How to Master Standby on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Ever wished you could catch an earlier flight, or perhaps a later one, without the hassle and cost of a full flight change? Southwest Airlines' standby policy can be a lifesaver for flexible travelers! While it might seem a bit like a mystery, with the right knowledge and a few strategic moves, you can significantly increase your chances of getting on that desired flight. Let's dive into everything you need to know about navigating standby on Southwest.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Southwest standby and potentially gain more flexibility in your travel plans? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Standby Policy - The Foundation
Before you even think about heading to the airport, it's crucial to understand how Southwest's standby system works. It's unique compared to many other airlines.
What is "Standby" on Southwest?
On Southwest, "standby" typically refers to same-day standby on an earlier flight than your originally scheduled departure. It allows you to list your name for an available seat on a flight between the same origin and destination on the same calendar day.
Same-Day Change vs. Same-Day Standby: What's the Difference?
It's easy to confuse these, but they are distinct:
Same-Day Change: This is when you confirm a seat on a different flight on the same day. As of May 28, 2025, free same-day change is primarily available for Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. A fare difference may apply for other fare types (like Wanna Get Away®) if you're not an A-List or A-List Preferred Member.
Same-Day Standby: This is when you add your name to a list hoping for an available seat on an earlier flight. You are not guaranteed a seat. This is generally free of airline charges (though government taxes and fees may apply and will be refunded if you don't get on the flight).
Who is Eligible for Same-Day Standby?
Most Fare Types: Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares generally qualify for same-day standby.
A-List and A-List Preferred Members: These elite Rapid Rewards members are eligible for free same-day standby even if they purchased a Basic fare.
Exclusions: Generally, group bookings, Unaccompanied Minors, and customers traveling on partner itineraries are not eligible.
Key Timelines:
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 (to avoid the no-show policy).
If using the Southwest app or mobile web, you must list your name at least 30 minutes prior to the desired standby flight's scheduled departure.
Step 2: Checking Your Eligibility & Flight Status - Preparation is Key
Before you even leave for the airport, a little pre-planning goes a long way.
Sub-heading: Verify Your Fare Type
Review your booking confirmation: Check what fare type you purchased. This will directly impact your standby options. Remember, Basic fares typically don't qualify for free standby unless you're an A-List or A-List Preferred Member.
A-List/A-List Preferred Benefit: If you hold A-List or A-List Preferred status, congratulations! You have an advantage, even with a Basic fare.
Sub-heading: Check Flight Availability
While you can't see the exact standby list, you can check the general availability of earlier flights to your destination.
Southwest Website or App: Look up flights for your route on the day of travel. While a flight showing as "Sold Out" or with limited seats doesn't mean standby is impossible, it does indicate a lower chance. Flights with more open seats offer better odds.
Be Realistic: High-demand flights (e.g., early morning, peak travel times, popular routes) will have fewer open seats for standby.
Step 3: Listing for Standby - Making Your Request
Southwest offers a couple of convenient ways to get on the standby list.
Option A: Using the Southwest App or Mobile Web
This is often the quickest and most convenient method.
Open the Southwest App: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account if you have one, or access your itinerary using your confirmation number.
Navigate to Your Trip: Find your upcoming flight.
Look for "Same-Day Standby": On your itinerary details, you should see an option like "View/Manage" and then "Same-Day Standby" or similar.
Select Your Desired Flight: The app will show you available earlier flights to your destination. Choose the one you'd like to stand by for.
Confirm Listing: Review the details and confirm your standby listing.
Important Note: You must list yourself at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the desired standby flight when using the app or mobile web. If it's less than 30 minutes, or if there are other complexities (like tax differences or international itineraries), the app might direct you to speak with an agent.
Option B: Speaking with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the Airport
This is your go-to method if you prefer in-person assistance, face an issue with the app, or are dealing with a more complex scenario.
At the Ticket Counter: Upon arriving at the airport, head to a Southwest ticket counter.
At the Departure Gate: Even better, if you're already past security, you can speak directly with the Southwest Gate Agent for the flight you wish to stand by for.
Be Polite and Clear: Politely explain that you'd like to be added to the standby list for an earlier flight to your destination. Provide your original flight details.
Understand Agent Discretion: While the policy is clear, agents manage the list and have the final say on who gets cleared.
Sub-heading: What to Expect After Listing
No Immediate Confirmation: Being on the standby list does not guarantee you a seat. Your original flight reservation remains active until you are officially cleared for the new flight.
