Feeling like your current flight time just isn't cutting it? Perhaps you finished your meeting early, or maybe your plans shifted unexpectedly. Whatever the reason, if you're holding a Southwest Airlines ticket, you're in luck! Southwest is known for its flexibility, and that includes a pretty generous standby policy. But how exactly do you navigate the process to potentially catch an earlier flight? Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Standby Policy: The Basics
Southwest Airlines offers "same-day standby," which allows you to try and get on an earlier flight departing on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports as your original flight. It's important to differentiate this from a "same-day change," where you confirm a seat on a new flight. With standby, you're not guaranteed a seat; you'll only be accommodated if space becomes available.
Key things to remember from the outset:
Same Day, Same Route: You can only standby for a flight on the same calendar day and between the exact same origin and destination cities as your original booking.
Fare Class Matters (Mostly): While A-List and A-List Preferred members have the most flexibility, certain fare types also qualify for free standby. We'll get into the specifics below.
Government Taxes and Fees: While Southwest doesn't charge an airline fee for standby, you may be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with the itinerary change. However, these are generally refunded if you aren't cleared for the flight.
Original Boarding Position Not Guaranteed: If you're cleared for a standby flight, you will not retain your original boarding position from your confirmed flight. You'll receive a new boarding pass with a new position.
Baggage Considerations: If you check a bag and then standby for an earlier flight, your bag will be loaded onto the standby flight, even if you are not. If you don't make it on the flight, your bag will arrive at your destination ahead of you and will be held securely. Always confirm baggage handling with the agent if you're checking a bag and going standby.
Now, let's get to the step-by-step guide!
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| How Do You Fly Standby On Southwest Airlines |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Flying Standby on Southwest Airlines
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Check Your Fare and Status!
Before you even think about heading to the airport or pulling out your phone, the very first thing you need to do is determine if you're eligible for same-day standby on Southwest. Don't skip this step! Your eligibility depends largely on your fare type and whether you hold Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred status.
Understanding Fare Class Eligibility:
Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® Fares: If you purchased any of these fare types, you are generally eligible for free same-day standby. This means you won't pay an additional fare difference to try and get on an earlier flight.
Basic Fares (formerly Wanna Get Away®): For reservations booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025, Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day standby unless you are a Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred member. If you're on a Basic fare and don't have elite status, you'd typically need to upgrade your fare to Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® to qualify for a same-day change, or potentially pay the fare difference for standby (though standby is often free of airline charges even for Basic fares if space is available, it's the same-day change that typically requires a fare upgrade). The key takeaway here is that A-List/A-List Preferred status significantly enhances your flexibility with Basic fares.
Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Status:
This is where the real flexibility comes in. If you have A-List or A-List Preferred status, you enjoy:
Complimentary Same-Day Standby (even on Basic Fares!): Yes, even if you purchased the cheapest "Basic" fare, your elite status allows you to list for same-day standby without paying an additional fare difference. This is a major perk.
Priority on the Standby List: A-List Preferred members get priority over A-List members, and both are prioritized above other customers on the standby list. The general priority order is:
Customers re-accommodated due to flight disruptions (e.g., a canceled flight).
A-List Preferred and A-List Rapid Rewards Members (prioritized based on fare type: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic).
All other Customers (prioritized by fare type in the same order).
Action Item: Locate your flight confirmation or log into your Rapid Rewards account to confirm your fare type and elite status. This will inform your strategy.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Step 2: Find Your Desired Earlier Flight
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to scout for potential earlier flights.
Options for Checking Flight Availability:
Southwest App or Mobile Web: This is often the easiest and most convenient way to see what flights are available. Log in, go to your itinerary, and look for "Same-Day Standby" options. The app will show you available flights for your route on the same day.
Southwest.com: You can also check flight schedules on the Southwest website. While you can't directly add yourself to the standby list online (you can initiate a same-day change for eligible fares), it's a good way to see what's flying.
Airport Kiosk: Some airport kiosks may allow you to check for same-day change options, but for standby, you'll likely be directed to an agent.
Speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent (Phone or Airport): If you prefer a human touch or are encountering issues with the app, call Southwest customer service or speak to an agent at the airport ticket counter or gate. They can check real-time availability.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Flight:
Departing on the Same Calendar Day: Reiterate, it must be the same day!
Same Origin and Destination: No changing cities for standby.
Look for Flights with Available Seats: While standby means you're hoping for an open seat, knowing if a flight is already full can help manage expectations. Flights showing a lot of availability are generally better bets.
Be Flexible: The more options you're open to, the better your chances. Consider flights a few hours earlier, or even those slightly later if your original flight is significantly delayed.
Action Item: Use the Southwest app or website to identify one or more earlier flights that you'd like to try for. Have a few backup options in mind.
Step 3: Get on the Standby List!
This is the crucial step where you officially express your desire to fly standby.
How to List for Standby:
Southwest App or Mobile Web (Recommended for Convenience): This is often the quickest method.
Access your itinerary in the app.
Look for an option like "View/Manage" and then "Same-Day Standby."
Select the flight you wish to standby for.
You must list yourself at least 30 minutes prior to the desired flight's scheduled departure using the app/mobile web.
You'll receive a message (email or text, based on your contact preferences) if you are cleared for the flight.
Southwest Customer Service Agent (At the Airport):
Head to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter before security, or at the departure gate for your original flight (or the gate of the flight you want to standby for) after security.
Provide them with your confirmation number and explain you'd like to list for same-day standby on an earlier flight.
You must request to be added to the list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy may apply.
What Happens When You List:
The agent or app will add your name to the standby list for your chosen flight.
You'll typically remain confirmed on your original flight unless and until you are officially cleared for the standby flight.
If you're checking a bag, the agent will tag it for the standby flight. Again, be aware your bag might fly without you if you don't clear standby.
Action Item: List yourself for standby using the Southwest app or by speaking directly with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport. Do this as soon as you know you want to standby, keeping the time limits in mind.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Step 4: Head to the Gate and Await Your Fate
Once you're on the standby list, it's a waiting game.
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What to Do at the Gate:
Proceed to the Gate: Go to the departure gate for the earlier flight you're hoping to catch.
Notify the Gate Agent: It's a good idea to politely approach the gate agent and let them know you're on the standby list for that flight. This confirms your presence and shows you're ready to board.
Monitor the Standby List: Many gates have screens displaying the standby list, or you can often view it on the Southwest app. This will show you your position on the list and how many seats are potentially available.
Be Patient and Stay Nearby: Avoid constantly approaching the agent. They are busy managing the boarding process. Stay within earshot of announcements.
Boarding Order: Confirmed passengers will always board first. Standby passengers are only cleared if there are open seats after all confirmed passengers have boarded or checked in.
When Standby Passengers are Called:
Typically, standby passengers are called roughly 10 minutes prior to departure, after all other boarding groups have completed.
If your name is called and a seat is available, the gate agent will issue you a new boarding pass. You cannot board with just your standby confirmation; you need a proper boarding pass.
Action Item: Go to the gate of your desired standby flight, inform the agent of your presence, and patiently monitor the standby list.
Step 5: Success! Or, Back to the Drawing Board
The moment of truth!
If You Are Cleared for the Flight:
Congratulations! You'll receive a notification (via the app, email, or text) and/or the gate agent will call your name.
Get Your New Boarding Pass: Approach the gate agent to receive your new boarding pass.
Board the Aircraft: Find your new seat and enjoy your earlier flight!
Baggage: If you checked a bag, it should be on its way with you.
If You Are NOT Cleared for the Flight:
No Worries! You still have your original confirmed seat on your originally scheduled flight.
Return to Your Original Plan: Head to the gate for your original flight and proceed as planned.
Tax/Fee Refunds: If you paid any government taxes or fees for the standby request, these should be refunded since you weren't accommodated.
