Advice - standby changes while connecting through AMS
 

Background - travelers are my parents. Dad = FB Platinum, Mom=FB Silver. Both clueless elites in that they simply book tickets without really thinking about FB; they've been traveling KLM since the early 80's so very loyal... And I've no status on FB as I am an OW captive...

Anyway, here's the situation.

Both returning home to ABZ: SFO-AMS-ABZ on April 1. Dad is on an award ticket, mom is on paid - both in J. I've no idea how they managed this, but my dad is on the last flight into ABZ, and my mom is on an earlier flight.

As I understand it, both get 3 checked bags. They will have 3 between the two of them.

So here's the question. Any chance my dad can request a standby onto the earlier AMS-ABZ sector? If so, when? His emails to FB have basically gone unanswered; no luck via phone either. So what are the odds that they can get on the same flight AMS-ABZ? What strategy would you advise?

Some thoughts/questions I've considered:
1. Book all checked bags under one name or the other - so the other (with no bags) can request standby on the earlier/later flight?
2. Where are the chances better for a same-day standby switch - Platinum on an award J or Silver on a paid J?
3. Any chance the switch can be confirmed when checking in for the TATL at SFO rather than waiting for the lottery at AMS?

Would appreciate any thoughts on the matter - thanks in advance.

European airlines do not allow standby for earlier flights in the same way that US airlines often do.

For the paid ticket, a change would only be allowed if the conditions allow for it (i.e. it's a fully flexible/changeable ticket). If there's any sort of change fee, KLM would likely charge that fee to move to the earlier flight.

For the award ticket, it will depend on whether award availability is available for the earlier flight. If yes, it would be free of charge on a flex award, or EUR 45 on a classic award.

Thanks for the info - much appreciated

+1 on all your answer. Few additional points:

- Change would not be possible if your Dad is flying on a promo award as those are not changeable. My guess is that he was put on the last flight of the day because it was the only one with availability and to me it makes it unlikely he is travelling on a flex award.

- Status makes no difference, either on the paid or award ticket. Rules on changes are the same for everyone.

- You say that your father tried to ring FB to change but 'no luck' can you be more specific? Did they just say it is not possible with his ticket, or that the flight is full? Also has your mother tried ringing to ask about her own paid ticket?

- Luggage clearly makes it harder (and airlines won't accept a change - even if allowable ticketwise - if baggage is checked and there is less than two hours between the moment the change is effected and the departure of the flight - e.g. if your mother's flight is changeable and she requests to be moved to your father's flight 1h30 before her flight but has checked luggage, it will normally be refused).

- I would recommend asking in SFO rather than waiting at AMS. The AMS people are typically not a flexible bunch and as mentioned the luggage will be an issue. If something is doable ticket wise, it may be easier to organise at SFO.

Thanks - the luggage bit was something I was concerned about as well. In terms of no luck, I'm not sure as it was a while back but basically what I understand was that he was told it is not possible (no specifics on inventory availability etc.). Your point about it being a promo award is spot on - I've never known him to pony up for a flex award :)... so really best bet appears to be at SFO checkin - if not, it stays as it is.

Thanks again

If mother has a paid business class ticket, it might be flexible. Has anyone asked about changing her ticket to match father's?

Sadly, not flexible. at any rate, multiple calls to KLM have been of no avail, either way. Flight is in a few hours, so will try one last time at the airport. Otherwise, it is status quo - which isn't really the end of the world :)

Thanks everyone for your help. Mods, please feel free to close this thread unless you feel it will be of help to someone else.

Before closing the thread, can you please post how it goes at the airport?

No dice there either. "Sorry sir, for this change you have to call reservations". Oh well.