do but don't want to risk the ticket being cancelled.
Also - do I check in for the flight I'm not taking?
Apr 13, 2017, 11:09 am
#456
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz PC, GE + Pre✓, Amazon Super Special Prime
Posts: 1,008
I have seen remarks about doing SDFC to a flight that is later than the original, as long as it within a 12 hour window.
The question I have: does it work in the opposite direction? Switching to the last flight out for the day instead of being on the first flight out the following morning?
Currently booked on a sAAver J ticket LHR-LAX, arrives 3pm, and then a flight out the next morning @730am LAX-SMF.
There is a 730pm flight LAX-SMF (currently no saver award inventory to switch into in F or Y, EF alerts set) I would prefer to take.
Can I/should I ask at LHR about switching to the evening flight (SDFC or standby depending on availability) and again when I arrive at LAX?
I figure if it is a no-go at the LAX counter or standby at the gate, I can book a hotel for the night pretty quick and just catch my flight out the following morning. But getting home a night sooner is ideal.
No, as long as you're within 12 hours of the flight you're trying to change to. For example, if you're on the 11:45 PM departure from LAX-JFK, and you want to change to the 7 AM departure the next morning, you can start checking for E inventory as early as 7 PM that night, and call to snag it if it exists.
Currently booked on a sAAver J ticket LHR-LAX, arrives 3pm, and then a flight out the next morning @730am LAX-SMF.
There is a 730pm flight LAX-SMF (currently no saver award inventory to switch into in F or Y, EF alerts set) I would prefer to take.
Can I/should I ask at LHR about switching to the evening flight (SDFC or standby depending on availability) and again when I arrive at LAX?
I figure if it is a no-go at the LAX counter or standby at the gate, I can book a hotel for the night pretty quick and just catch my flight out the following morning. But getting home a night sooner is ideal.
Apr 20, 2017, 5:05 pm
#457
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: AA
Posts: 5
Strange.
As GLD, I would have technically the option to do SDSB for free on an earlier or later flight. My original flight is 8:30am, and I wish to SDSB for a 5:30pm flight because there are a lot of availability (and also availability for flights afterwards)
At exactly 24 hours before the new flight, I can see the SDSB option coming up. Try to fly standby for 5:30pm flight -- of course it failed, showed system error. (This option had never work for me successfully on AA.com, even for earlier flights, always always system error).
Then I Called the agent, she apologized for the system issue, and she maintained that even if I stand-by for an afternoon flight, I still need to be at the airport at 7am! And she is very sure about that I need to personally go to the airport. She even said that had the option on AA.com work successfully, I STILL need to go to the airport at 7am, so that "gate agents can confirm my seat"!
Anyone had encountered this before? It would be crazy if this it how it works. Standby for a later flight would just be a pseudo-benefit for elites. Who would go to the airport and give up a confirmed seat and opt for standby for a later flight and hang around in the airport? Lounge lovers?
As GLD, I would have technically the option to do SDSB for free on an earlier or later flight. My original flight is 8:30am, and I wish to SDSB for a 5:30pm flight because there are a lot of availability (and also availability for flights afterwards)
At exactly 24 hours before the new flight, I can see the SDSB option coming up. Try to fly standby for 5:30pm flight -- of course it failed, showed system error. (This option had never work for me successfully on AA.com, even for earlier flights, always always system error).
Then I Called the agent, she apologized for the system issue, and she maintained that even if I stand-by for an afternoon flight, I still need to be at the airport at 7am! And she is very sure about that I need to personally go to the airport. She even said that had the option on AA.com work successfully, I STILL need to go to the airport at 7am, so that "gate agents can confirm my seat"!
Anyone had encountered this before? It would be crazy if this it how it works. Standby for a later flight would just be a pseudo-benefit for elites. Who would go to the airport and give up a confirmed seat and opt for standby for a later flight and hang around in the airport? Lounge lovers?
Apr 20, 2017, 8:23 pm
#458
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I have seen remarks about doing SDFC to a flight that is later than the original, as long as it within a 12 hour window.
The question I have: does it work in the opposite direction? Switching to the last flight out for the day instead of being on the first flight out the following morning?
Currently booked on a sAAver J ticket LHR-LAX, arrives 3pm, and then a flight out the next morning @730am LAX-SMF.
There is a 730pm flight LAX-SMF (currently no saver award inventory to switch into in F or Y, EF alerts set) I would prefer to take.
Can I/should I ask at LHR about switching to the evening flight (SDFC or standby depending on availability) and again when I arrive at LAX?
I figure if it is a no-go at the LAX counter or standby at the gate, I can book a hotel for the night pretty quick and just catch my flight out the following morning. But getting home a night sooner is ideal.
The question I have: does it work in the opposite direction? Switching to the last flight out for the day instead of being on the first flight out the following morning?
Currently booked on a sAAver J ticket LHR-LAX, arrives 3pm, and then a flight out the next morning @730am LAX-SMF.
There is a 730pm flight LAX-SMF (currently no saver award inventory to switch into in F or Y, EF alerts set) I would prefer to take.
Can I/should I ask at LHR about switching to the evening flight (SDFC or standby depending on availability) and again when I arrive at LAX?
I figure if it is a no-go at the LAX counter or standby at the gate, I can book a hotel for the night pretty quick and just catch my flight out the following morning. But getting home a night sooner is ideal.
