Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination?

Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination? - Faceless woman buying metro ticket via electronic machine

I would like to verify if the following is possible:

  • Person's parent's were airline employees for a long time, and has discount rates
  • They purchase a ticket several weeks in advance of the date of travel
  • They are unable to take a flight to their chosen destination, and end up going somewhere else.

Reasons for asking - Someone needed something from me to go visit their family for quite valid reasons. Facebook then very helpfully pops up a notification that they were en-route to mexico (not the same destination). When asked about this, they claimed they got the ticket on standby and hoped to go see their family but this was the only option they could take.

Needless to say, I'm pretty damn sceptical, but there is always the chance there are some possibilities I am unaware of.






Pictures about "Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination?"

Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination? - Focused Asian couple buying ticket on station
Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination? - Back view of unrecognizable ethnic female manager with short dyed hair in elegant suit buying ticket with electronic machine in subway station
Is it possible to buy a standby ticket weeks in advance and not choose your destination? - Happy woman shopping online at home



Can you fly standby to a different destination?

Passengers must travel standby between the same origin and destination cities as the original confirmed seat; however, passengers can travel standby on a connecting or nonstop flight. Passengers traveling on an Even More space seat who choose to travel standby forfeit the seat fee and are not eligible for a refund.

How early can you get on a standby list?

Flyers can add their name to the standby list up to 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights and up to one hour for international flights via United's app, website, or the airport.

Can you buy a standby ticket?

The short answer is no. Airlines no longer allow you to wait around at the counter in hopes of snagging a "standby flight" and filling the last seat of a departing flight. And buying a ticket on the day of a flight would do the opposite of save you money -- last-minute tickets are staggeringly expensive.

Are you guaranteed a flight with standby?

No standby seat is guaranteed\u2014hence, the name \u201cstandby\u201d\u2014but there are certain ways you can increase your chances. You first need to request standby as soon as possible, since airlines typically prioritize standby fliers on a first-come-first-served basis.



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Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ono Kosuki, Samson Katt, Ono Kosuki, Andrea Piacquadio