Charged if taking a later flight
 

I'm about to book a flight and not sure about my return time.

Aren't I better off to book an earlier flight and then take the later flight (assuming one will be open) if my day runs longer than expected?

Or will I automatically be subject to an airfare increase? I assume I could just go standby again assuming a later flight has space available??

Welcome to Flyer Talk Mburgess :)

It depends. Some airlines are happy to allow free standby, others charge a fee to change flights (eg $50 plus fare difference). Some airlines run by the fare rules (so if fare rules says no changes then you cannot change), others are more flexible. Some routes might be sold out for many flights or days in a row - in which case standy may not be a good option.

What many people do travelling for meetings with uncertain finish time is book a cheap fare to the meeting and a (higher) flexible fare coming back.

But to give any kind of definitive answer would need more information on your flight(s).

Many airlines allow flying EARLIER for a moderate fee, or sometimes free. Most will re-fare for a later flight... unless you're a good talker!

JP

Again, depends on the airline.

It's certainly safer to book the later flight. If it turns out that all flights are sold out / overbooked / or if there are weather cancellations, then at least you're guaranteed to get home on your original flight. Book and then miss the early one, if the later ones have no open seat, you might be plain out of luck.

If you do decide to risk booking the early one, and can't make it, make certain to call the airline before its scheduled departure, or they may cancel your ticket altogether.