Skip to flight search Skip to main content

Search & Book Standby Flights

Where from?

Where to?

Departure date

Return date

Passengers

1 Adult, Economy/Coach

Standby Flights are currently unavailable...

We currently don't offer standby flights, however, we do offer other options that work similarly to standby.

Although we don't offer standby flights on our site, we do provide a guide on how to book the best last-minute flights. Last-minute flights can also be made more easily accessible through using our buy now, pay later options. We have 40+ payment methods for you to choose from, including Klarna, Postpay, Affirm, Afterpay and more. These payment options make it easy for you to split up the payments into manageable instalments, perfect for spreading the cost of a last-minute flight.

What is a Standby Flight?

The term 'flying standby' used to mean that passengers would turn up at the airport ready with their baggage and see if they could get themselves a bargain same-day flight that was due to depart in a matter of hours. This type of standby doesn't really exist anymore.

Now, standby flights may be feasible for someone who has already purchased a ticket but is looking to get on an earlier one and is therefore put on a standby list, or alternatively, if you've missed your connecting flight due to delays, standby tickets are issued to enable you to get a seat on the next flight out. There are also certain airlines (jetBlue & Southwest) that will allow same-day flight change which may be seen as a form of 'standby'.

What are the pros and cons of a standby flight?

Pro's

Flying standby allows you to have greater flexibility when it comes to travel as you have the ability to travel on whatever day you prefer, as long as there's a seat available to take you.

Standby flights are equivalent to last-minute flights, and luckily we have a page dedicated to finding the best last-minute flights. The page explains the best way to find last-minute flights on our website using a step-by-step guide.

What's more, if the plane is full and there are no standby seats available, there won't be anything extra for you to pay and you won't have missed out on any money or cancellation fees.

Con's

Whilst the flexibility that comes with standby seats is great, it also means that if there is a specific date that you wish to fly on, it might not always be possible. If you've ended up missing your connecting flight and there are only standby seats available on the next flight, and then that flight becomes full, you may not be able to fly on to your original destination until the next day.

Seats on a standby flight will likely be given out in a specific order, often related to urgency or circumstance, so you may end up bottom of the priority list.

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

FAQs

Can I book standby flights with Alternative Airlines?

At Alternative Airlines we don't actually offer standby flights, however, we do offer a simple way to find last-minute flights with the option to fly now and pay later using our financing options. This option gives you the flexibility that standby flights provide whilst taking less of a risk, and having a confirmed booking.

Does American Airlines offer standby flights?

Flights with American Airlines are available with our buy now, pay later options including Afterpay, Affirm, Klarna and more. The airline does, however, allow passengers that already retain a booking to either be added to an earlier standby list or a later one. If you wish to be added to a later flight, it's required that you're an AAdvantage status member.

Are standby flights free?

More often than not, standby flights aren't a free commodity. Passengers are likely to incur a fee on top of the original ticket cost, just to fly on standby. If you're a member of an elite flyer programme or have purchased first or business class, some airlines allow you to be on standby for free.

Does Delta have standby seats?

Delta Airlines tickets are available to purchase using our financing options, allowing you to book that last-minute flight. Passengers wishing to fly on a standby seat with Delta may do so free of charge. The airline only offers this service for earlier flights and it's required to already have a seat purchased for an original flight.