Hey there, savvy traveler! Ever found yourself at the airport hours before your flight, wishing you could just hop on an earlier one and get to your destination sooner? Or maybe your plans shifted last minute, and you need to be somewhere now? Well, you're in luck! Flying standby on Southwest Airlines can be your secret weapon for greater flexibility. It's not always a guaranteed ride, but with the right approach and a bit of luck, you could be wheels up much sooner than you anticipated. Let's dive into how you can master the art of Southwest standby!
The Ultimate Guide to Flying Standby on Southwest Airlines
Flying standby means you're requesting a seat on a flight that's different from your originally ticketed one, without paying the full fare difference for a confirmed change. It's a gamble, but often a rewarding one for those with flexible schedules and a dash of patience.
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| How To Fly Standby On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Understand Southwest's Standby Policy
Before you even think about packing, the very first thing you need to do is confirm your eligibility. Southwest has specific rules about who can fly standby and under what conditions.
Sub-heading 1.1: Fare Types That Qualify
Not all Southwest fares are created equal when it comes to standby. As of May 28, 2025, here's the breakdown:
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares: These fares include same-day standby. This means you can list for standby on an earlier flight without paying an additional fare difference (though government taxes and fees may still apply, which will be refunded if you don't get on).
Basic fares (formerly Wanna Get Away®): If you purchased a Basic fare, you are not eligible for free same-day standby unless you are an A-List or A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards Member.
Sub-heading 1.2: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Benefits
This is where loyalty pays off! If you hold A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest, you get a significant advantage:
Complimentary Same-Day Standby: A-List and A-List Preferred members still qualify for free same-day standby, even on Basic fares. This is a huge perk that distinguishes these elite tiers.
Priority on the Standby List: As an elite member, you'll also have a higher priority on the standby list, increasing your chances of getting a seat.
Sub-heading 1.3: Key Conditions for Standby
Regardless of your fare type or elite status, remember these crucial conditions:
Same Calendar Day: The standby flight must depart on the same calendar day as your original flight.
Same Origin and Destination: Your origin and destination airports must remain the same. You can't switch from, say, Chicago Midway to Chicago O'Hare.
Timely Request: You must request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight. If you're using the Southwest app or mobile web, this window is extended to 30 minutes ahead of scheduled departure. Missing this deadline could result in a no-show policy application for your original flight.
Exclusions: Group bookings and Unaccompanied Minors are generally not eligible for same-day standby. Companion Pass holders must request standby in person at the airport and be aware that if the Companion Pass holder gets on the standby flight, their companion's reservation may be canceled.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
Step 2: Research and Strategize Your Standby Attempt
Once you know you're eligible, it's time to strategize. Don't just show up hoping for the best!
Sub-heading 2.1: Check Flight Availability Before You Go
Use the Southwest App/Website: This is your best friend. Even if you can't officially add yourself to the standby list yet, you can browse earlier flights to your destination and see which ones show available seats. While it's not a guarantee of standby availability (airlines can overbook), it gives you a good indication of your chances.
Consider Multiple Airports: If your destination city has more than one Southwest-serviced airport (e.g., Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth), check flights into all of them for more options.
Look for Less Popular Flights: Early morning or late-night flights, or those on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often have more open seats than peak travel times.
Sub-heading 2.2: Pack Smart: Carry-On Only, if Possible
This is a golden rule for standby success. If you check luggage, there's a significant risk that your bags will be loaded onto the standby flight even if you don't get a seat. This means your bags could arrive at your destination before you do, leading to a headache of retrieving them later.
Minimize your luggage: Stick to a carry-on and a personal item. This makes you a much more appealing candidate for standby, as the airline doesn't have to worry about re-routing your baggage.
If you must check a bag: Be aware that you are voluntarily separating from your baggage. If you are cleared for your desired flight and your bag does not arrive with you at your destination, Southwest won't be responsible for delivery charges to get it to y
ou. Always confirm the baggage handling process with the agent if you check a bag for a standby attempt.
Step 3: Initiate Your Standby Request (The Day of Travel)
The day has arrived! It's time to put your plan into action.
Sub-heading 3.1: Using the Southwest App or Mobile Web
This is often the easiest and quickest way for eligible passengers to get on the standby list.
Access your itinerary: Open the Southwest app or go to the mobile website.
Find "Same-Day Standby": Look for a "View/Manage" option or a direct "Same-Day Standby" link within your itinerary details.
Select your desired flight: Choose the earlier flight you wish to try for.
Confirm: Follow the prompts to add yourself to the standby list.
Important Note: You must list your name via the app/mobile web at least 30 minutes before the desired flight's scheduled departure.
Sub-heading 3.2: Speaking to a Southwest Customer Service Agent
If you prefer a human touch, or if you encounter issues with the app, head to an agent.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
At the Ticket Counter: If you're at the airport well in advance, go to a full-service check-in desk.
At the Departure Gate: If you're already past security or closer to the desired flight's departure, go directly to the gate agent for that flight (or your original flight's gate agent, who can also assist).
Be Polite and Clear: Inform the agent that you have a confirmed ticket and would like to be added to the same-day standby list for an earlier flight. Have your confirmation number and ID ready.
For A-List/A-List Preferred members: Reiterate your status, as it impacts your eligibility and priority.
