How to save money flying standby

Air travel can be expensive, but it's also the fastest way to get to the most exciting destinations in the world. Find out how flying standby can be the cheapest way to go.

We all want to travel as much as we can. Unfortunately, every year it seems that flight prices and luggage fees climb higher and higher. Cheap flight options are often inflexible and prone to cancellations or extra fees without notice, and expensive flights can take a significant chunk of money out of the vacation budget. Choosing to fly standby is often the cheapest way to fly, but how does it work?

The term "airport standby" had a bit of a different connotation in the past. It referred to the ability of a customer to purchase a cheap ticket for the next available flight with empty seats. Standby tickets are now usually used in conjunction with an existing ticket to get on an earlier flight. Despite the fact that many airlines do not participate in the traditional form of standby flying, some still do.

Most airlines allow passengers with existing flight tickets to board an earlier flight for a small fee. However, if you want to simply purchase a seat on the next available flight, there are a few airlines that will allow you to do so. You simply need to check ahead of time with your carrier to determine if they offer this feature.

If you find yourself at the airport watching your plane leave without you, standby tickets can still help. Most airlines will allow you to catch the next flight to your destination for a small fee. This service is commonly extended to passengers who have missed their flights due to storms or heavy traffic during holidays.

When you are searching for the best flight deals, research your preferred airlines. Knowing how standby works allows you to always be ready to catch a cheap standby flight and get to where you are going quickly without breaking the bank.