Standby Flights

[Anthony]

Has anyone ever used standby flights to get places? I'm going to assume yes...

Whats the deal with them, I call the airport and see if they have any flights available? Am I looking to pay like halfish price? Am I likely to get a flight in/out within a week (assuming I am willing to spend all my time at the airport?) Really not too knowledgeable about this, but I have nothing but time at the moment. I am looking to go to Europe, so getting there I can take a good deal of time getting a good flight there, coming back I still have some leeway, but perhaps a full week would be pushing it. Any ideas/thoughts on the matter? Thanks.

[icarusfall]

Are you going for the English chick?

[Anthony]

That's not really the point of the thread now is it?

[Fe 26]

I'm not sure how you get them, but...

I was put on standby when I was coming back from London. They sold my morning ticket for something like 2000-3000$ and then put me on standby. I was on stand by for like 12-15 hours before getting a standby flight to NY.

But this was at the end of July, which is a peek flying season.

You'll probably have better luck if you do this during the slow season.

[Fe 26]

to clarify, you'rer going to be last priority if you fly this way.

it goes in people who buy way in advance and online check in > People who buy way advance and check in at the terminal > People they fuck / or sell the ticket of > late people or people who can't make it through customs in time > stand by tickets

[Anthony]

Yeah, I figured if I risked this I might be looking at a day or two lost at least, coming out. If it looks cheap enough, I could standby one way and book a flight the other. Just wondering the whole lay of the land for this sort of thing.

[Razor Ramon]

Here's something you can do but it's a dick move: buy a ticket with a layover. They're always cheaper. Just make sure the layover is in the place you want to stay. When you get there just leave. Do not buy a return ticket through the same airline though. They will promptly cancel everything.

Oh, and don't check a bag. Just in case.

[007bond]

Has anyone ever used standby flights to get places? I'm going to assume yes...

Whats the deal with them, I call the airport and see if they have any flights available? Am I looking to pay like halfish price? Am I likely to get a flight in/out within a week (assuming I am willing to spend all my time at the airport?) Really not too knowledgeable about this, but I have nothing but time at the moment. I am looking to go to Europe, so getting there I can take a good deal of time getting a good flight there, coming back I still have some leeway, but perhaps a full week would be pushing it. Any ideas/thoughts on the matter? Thanks.

Most airlines do not sell "standby" tickets anymore. There may be a few exceptions (I think Airtran may allow college students etc).

[Anthony]

Here's something you can do but it's a dick move: buy a ticket with a layover. They're always cheaper. Just make sure the layover is in the place you want to stay. When you get there just leave. Do not buy a return ticket through the same airline though. They will promptly cancel everything.

Oh, and don't check a bag. Just in case.

So like, I would go to london then where to make it cheaper. It is a very interesting idea though... I will have to play around with that.

007bond- Yeah I have heard somethings to that effect, but I also have been told you can find them if you look hard enough.

[Razor Ramon]

Doesn't matter the final destination just the layover. Also, I hope this goes without saying, make sure it's cheaper than a flight directly there.

For reference, when I went to Amsterdam a direct flight to London was more expensive even though it was closer. Layover flights were even cheaper. Do that or start collecting roses.