Standby on Southwest Airlines allows passengers to travel on an earlier or later flight without a confirmed reservation, provided they have the flexibility to do so.
When you want to fly standby with Southwest, you need to check in for your original flight. This gives you a boarding position, even if you’re not intending to take that flight.
Once you’ve checked in, you can approach the gate agent to request standby for a different flight. It’s best to arrive at the gate early and let the agent know your intention.
If there are seats available on the desired flight, the agent can add you to the standby list. Your boarding position will be determined based on when you request standby.
Standby passengers board after those with confirmed reservations. So, even if you’re on the list, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get on the flight.
You can also use the Southwest app to check for available flights and see if there’s room for standby passengers.
There’s no extra fee for flying standby on Southwest, which is a nice perk. Just remember that it works best if your travel plans are flexible.
Make sure to keep an eye on your flight status and listen for announcements at the gate. Sometimes, last-minute changes can affect availability.
Being prepared and staying informed can increase your chances of successfully flying standby.
How do I request standby on Southwest Airlines?
To request standby, check in for your original flight, then speak to the gate agent about moving to a different flight.
Is there a fee for flying standby on Southwest?
No, there is no extra fee for standby travel on Southwest Airlines.
Can I fly standby if I have a Wanna Get Away fare?
Yes, passengers with Wanna Get Away fares can still request standby for other flights.
How does boarding work for standby passengers?
Standby passengers board after those with confirmed reservations, based on their standby request time.
Can I use the Southwest app for standby flights?
Yes, the Southwest app can help you check for available flights and monitor your standby status.