Action Item: Be prepared for either outcome. If cleared, celebrate! If not, seamlessly transition back to your original flight.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
Important Considerations and Pro Tips for Flying Standby
Timing is Everything: Requesting standby as early as possible on the day of travel (up to 30 minutes before departure via app, 10 minutes via agent) can increase your chances, especially if you have elite status.
Peak Travel Times: Standby is much harder during busy travel periods (holidays, peak morning/evening flights, Fridays/Sundays) as flights are more likely to be full.
Connecting Flights: If your desired standby flight involves a connection, you may need to speak with an agent, as the app might have limitations for complex itinerary changes.
International Flights: Southwest's standby policy primarily applies to domestic flights. For international itineraries, you may need to speak directly with an agent at the airport, and complexities like customs and immigration can make standby more challenging.
Companion Pass Holders: If you're traveling with a Companion Pass, your companion typically does not receive the same standby benefits as the primary ticket holder. You may need to speak to a Southwest supervisor at the airport to try and get your companion moved to the new flight, but it's not guaranteed and often on a case-by-case basis.
Don't Be a Nuisance: Gate agents are working hard. Be polite, patient, and understanding. A friendly demeanor goes a long way.
Download the App: The Southwest app is your best friend for monitoring flight status, checking standby lists, and often even initiating standby requests.
By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of Southwest Airlines standby and potentially get to your destination sooner!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my standby status on Southwest?
You can typically check your standby status directly on the Southwest Airlines mobile app by accessing your itinerary, or by looking at the departure board screens at the gate, which often display the standby list.
How to know if a Southwest flight has open seats for standby?
While there's no guaranteed way to know for sure before the gate agent clears the list, you can get an indication by searching for the flight on Southwest.com or the app. If it shows plenty of available seats for purchase, your chances are better.
How to avoid paying fees for Southwest standby?
Southwest does not charge an airline fee for same-day standby. However, government taxes and fees associated with the itinerary change may apply, but these are typically refunded if you are not cleared for the flight. To avoid paying any fare difference, you generally need to be flying on a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare, or hold A-List/A-List Preferred elite status.
How to get priority on the Southwest standby list?
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members receive the highest priority on the standby list, followed by A-List members. Within these tiers, priority is also given based on the fare type (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic). Customers re-accommodated due to flight disruptions are generally at the top of the list.
How to standby on Southwest with a Basic fare?
As of May 28, 2025, if you have a Basic fare and do not have A-List or A-List Preferred status, you will need to upgrade your fare to Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® to qualify for a confirmed same-day change. For same-day standby, while the airline fee is typically waived, you may still be subject to certain government taxes and fees. A-List and A-List Preferred members can standby on Basic fares without an additional fare difference.
How to standby for a later Southwest flight?
Southwest's official same-day standby policy is primarily for earlier flights on the same calendar day. If you need to switch to a later flight, it's generally considered a same-day change, and fare differences may apply depending on your original fare type and elite status. You would need to check for available seats and initiate a change through the app, website, or with an agent.
How to standby with checked bags on Southwest?
If you're flying standby with checked bags, inform the agent when you request to be added to the standby list. They will tag your bags for the desired standby flight. Be aware that your bag may fly on the earlier flight even if you are not cleared for it. If you don't make the standby flight, your bag will be held securely at your destination airport.
How to standby for an international Southwest flight?
Southwest's standby policy primarily applies to domestic travel. For international flights, the process can be more complex due to customs and immigration requirements. It's highly recommended to speak directly with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport for guidance on international standby options.
How to get confirmed on a standby flight instead of just listed?
Being "listed" for standby means you're waiting for a seat. You become "confirmed" when a seat actually becomes available and the gate agent issues you a new boarding pass. There's no direct action to move from "listed" to "confirmed" other than waiting for a seat to open up based on the priority list.
How to use the Southwest app for standby?
To use the Southwest app for standby, open your itinerary, look for the "View/Manage" section, and then locate the "Same-Day Standby" option. Select the desired earlier flight. You must do this at least 30 minutes prior to the desired flight's scheduled departure. The app will notify you if you are cleared.
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