Want to try and catch an earlier flight? Or perhaps you missed your original one and need to get to your destination as soon as possible? American Airlines' standby option can be a lifesaver for flexible travelers. While it doesn't guarantee a seat, it offers a fantastic opportunity to potentially get on a different flight on the same day. Let's dive into how you can make the most of American Airlines' standby policy.
The Lowdown on American Airlines Standby
Historically, American Airlines' standby policy has seen some changes. As of July 1, 2025, American Airlines has made same-day standby available to all customers for domestic flights and segments, regardless of AAdvantage membership or status. This is a significant improvement that offers greater flexibility for everyone.
Key things to remember about standby:
It's primarily for same-day flights to the same origin and destination as your original ticket.
It's space-available, meaning you'll only get a seat if there are any left after all confirmed passengers have boarded.
For domestic flights, standby is generally free.
International standby is typically reserved for non-revenue travelers (airline employees and their families).
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up for Standby on American Airlines
Ready to give standby a try? Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting on that earlier flight.
Step 1: Are You Eligible? - Confirm Your Standby Status
First things first, let's make sure you're in the clear to even consider standby!
Sub-heading: Understanding the Basics of Standby Eligibility
Domestic Flights: As of July 1, 2025, all customers with a confirmed domestic ticket are eligible to list for same-day standby with American Airlines. This means you don't need AAdvantage status or a specific fare class to try for an earlier flight!
International Flights: Standby for international flights is generally not available for revenue passengers (those who paid for their ticket). It's typically for non-revenue travelers.
Same Day, Same Airports, Same Number of Stops: Your desired standby flight must depart on the same day, from and to the same airports, and have the same number of stops as your original flight. You cannot change your departure or arrival airport, or connection cities, unless it's to a nearby airport (e.g., if you're flying into JFK, you might be able to standby for a flight to LaGuardia). However, this does not apply if you have checked luggage for the different destination airport.
American Airlines Marketed and Operated: The flight you wish to standby for must be marketed and operated by American Airlines. Codeshare flights operated by partner airlines are generally not eligible.
Time Limit: You can generally request to be added to the standby list up to 45 minutes prior to departure of the desired flight. Elite AAdvantage members (Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, and Concierge Key) have a bit more leeway, up to 15 minutes before departure.
Sub-heading: Checking Your AAdvantage Status (If Applicable)
While no longer required for domestic standby, being an AAdvantage member or having elite status can still offer benefits, such as priority on the standby list. If you're not an AAdvantage member, it's free and easy to join on the American Airlines website.
Step 2: Get Ready to Go! - Preparing for Your Standby Request
Preparation is key for a smooth standby experience.
Sub-heading: Have Your Information Handy
Before you start, make sure you have:
Your confirmation code (PNR).
Your original flight details.
Your AAdvantage number (if you have one and it's linked to your reservation).
Sub-heading: Consider Your Luggage
Carry-on is King: If you're serious about standby, travel light. Having only carry-on luggage significantly increases your flexibility. If you have checked bags and successfully standby for a different flight, there's a risk your bags might not make it onto the same flight as you, or they might even go to your original destination.
Checked Bags and Standby: While it's now possible to standby with checked luggage (a recent policy change), especially for an earlier flight, it adds a layer of complexity. If you're trying to standby to a different destination airport (even a nearby one), you generally cannot do so with checked bags.
Step 3: Making the Request! - How to Get on the Standby List
There are a few ways to sign up for standby with American Airlines.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Website or Mobile App (Recommended)
This is often the easiest and most convenient way to request standby, particularly as American Airlines encourages self-service options. You can usually do this starting 24 hours before your original flight's departure.
Access Your Trip: Log in to your AAdvantage account on
AA.comor open the American Airlines mobile app. Navigate to "My Trips" or "View Reservation" and enter your confirmation code and last name.Look for "Same-Day Travel" or "Change Flight": Within your trip details, you should see an option related to "Same-Day Travel" or "Change Flight."
Select Standby: If available, you'll be given the option to "Standby for an earlier flight" (or sometimes "Same-Day Standby"). Follow the prompts to select the desired flight.
Confirm Your Request: Review the details and confirm your standby request. You won't be charged a fee for domestic standby.
New Boarding Pass: If your request is successful, you'll typically receive a new boarding pass via the app or email. This boarding pass will not have a seat assignment yet, as seats are assigned only if you clear standby.
Sub-heading: Requesting Standby at the Airport
If you're already at the airport, you can still request standby.
Self-Service Kiosk: Many American Airlines self-service kiosks at the airport allow you to manage your reservation and request same-day standby. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Ticket Counter/Customer Service Desk: You can speak with an American Airlines agent at the ticket counter to inquire about standby options.
Departure Gate: For the most immediate assistance, especially closer to the desired flight's departure, speak directly with the gate agent for the flight you wish to standby for. Remember, the list closes 45 minutes before departure (15 minutes for elite members).