Paper Standby Ticket: The agent may give you a temporary paper ticket or simply confirm you've been added to the list. This is not a boarding pass; you'll receive a new boarding pass if you are cleared.
Step 4: The Waiting Game at the Gate
This is where your patience truly pays off.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Stay Close to the Gate
Don't wander off: Once you're on the standby list, remain in the gate area for the flight you're hoping to board. Gate announcements are crucial, and you need to be ready to respond instantly.
Monitor the Standby List: Many gate areas have screens displaying the standby list. You can also often view the standby list on the Southwest app. This lets you see your position and how many people are ahead of you.
Sub-heading 4.2: Listen for Announcements
Standby calls: Typically, gate agents will start calling standby passengers approximately 10 minutes prior to departure, after all confirmed passengers have boarded. They will call names individually or make a general announcement for standby passengers.
Be Responsive: If your name is called, approach the podium immediately. The agent will then issue you a boarding pass with your seat assignment. Southwest has open seating, so once you have your boarding pass, you can board and choose any available seat.
Step 5: If You Get On (And If You Don't)
Sub-heading 5.1: Victory! Boarding Your New Flight
New Boarding Pass: Once cleared, you'll receive a new boarding pass. This is your official ticket to ride.
No Guaranteed Boarding Position: Your original boarding position is not guaranteed on the standby flight. You'll likely receive a boarding position in the C group or simply be assigned a general boarding pass.
Find an open seat: Since Southwest has open seating, find any available seat once you board.
Sub-heading 5.2: What If You Don't Clear Standby?
Return to Original Flight: If you don't get a seat on the standby flight, you retain your confirmed seat on your originally scheduled flight. This is the beauty of Southwest's standby policy – you don't lose your original ticket.
Don't Give Up! If there are multiple earlier flights, you can try for another one. Just make sure you re-list yourself and adhere to the time limits.
Step 6: Important Considerations and Tips for Success
Be Polite and Pleasant: Gate agents have a lot of power. A friendly demeanor and a polite request can go a long way. They are more likely to help someone who is courteous.
Avoid Peak Travel Times: Weekends, holidays, and popular routes will have more passengers and fewer open seats, making standby much harder.
Solo Travelers Have Better Odds: It's much easier for an airline to find one open seat than two or more together. If you're traveling with companions, be prepared for the possibility of being separated if only one seat becomes available.
Have a Backup Plan: While Southwest's policy means you won't lose your original flight, always have a mental backup plan in case you don't clear standby.
Be Flexible: The more flexible you are with your desired flight time, the better your chances.
Government Taxes and Fees: While Southwest has eliminated fare differences for eligible standby requests, you may be required to pay government taxes and fees associated with itinerary changes. However, these are typically refunded if you don't actually get on the standby flight.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Here are some common questions about flying standby on Southwest Airlines:
How to check if a flight has standby availability on Southwest?
You can check for available seats on earlier flights by using the Southwest app or their website, looking up flights for your desired route and date. While it won't show a specific "standby availability" number, it gives you an idea of how full the flight might be.
How to get on the standby list for Southwest Airlines?
You can get on the standby list via the Southwest app or mobile web (at least 30 minutes before departure of the desired flight) or by speaking to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport ticket counter or at the departure gate (at least 10 minutes before departure of your original flight).
How to know your priority on the Southwest standby list?
Southwest prioritizes standby passengers first by those re-accommodated due to flight disruptions, then by A-List Preferred and A-List Rapid Rewards Members (prioritized by fare type: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic), and finally all other Customers by the same fare order.
How to find out if you cleared standby on Southwest?
If you're cleared for the standby flight, Southwest will typically send you an email or text message (based on your contact preferences) with a link to check in and retrieve your new boarding pass via the app or mobile web. You can also check with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate.
How to ensure your baggage flies with you when flying standby on Southwest?
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
The best way to ensure your baggage flies with you is to only bring a carry-on and personal item. If you must check a bag, be aware it might fly on the standby flight even if you don't, and you'll need to coordinate its retrieval upon arrival.
How to increase your chances of getting on a standby flight with Southwest?
Increase your chances by being an A-List or A-List Preferred member, traveling with only carry-on luggage, flying during off-peak times (e.g., mid-week, early morning/late night), being flexible with your flight choice, and being polite to gate agents.
How to use a Southwest Companion Pass for standby?
If you have a Companion Pass, your companion can join you on standby, but you must both request it in person at the airport. Be aware that if you (the primary traveler) are cleared for standby and your companion is not, their original reservation may be canceled.
How to handle missed connections for standby on Southwest?
If you missed a connection due to a delay or cancellation caused by Southwest, the airline will typically re-accommodate you on the next available flight, which is a higher priority than voluntary standby requests. Speak with a Southwest agent immediately for assistance.
How to find out the cost for flying standby on Southwest?
For eligible fares (Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and A-List/A-List Preferred members, same-day standby is free of airline charges. You may be required to pay government taxes and fees, but these are typically refunded if you don't get on the flight.
How to change your mind after being added to the Southwest standby list?
If you've been added to the standby list but decide you want to stick with your original flight, simply inform a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. Your original confirmed reservation remains valid unless you are officially moved to the new flight.
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