Difference between "priority wait list" and standby list
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:30 pm
#1
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Difference between "priority wait list" and standby list
So my mother-in-law is flying SFO-ORD-MSN today on a ticket booked with my miles. She got to ORD early and wanted to standby for an earlier flight to MSN (which, admittedly is overbooked by 2+). The agent told her, no we won't do standby because the flight is overbooked. I called the 1K line and had her added to the "priority wait list" for that flight, but her name still doesn't show on the flight standby list. In her reservation, the earlier flight shows up as "wait listed".
Does anyone have experience with this situation? What is the difference between these two lists?
It really bugs me when agents refuse to add people to the standby list...
Does anyone have experience with this situation? What is the difference between these two lists?
It really bugs me when agents refuse to add people to the standby list...
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:40 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: What I write is my opinion alone..don't read into it anything not written.
Posts: 9,721
A waitlisted segment must still be "checked in" for. It is a part of a reservation without confirmed space, as opposed to confirmed space. Both require checking it (although there is a modifier the CS agent would use to check someone in for a waitlisted segment that would add them to the standby list.) A waitlisted segment CAN clear into confirmed prior to checking in. Standby on the other hand (the standard way) implies you are already checked in for a flight and will not clear via your reservation in advance.
Reservations agents deal with reservations, where segments are waitlisted. CS agents deal with operational issues, where checkin and stanby are the norm. 2 different systems linked together.
Have her check in, the agent needs to add the "w-" modifier. But really, refused her standby? I would only do that if someone needed to pay a fee and refused (not the case here) or the person came up to me after the cutoff and I would dis-service the confirmed people by delaying themk to add her. If the flight is more than 30 min out, there isn't any excuse I can see other than she has bags checked on the later flight (which would be an issue) other than her being too late to be added without negatively impacting those who bought and were confirmed on the flight.
On the other hand, if I have already started working the standby list (t minus 30 min) I won't add anyone new until after I have completed going thru those who were on it by the proper time. Time and space permitting, I would then add any addl people.
Reservations agents deal with reservations, where segments are waitlisted. CS agents deal with operational issues, where checkin and stanby are the norm. 2 different systems linked together.
Have her check in, the agent needs to add the "w-" modifier. But really, refused her standby? I would only do that if someone needed to pay a fee and refused (not the case here) or the person came up to me after the cutoff and I would dis-service the confirmed people by delaying themk to add her. If the flight is more than 30 min out, there isn't any excuse I can see other than she has bags checked on the later flight (which would be an issue) other than her being too late to be added without negatively impacting those who bought and were confirmed on the flight.
On the other hand, if I have already started working the standby list (t minus 30 min) I won't add anyone new until after I have completed going thru those who were on it by the proper time. Time and space permitting, I would then add any addl people.
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:46 pm
#3
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A waitlisted segment must still be "checked in" for. It is a part of a reservation without confirmed space, as opposed to confirmed space. Both require checking it (although there is a modifier the CS agent would use to check someone in for a waitlisted segment that would add them to the standby list.) A waitlisted segment CAN clear into confirmed prior to checking in. Standby on the other hand (the standard way) implies you are already checked in for a flight and will not clear via your reservation in advance.
Reservations agents deal with reservations, where segments are waitlisted. CS agents deal with operational issues, where checkin and stanby are the norm. 2 different systems linked together.
Have her check in, the agent needs to add the "w-" modifier. But really, refused her standby? I would only do that if someone needed to pay a fee and refused (not the case here) or the person came up to me after the cutoff and I would dis-service the confirmed people by delaying themk to add her. If the flight is more than 30 min out, there isn't any excuse I can see other than she has bags checked on the later flight (which would be an issue) other than her being too late to be added without negatively impacting those who bought and were confirmed on the flight.
On the other hand, if I have already started working the standby list (t minus 30 min) I won't add anyone new until after I have completed going thru those who were on it by the proper time. Time and space permitting, I would then add any addl people.
Reservations agents deal with reservations, where segments are waitlisted. CS agents deal with operational issues, where checkin and stanby are the norm. 2 different systems linked together.
Have her check in, the agent needs to add the "w-" modifier. But really, refused her standby? I would only do that if someone needed to pay a fee and refused (not the case here) or the person came up to me after the cutoff and I would dis-service the confirmed people by delaying themk to add her. If the flight is more than 30 min out, there isn't any excuse I can see other than she has bags checked on the later flight (which would be an issue) other than her being too late to be added without negatively impacting those who bought and were confirmed on the flight.
On the other hand, if I have already started working the standby list (t minus 30 min) I won't add anyone new until after I have completed going thru those who were on it by the proper time. Time and space permitting, I would then add any addl people.
Yes, the agent flat out told her no on the standby (and that was +/- 1 hour from departure). She said "this flight is oversold and I can't put you on standby because you won't get a seat". There is one name on the standby list which isn't hers. I've personally had similar situations where flights are full and agents flat out refuse to put me on the standby list. It really, really irks me...
At this point I told her to just wait near the gate just in case there are misconnects or no-shows (listen for them paging names!). Although I have to say that given the agent's mood, I'm not sure she'd get on even if this were the case. My MIL is a very friendly person -- not very travel savvy -- but otherwise very pleasant. I spoke with her on the phone and she totally understands she likely wouldn't get on this flight anyway. Unfortunate that the agent won't even give her a chance...
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:58 pm
#4
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Quick update: With some additional persistence, it sounds like she got on the flight. While it shouldn't have to be so hard, I'm glad that in the end it appears to be working out (at least based on my perspective here in CO).