Step 4: The Waiting Game - Monitoring the Standby List
Once you're on the standby list, it's all about patience and observation.
Sub-heading: How to View the Standby List
American Airlines Mobile App: The American Airlines app is an excellent tool for monitoring the standby list. Go to your flight details, and there should be a visible standby list, showing your position, other passengers on the list, and sometimes even the number of available seats. This list usually becomes visible 8-12 hours before departure.
Gate Information Display Screens: At the airport, look for the flight information display screens at or near your gate. These screens often show the standby list, along with the upgrade list.
Ask the Gate Agent: Don't hesitate to politely ask the gate agent for updates on your position or the likelihood of clearing.
Sub-heading: Understanding Standby Priority
Your position on the standby list is influenced by several factors:
Revenue Standby (Paid Tickets): These generally have higher priority than non-revenue standby.
AAdvantage Elite Status: Higher elite status (Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, Gold) gives you a higher priority on the standby list.
Fare Class: In some cases, the original fare class of your ticket might play a role, with more expensive, flexible fares having higher priority.
Time of Request: Sometimes, the time you requested to be added to the list can also be a factor.
Original Cabin: Your standby request is for the original class of service you booked. If you were confirmed in Main Cabin, you'll be standing by for a Main Cabin seat, even if First Class has open seats.
Step 5: Success! - Getting Confirmed
If a seat becomes available, the gate agent will call your name.
Sub-heading: Boarding Pass and Seat Assignment
Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to announcements at the gate. When your name is called, proceed to the podium.
New Boarding Pass: The gate agent will issue you a new boarding pass with your confirmed seat assignment.
Boarding: You'll typically board with the last boarding groups or as instructed by the gate agent.
Step 6: What If It Doesn't Work Out? - Your Backup Plan
Even with the best preparation, standby isn't guaranteed.
Sub-heading: Returning to Your Original Flight
Original Reservation Remains: If you don't clear standby for the desired flight, your original flight reservation remains active. You will simply take your originally scheduled flight.
Re-evaluating Other Flights: If you have time, you can ask the gate agent about other standby options for later flights, especially if you have elite status (as only elite members can typically standby for later flights).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About American Airlines Standby
Here are 10 common questions about American Airlines standby, with quick answers:
How to standby for an earlier flight on American Airlines?
You can request to standby for an earlier flight on the same day via the American Airlines website or mobile app (under "Same-Day Travel" or "Change Flight" options) starting 24 hours before departure, or by speaking with an agent at the airport (ticket counter or gate) up to 45 minutes before the desired flight.
How to check the standby list on American Airlines?
You can check the standby list through the American Airlines mobile app (it typically appears in your flight details 8-12 hours before departure) or on the gate information display screens at the airport.
How to know if I've been confirmed from standby on American Airlines?
The gate agent will call your name, and your status on the standby list (on the app or gate screen) will change from "Listed" or "Standby" to "Confirmed" with a seat assignment. You'll then receive a new boarding pass.
How to cancel a standby request on American Airlines?
If you requested standby via the app or website, you might be able to cancel it there. Otherwise, inform an American Airlines agent at the airport or call customer service to remove yourself from the list.
How to get priority on the American Airlines standby list?
Priority is primarily determined by AAdvantage elite status (higher status means higher priority) and whether you are a revenue passenger (paid ticket) versus a non-revenue passenger. Companions in the same reservation can now also borrow the priority listing of the highest-status passenger they are accompanying.
How to use standby for international flights on American Airlines?
Generally, standby for international flights is not available for revenue passengers. It's typically an option for American Airlines employees and their eligible family members (non-revenue travel).
How to standby for a later flight on American Airlines?
Only AAdvantage elite status members (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, ConciergeKey) can typically standby for a later flight on the same day. All other passengers are generally limited to standby for earlier flights.
How to determine the cost of American Airlines standby?
For domestic flights, same-day standby is generally free for all customers as of July 1, 2025. There are no standby fees. However, if you opt for a same-day confirmed flight change, a fee may apply (starting at $60 for U.S. domestic flights).
How to handle checked bags when flying standby on American Airlines?
While it's now possible to standby with checked bags, it's generally not recommended for ease of travel. If you clear standby for an earlier flight, your bags may not make it with you or could be sent to your original flight's destination. If you're changing to a different destination airport (even nearby), you cannot do so with checked bags.
How to distinguish between same-day confirmed and standby on American Airlines?
Same-Day Confirmed: You guarantee a seat on a different flight on the same day for a fee (unless you have a qualifying fare or elite status). You get a confirmed seat assignment immediately.
Standby: You wait for an open seat on a different flight on the same day, with no guarantee of boarding. It's typically free for domestic flights, but you only get a seat assignment if you clear the list.
