Can anyone tell me what constitutes a "same day standby?"

Specifically, I am booked on CO1094 (LAX-IAH), which departs at 12:30 am, so I'd actually arrive at the airport on 3/29 for a flight on 3/30...

If I would like to take CO1694 (LAX-IAH), which departs at 6:30 pm, would I be able to do so on 3/29 as a same-day standby?

Thanks for everyone's help in advance.

Yes, you can, assuming there is availability in the same fare bucket as the flt you're currently booked on!

You should call the elite desk anytime after 24 hrs in advance of your scheduled flt (ie. after 12:30am on 3/29), & ask to 'same day change' (SDC) to the flight you want. Good luck!

In addition to the information that mnmag offers you can also still try to standby on the flight even if you cannot get the same fare bucket available in advance. Such standby can only be done at the airport, not on the phone nor online.

The FAQ post should cover most other questions about the process.

One more question about SDC.
I have a flight on 05/07 (3:25 PM). I would like to get the same except one day earlier 05/06 (3:25 PM).
It looks that based on the rules flight itself still qualifies for SDC, but...
Rules state:
"The same-day flight change option will be available within 24 hours before your original scheduled flight. Requested flight must be available in your fare class*** and be departing within the next 24 hours from when you are making the request. Changes must be made prior to your original scheduled flight."

So the flight is at the same time, when I can request the SDC. How do I get that? Should I just go straight to the airport for the earlier flight?

I'm pretty sure that in order to get on a flight that is exactly 24hrs before the scheduled one - you are probably subject to the standard change fee ($150) plus fare difference, if any.

You could try to go to the airport & see what they can do for you, but YMMV. AFAIK, CO is quite strict with the 24 hr SDC rule. In my experience, you can't even look at SDC until the after the 24hr mark. So, to change to a flight 24hrs before -- sounds unlikely, as you would have to start the process well before the flight is scheduled to depart (so outside of 24 hrs). GL!

Thank you mnmag for your response.
Not the response I was expecting, but you're right it looks that in this case I would have to start the SDC process outside of the 24 hr window (~25 hrs before my scheduled departure).

I have been successful in my two exactly 24 hour SDC. They both were transatlantic and one of them was even using a miles upgrade, I went to the airport hoping for the best and was delighted when the ticket agent said that not only could I standby, but he could confirm me on the plane with my upgrade in businessfirst. Can't beat that, but as always YMMV.

That's great to hear!^ I believe that it all depends on the agent you are dealing with -- and how they 'interpret' the rules!

That sounds promising
I guess I will have to try my luck next month at SFO.
At this time still not sure if I will need it, but if I do, will definitely post the results in here.

It always depends on the person you are dealing with! With a few exceptions, CI agents and GA's have the tools to do most things if you are nice and they want to (and can) help.

Hey all,

I've got a question in this same vain . I am booked for DCA-IAH departing tomorrow at 7:35pm. I am able to leave work early, so I'd like to get on the 3:45pm flight instead. I tried this evening to do a Same Day Change, and no dice - no seats remaining in my fare bucket (V).

According to seat counter there are plenty of seats open in Economy though:

9 (or more) in Y
9 (or more) in B
7 in H
Not sure if M is Economy, but if it is, there are 9+ there too.

I called reservations, and the lady told me they will open these up as I get closer to the flight, particularly 3 hours before the flight I want to get on. She indicated they should show up online.

Is this correct? Or am I stuck with doing "at-airport" standby since there are no V seats left? Assuming I have to do it at the airport, is this something that they can confirm at check-in, or will I need to go "wait and see" at the Gate.

Thanks in advance!

IIRC, the agent gave you the correct info. -- that all fare buckets open up at the 3hr mark.^ So, make sure you call in then -- you shouldn't have to 'standby' unless things drastically change between now & the flight time! You can still do OLCI now & then call & do the SDC!

Thanks for the input! Do I need to call in - or can I go online to my itinerary and do a flight change as normal?

I would call, as I've never done a SDC on-line, unless the option was offered up during OLCI.

It can certainly be done online, and is very easy - even if you're already checked in for the later flight. You just go back to OLCI and click on the change flight button.

The only situation where this doesn't work is where you want to change to a flight that is between 12-24 hours from now. The website still only shows flights in the next 12 hours, despite the policy having changed quite some time ago.

FYI I believe it's 3.5 hours, rather than 3 that the other fare buckets open up, assuming there is space.