Apr 22, 2017, 10:34 am
#459
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, HH DIA, Hertz PC, GE + Pre✓, Amazon Super Special Prime
Posts: 1,008
Related note: Checked EF for another flight I was waiting on inventory for. I looked at 8am PT and noticed available space, but didnt get the EF email until almost 12 noon PT. I even clicked the "quick check" link in the saved alerts page and it confirmed the space that morning. Is there normally such a lag on the alert email?
Apr 22, 2017, 1:13 pm
#460
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I did standby with a companion on my PNR for the first time yesterday. The check in agent had to split us on the record to be able to get me on the standby list, then she said it would cost my companion $75.
I was like, uh....no? Then she started saying how the computer couldn't my (no-status) companion to the standby list without paying that $75. Of course once the rez is split, you can't re-merge it. Took a gate agent almost 15 minutes to get my companion on the standby list, and the GA had to "do it in a roundabout way". Whatever it was caused my companion to go to #1 on the standby list and me #2 .
Frustrating because I think the check in agent definitely dropped the ball. Standing by shouldn't be that hard to do.
I was like, uh....no? Then she started saying how the computer couldn't my (no-status) companion to the standby list without paying that $75. Of course once the rez is split, you can't re-merge it. Took a gate agent almost 15 minutes to get my companion on the standby list, and the GA had to "do it in a roundabout way". Whatever it was caused my companion to go to #1 on the standby list and me #2 .
Frustrating because I think the check in agent definitely dropped the ball. Standing by shouldn't be that hard to do.
May 10, 2017, 12:05 pm
#461
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,819
I've done plenty of standbys on earlier flights, but standby on a later flight...
I'm booked on a 6:30 am from DCA to RDU tomorrow. Ive just got too much stuff to do before an early flight. AA is giving an option to standby for the 10:17 am tomorrow.
I've requested to standby for that one. Do I show up at at 5:45 for the 6:30 flight or just plan on showing up at 9:30 for the 10:17 flight? Is the AA system smart enough not to cancel my res for the 6:30 flight when I don't appear for it?
I'm booked on a 6:30 am from DCA to RDU tomorrow. Ive just got too much stuff to do before an early flight. AA is giving an option to standby for the 10:17 am tomorrow.
I've requested to standby for that one. Do I show up at at 5:45 for the 6:30 flight or just plan on showing up at 9:30 for the 10:17 flight? Is the AA system smart enough not to cancel my res for the 6:30 flight when I don't appear for it?
May 10, 2017, 3:32 pm
#462
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
I've done plenty of standbys on earlier flights, but standby on a later flight...
I'm booked on a 6:30 am from DCA to RDU tomorrow. Ive just got too much stuff to do before an early flight. AA is giving an option to standby for the 10:17 am tomorrow.
I've requested to standby for that one. Do I show up at at 5:45 for the 6:30 flight or just plan on showing up at 9:30 for the 10:17 flight? Is the AA system smart enough not to cancel my res for the 6:30 flight when I don't appear for it?
I'm booked on a 6:30 am from DCA to RDU tomorrow. Ive just got too much stuff to do before an early flight. AA is giving an option to standby for the 10:17 am tomorrow.
I've requested to standby for that one. Do I show up at at 5:45 for the 6:30 flight or just plan on showing up at 9:30 for the 10:17 flight? Is the AA system smart enough not to cancel my res for the 6:30 flight when I don't appear for it?
Of course, one time I called and the representative didn't actually cancel the confirmed segment, but when I got to the airport it didn't seem to have affected the rest of the reservation.
Jun 3, 2017, 5:56 pm
#463
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 60
@IADCAflyer Did you request the standby by phone? Also, did you have to tell them to cancel your confirmed flight? I have a flight that I'd to standby for later flight coming up in a few days and am wondering how to do it. Thanks!
Jun 11, 2017, 5:19 pm
#464
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: North of 90° S
Programs: B6 Mosaic, WN A-List
Posts: 565
SDSB Later Flight
This is the latest I received from AA:
Please check out the following link under How to confirm same-day flight changes or STBY for options. It can be done on our app, website, via kiosk or at the ticket counter. If you're going to fly STBY on a later flight, you want to call the Elite desk in advance so they can remove your earlier flight and document the reservation. http://bit.ly/FLTCHG
Please check out the following link under How to confirm same-day flight changes or STBY for options. It can be done on our app, website, via kiosk or at the ticket counter. If you're going to fly STBY on a later flight, you want to call the Elite desk in advance so they can remove your earlier flight and document the reservation. http://bit.ly/FLTCHG
Jun 21, 2017, 4:31 pm
#465
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SFO or OAK
Programs: AA 1MM GLD, Hertz #1 Gold, bunch of other programs w/no status
Posts: 1,454
Luggage?
My family and I (4 pax) are traveling SFO-ORD and want to explore the possibility of taking an earlier flight. Standby is free as my wife and I are both GLD and all of us are on the same PNR. It is not worth paying 4x $75 for SDFC in our case.
If EF indicates a decent standby chance for the four of us and we decide to go for it, will it be possible to get on the standby list (online) then head to SFO and check our bags on the earlier flight? If we don't make the earlier flight, then our luggage waits for us. What I don't want is to get on the standby flight and have to check our bags on the later (original) flight. That would defeat the purpose of getting to ORD earlier, in our case.
If EF indicates a decent standby chance for the four of us and we decide to go for it, will it be possible to get on the standby list (online) then head to SFO and check our bags on the earlier flight? If we don't make the earlier flight, then our luggage waits for us. What I don't want is to get on the standby flight and have to check our bags on the later (original) flight. That would defeat the purpose of getting to ORD earlier, in our case.
