Do you ever find yourself at the airport hours before your flight, or perhaps you've had a sudden change of plans and wish you could catch an earlier flight? Maybe you even missed your flight and are wondering if all hope is lost? If you're flying Southwest Airlines, understanding their standby policy can be a game-changer! It offers a fantastic degree of flexibility, but it's essential to know the ins and outs to make it work for you. So, let's dive deep into how standby works on Southwest Airlines, step by step!
The Magic of Standby: A Southwest Perk
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its customer-friendly policies, including no change fees (though fare differences may apply for confirmed changes) and two free checked bags. Their standby policy is another testament to this flexibility, allowing eligible passengers to try and get on an earlier flight on the same day of travel for free (airline charges, government taxes and fees may apply). This can be incredibly useful for business travelers, those with last-minute schedule shifts, or even just eager vacationers who want to get to their destination sooner.
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| How Does Standby Work On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Standby on Southwest? Let's Find Out!
Before you even think about heading to the airport early, the first and most crucial step is to determine your eligibility. Don't skip this! Southwest's standby policy has specific requirements based on your fare type and Rapid Rewards status.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Types and Standby Eligibility
Southwest offers several fare types, and your eligibility for same-day standby depends heavily on which one you purchased:
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Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® Fares: If you've booked any of these fares, you are generally eligible for free same-day standby. This is a significant perk!
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Wanna Get Away® Fares: Good news! As of recent policy updates, Wanna Get Away® fares do qualify for same-day standby. However, for same-day confirmed changes, a fare difference might apply if you're not an A-List or A-List Preferred Member.
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Basic Fares: This is where it gets a little tricky. If you purchased a Basic fare, you are generally not eligible for free same-day standby, unless you are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred Member (more on that below). To make a same-day change, you'd typically need to upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare.
Sub-heading: The A-List and A-List Preferred Advantage
If you're a loyal Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status with Rapid Rewards, you're in luck!
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A-List and A-List Preferred Members: These elite members are eligible for free same-day standby, even if they've purchased a Basic fare. This is a considerable benefit that offers enhanced flexibility.
Sub-heading: Who is NOT Eligible for Same-Day Standby?
It's equally important to know who cannot utilize same-day standby:
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Group bookings
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Unaccompanied Minors
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Customers traveling on partner itineraries (e.g., if part of your journey involves another airline)
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Customers who do not meet the fare type or A-List status requirements.
Step 2: When and How to Request to Be Added to the Standby List
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to actually get yourself onto the standby list. Timing is everything here!
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
Sub-heading: The Golden Window for Requesting Standby
You can request to be added to the same-day standby list on the day of travel only.
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At the Airport: You can list for standby with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or at your departure gate. You typically need to make this request at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight.
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Via the Southwest App or Mobile Web: This is often the most convenient method. If you're using the app or mobile web, you must list your name at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure of the flight you wish to standby for.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations When Requesting Standby
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Same Origin and Destination: The standby flight must depart on the same calendar day and be between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight. You can't use standby to change your route.
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Earlier Flight Only: Southwest's same-day standby generally applies to trying to catch an earlier flight. You typically cannot standby for a later flight.
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No-Show Policy: Be mindful of Southwest's no-show policy. If you don't cancel your original reservation or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes prior to your original flight's departure (or 30 minutes via app/web for standby), your original flight and any associated funds or points may be forfeited.
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Government Taxes and Fees: While Southwest doesn't charge an airline fee for same-day standby for eligible passengers, you may still be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with the itinerary change. However, refunds are typically provided for any overpayment.
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Original Boarding Position: Your original boarding position for your confirmed flight is not guaranteed if you are cleared for a standby flight. You'll receive a new boarding pass with a new position.
Step 3: The Waiting Game – What Happens After You're on the List
You've made your request, now comes the part that requires a little patience and perhaps a dash of luck: the waiting game.
Sub-heading: How Standby Lists are Prioritized
Southwest's standby lists are generally prioritized based on a few factors:
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Rapid Rewards Status: A-List and A-List Preferred Members typically have higher priority on the standby list.
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Time of Request: Among those with similar status, the earlier you request to be added to the standby list, the higher your position will generally be.
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Fare Class (for non-elite members): For those without A-List status, higher fare classes (like Business Select or Anytime) might be prioritized over Wanna Get Away Plus.
Sub-heading: Staying Informed About Your Standby Status
Southwest makes it relatively easy to track your standby status:
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Southwest App/Mobile Web: If you listed via the app or mobile web, you'll often see your position on the standby list within the app.
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Text/Email Notifications: Southwest will send you a message (based on the contact preference selected during booking) if you are cleared on the flight. This is usually an email or text message with a link to check in and receive your new boarding pass.
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Gate Agent: You can always approach a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate to inquire about your standby status. It's generally a good idea to be present at the gate of the flight you are hoping to get on.
Step 4: Getting Cleared for Your Standby Flight
The moment of truth! Being "cleared" means a seat has become available for you on the standby flight.
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Sub-heading: When Does Clearing Happen?
Standby passengers are typically cleared for a flight closer to the departure time, often once confirmed passengers have boarded or if there are no-shows. This can happen anywhere from 10-15 minutes before boarding begins to just before the plane doors close.
Sub-heading: What to Do When You're Cleared
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Retrieve Your New Boarding Pass: If you receive a text or email notification, follow the link to check in and retrieve your new mobile boarding pass.
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Approach the Gate Agent: Alternatively, you can go directly to the Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate to get your new boarding pass. They will exchange your original booking for the new flight.
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Boarding Position: Remember, your original boarding position is not guaranteed. You'll receive a new boarding position, likely in one of the later boarding groups. This means you might end up in a middle seat, as Southwest has open seating.
