standby

Tag Archives for standby.

What American Is Telling Its Gate Agents About Automating Clearing Upgrades And Standbys

by Gary Leff on May 13, 2022

May 13 2022

Processing standbys earlier does make it possible for customers to get a main cabin seat and then be eligible for an upgrade 40 minutes out. However processing standbys earlier makes it tougher for a customer to run up to the gate, trying to make an earlier flight, and still get on. Non-revenue customers may be cleared onto a flight ahead of paid customers trying to fly earlier.

I’m happy with the tradeoff because when the algorithm decides who gets the seats I shouldn’t need to worry about rogue agents.

Family Traveling Home From Funeral Watches As American Airlines Gives Their Seats Away

by Gary Leff on June 15, 2021

Jun 15 2021

On Sunday a family traveling from Philadelphia to Dallas – Fort Worth on American Airlines flight 410 had their seats given away to standby passengers as they stood at the gate.

The Nelson family, including their 8 month old child, had spent the past several days with Liz Nelson’s father as he passed away, and then at his funeral. American Airlines let them know the day before their flight that their 1 p.m. departure was delayed 16 minutes to 1:16 p.m. and that was their undoing.

It Just Got Easier To Standby For An Earlier Flight And Still Get Upgraded On American Airlines

by Gary Leff on June 2, 2021

Jun 02 2021

‘Agent Assist’ software is going to clear standby lists earlier on these domestic mainline flights.

That’s going to make it harder to run up to a gate and get on the standby list, getting to your destination earlier. But it’s going to make it easier to upgrade when you do stand by and make it onto a flight.

American Airlines New ’15 Minute Rebooking Policy’ For Those Who Just Miss Their Flight

by Gary Leff on April 24, 2021

Apr 24 2021

On April 20, American Airlines made a change to policy that helps customers who show up late for flights get to their destination – at no charge. The airline will let customers be confirmed immediately on the next flight with space available at no cost, but only if they make it to the airport within a short window of time.

American Introduced No Charge Standby For All Customers, But The Elite Standby Benefit Is Still Better

by Gary Leff on October 23, 2020

Oct 23 2020

American Airlines followed United Airlines with its elimination of change fees on domestic and short haul international flights, excluding for customers who purchase basic economy fares. Packaged in with that change was allowing free standby travel for everyone.

There’s still a benefit to being an elite frequent flyer when it comes to standing by for another flight on American Airlines, however, and it’s not just having higher priority on the standby list.

United Airlines Permanently Eliminates Domestic Change Fees And Standby Fees

by Gary Leff on August 30, 2020

Aug 30 2020

United Airlines is offering free same day standby starting January 1, and eliminating change fees on domestic tickets (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but not other territories) effective immediately though this excludes basic economy tickets. A waiver of change fees for basic economy and international ticket purchases is being extended through the end of the year.

All MileagePlus elite members can confirm same day changes at check-in provided the same fare class is available. Currently complimentary same day changes are only available to Gold members and above.

Big Changes to Southwest Rapid Rewards: Tougher Companion Pass, No Points Expiration

by Gary Leff on October 17, 2019

Oct 17 2019

Southwest Airlines is eliminating expiration of points, raising the requirements for the Companion Pass, and announcing that starting in 2021 they’ll collect any changes in TSA fees and airport facilities charges when elites use free standby.