Notifications: Southwest will notify you via email or text message (based on your contact preferences selected during booking) if you are cleared for the flight. This message will include a link to check in and retrieve your new boarding pass.
Boarding Pass: If cleared, you'll need to obtain your new boarding pass. You can usually do this via the Southwest app/mobile web or by visiting a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate.
Boarding Position: Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. You will be assigned a new boarding position if you are cleared for the standby flight. This could mean a later boarding group.
Step 4: The Waiting Game & Boarding - Patience is a Virtue
Once you're on the standby list, it's time to wait.
Sub-heading: Stay Near the Gate
Proximity is Key: For the best chance of hearing your name called, remain in the gate area for the flight you're standing by for. Don't wander off.
Listen Carefully: Southwest Gate Agents will typically call out names from the standby list if seats become available, usually starting about 10 minutes prior to the flight's departure.
Sub-heading: Understanding Standby Priority
Southwest has a specific order of priority for clearing standby passengers:
Customers re-accommodated due to flight disruptions: These passengers take top priority (e.g., missed connections, canceled flights).
A-List Preferred and A-List Rapid Rewards Members: Prioritized based on fare type (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Basic). A-List Preferred members get higher priority than A-List.
All other Customers: Prioritized by fare type (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Basic).
Sub-heading: If You Get Cleared
Proceed to the Podium: If your name is called, quickly and calmly approach the gate podium.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: The agent will issue you a new boarding pass.
Boarding Position: Be prepared for a potentially later boarding position than your original flight.
Checked Bags: If you checked bags on your original flight and are cleared for an earlier flight, be aware that your bags may not travel with you. Southwest is generally not responsible for delivery charges in this scenario. Consider carrying on if you plan to attempt standby.
Sub-heading: If You Don't Get Cleared
No Harm, No Foul: If you don't get a seat on the standby flight, you still retain your original confirmed seat.
Next Steps: You can try for another earlier flight if available, or simply proceed with your original itinerary.
Step 5: Post-Standby Considerations - Wrapping Up
A few final points to keep in mind after your standby experience.
Sub-heading: Taxes and Fees
While same-day standby is free of airline charges, you may be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with itinerary changes. However, Southwest states that refunds will be provided for these if you don't get cleared for the standby flight.
Sub-heading: Confirm Your Original Booking if Unsuccessful
If you attempted standby and weren't cleared, double-check your original flight's status and ensure your boarding pass is still valid for that flight.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if my fare qualifies for free standby on Southwest?
You can check your fare type on your Southwest Airlines booking confirmation. Generally, Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, and Business Select® fares qualify. Basic fares only qualify for free standby if you are an A-List or A-List Preferred member.
How to add myself to the standby list using the Southwest app?
Open the Southwest app, go to "View/Manage" your trip, then look for the "Same-Day Standby" option. Select your desired earlier flight and confirm your listing. Remember to do this at least 30 minutes before the desired flight's departure.
How to find out what flights are available for standby?
While you can't see a specific "standby availability" list, you can check the general flight availability for your route on the Southwest website or app. Flights with more open seats offer a better chance for standby.
How to know my position on the standby list?
You can ask a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the gate what your position is on the standby list. They typically have a digital display or can verbally inform you.
How to retrieve my new boarding pass if I get cleared for standby?
If cleared, Southwest will notify you via email or text with a link to check in and get your new mobile boarding pass. Alternatively, you can visit a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate.
How to ensure my checked bags make it with me if I fly standby?
This is a challenge. If you fly standby and your bags were checked on your original flight, there's a risk they won't make the earlier flight. It's best to travel with carry-on luggage only if you intend to fly standby.
How to increase my chances of getting on a standby flight?
Travel during off-peak times, choose routes with frequent flights, be flexible with your desired flight, arrive at the airport early, and if possible, hold A-List or A-List Preferred status.
How to cancel my standby request if my plans change?
If you listed for standby via the app, you should be able to cancel it within the app's "View/Manage" section. If you listed with an agent, simply inform them or don't board the standby flight (your original booking will remain active).
How to confirm if there are any fees for Southwest standby?
Southwest's same-day standby is generally free of airline charges. However, minor government taxes and fees may apply, but these are typically refunded if you are not cleared for the flight.
How to contact Southwest customer service about standby questions?
You can reach Southwest Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You can also use the Live Chat feature within the Southwest mobile app for assistance.