Step 5: Baggage Considerations with Standby Travel
This is a critical point that often catches travelers off guard.
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Sub-heading: The Independent Journey of Your Checked Bags
If you check bags and then decide to go standby for an earlier flight, you are voluntarily separating from your baggage. This means:
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Bags may go on your original flight: Your checked bags are typically tagged for your original confirmed flight. If you get cleared for an earlier standby flight, there's a possibility your bags will continue on your originally scheduled flight.
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Southwest is not responsible for delivery: If your bag doesn't arrive with you at your destination because you opted for standby, Southwest is generally not responsible for delivery charges to get it to you. You'll likely need to pick it up from baggage claim at your destination, or coordinate with baggage services.
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International Flights are Different: For international flights, regulations usually require that you and your checked bags travel on the same flight. This makes international standby much more complicated, and often not feasible for checked luggage.
Sub-heading: Best Practice for Standby with Bags
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Travel with Carry-on Only: The absolute best practice for smooth standby travel is to only bring carry-on luggage. This eliminates any worry about your bags ending up on a different flight.
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Check Standby Availability FIRST: If you absolutely must check a bag, consider checking the standby availability for earlier flights before you check your luggage. If it looks promising, you can then make an informed decision.
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Communicate with the Agent: If you do check bags and then try to standby, be sure to clearly communicate your intentions to the agent at the check-in counter and/or the gate agent.
Step 6: Understanding the Nuances: Same-Day Change vs. Standby
Southwest offers two primary options for adjusting your flight on the day of travel: "Same-Day Change" and "Same-Day Standby." While they both offer flexibility, there's a crucial difference.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Change (Confirmed Seat)
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What it is: A same-day change allows you to confirm a seat on another flight departing on the same calendar day, between the same origin and destination, provided there is space available.
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Eligibility: As of recent policy updates (May 28, 2025 onwards), free same-day confirmed changes are primarily available for Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. A-List and A-List Preferred Members are no longer automatically eligible for free same-day confirmed changes on Basic fares unless they upgrade to a qualifying fare.
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Benefit: You get a guaranteed seat on the new flight, which provides peace of mind.
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How to do it: Can often be done via the Southwest website, app, kiosk, or with an agent.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Standby (Waitlist for an Available Seat)
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What it is: Same-day standby means you are placed on a waitlist for a seat on an earlier flight. Your seat is not guaranteed and you will only be accommodated if space becomes available.
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Eligibility: As detailed in Step 1, this generally includes Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares, and A-List/A-List Preferred Members even on Basic fares.
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Benefit: It's a way to potentially get on an earlier flight without paying a fare difference (for eligible fares/members), even if there are no confirmed seats available to purchase.
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How to do it: Primarily done at the airport with an agent or via the Southwest app/mobile web.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Standby Success
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Arrive Early: The earlier you arrive at the airport and request to be added to the standby list, the better your chances, especially if there are other standby passengers.
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Be Flexible: Standby success often depends on flight load. If a flight is full, your chances are slim. Having some flexibility in your schedule can be key.
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Check Flight Availability: Before heading to the airport, it can be helpful to check the flight status and availability for earlier flights on Southwest's website or app. This gives you a realistic idea of your chances.
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Be Polite and Patient: Gate agents are working to manage many passengers. A friendly and patient demeanor can go a long way.
Understanding Southwest's standby policy truly empowers you to take advantage of their flexibility and potentially enhance your travel experience. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southwest Standby
Here are 10 common questions about Southwest Airlines standby, with quick answers:
How to check my standby eligibility on Southwest?
You are eligible for same-day standby if you have a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare, or if you are an A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards member (even on a Basic fare).
How to get on the standby list for an earlier Southwest flight?
You can request to be added to the same-day standby list at the airport with a Southwest Customer Service Agent (at the ticket counter or gate) at least 10 minutes before your original flight, or via the Southwest app/mobile web at least 30 minutes before the desired standby flight's departure.
How to know if there's space on an earlier flight for standby?
While you can check general flight availability on Southwest's website or app, the most accurate information on standby availability will come from a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport. Once on the list, the app will often show your standby position.
How to get a boarding pass if I'm cleared for standby?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
If cleared, you will receive a text or email notification with a link to check in and retrieve your new mobile boarding pass, or you can go to the gate agent to receive a paper boarding pass.
How to deal with checked bags when flying standby on Southwest?
It is highly recommended to travel with only carry-on luggage when attempting standby. If you check bags, they are tagged for your original flight and may proceed without you if you are cleared for an earlier standby flight. Southwest is generally not responsible for delivering bags if this happens.
How to use standby for a later flight on Southwest?
Southwest's same-day standby policy is primarily for earlier flights. You generally cannot standby for a later flight. For later flights, you'd typically need to explore same-day confirmed changes or rebooking options.
How to know my priority on the standby list?
Standby priority is generally based on Rapid Rewards A-List/A-List Preferred status, followed by the time you requested to be added to the list and your original fare class.
How to avoid Southwest's no-show policy when trying to standby?
You must cancel your original flight or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes prior to your original flight's scheduled departure (or 30 minutes via app/web for standby) to avoid forfeiting your ticket.
How to differentiate between same-day change and standby on Southwest?
Same-day change secures you a confirmed seat on a new flight (typically for higher fares or by paying a fare difference). Same-day standby puts you on a waitlist for an available seat, which is not guaranteed.
How to tell if international flights support standby on Southwest?
While domestic standby is common, standby for international Southwest flights is more complex, especially with checked bags, as regulations often require passengers and their checked luggage to travel together. It's best to confirm directly with a Southwest agent for international standby options.
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