How to stand by
 

This is the first time I have ever tried to fly stand by on an earlier flight. I am on an H fare ticket.

My current flight is a direct gets me home at 9 pm. There is a connecting flight through DTW with seats available that would get me home by 6 pm. When I try and do the change on NWA.com it says the charge will be 110$. That seems a little steep. Is there a way to do it for a lower cost?

I am only Silver

Standing by on an alternate routing is always risky and not explicitly allowed. That being said if you run into a helpful ticket agent they might be able to help you out and actually put you on those other flights. Stranger things have happened. I would seriously consider paying the $110 bucks as it is not outrageous as far as change fees go if you really want to get home early.

Thanks. I guess for a 100 bucks it isn't too bad. Plus the extra 500 miles re-quals me for Silver for next year. So really a bargain in case I don't fly again this year.

Same-day standby is $25
 

The same-day stand by option costs $25 and will put you on an alternative routing if your booking class is available.

This is only available 3 hours before the flight you want to standby for departs. You shouldn't have any problems with an H fare.

I have done this both at the counter and online