Does Southwest Airlines Permit Same Day Standby?

There are situations when you have found yourself needing to board an early Southwest flight and wondering if the airline offers same-day standby services. Hence, the answer to your concern is yes, as the airline is known for its passenger-centric policies, and Southwest same day standby policy is the best example of such policies. But how does the policy work? What are the eligibility criteria for the same-day standby? And how much does it cost? Let's understand and clear up all such confusion. Read the guide below to make the most out of your travel plans.   

What Is Southwest Standby Policy?

Under the Southwest Airlines standby policy, passengers can retain the current flight when listing for standby on the earlier flight. Anyone who has booked Business Select and Anytime fares is eligible for the same-day standby. Travelers with Wanna Get Away fare can also become eligible by upgrading their flight ticket. Remember the same-day standby option is only available on the day of travel, up to two hours of the desired flight departure. 

Key Points For Southwest Same Day Standby Policy 

Walk through the points outlined below to understand the standby policy in detail. 

• The airline no longer charges a fee for some day standby; however, you might need to pay the government taxes and charges (which will be refunded if not applicable). 
• The standby option only applies for flights on the same day as your original flight and not for 24 hours.  
• As per the standby policy, passengers can add themselves to the list through Southwest online via website or app or offline at the airport or by phone. 
• The boarding sequence depends on when you add yourself to the Southwest Standby list, not your original position. 
• If you select to stand by after checking the luggage, the airline won't pay for the delivery cost if your luggage isn't on the same flight. 

Eligibility Criteria For Southwest Same Day Standby

The airline has certain eligibility requirements that you must be aware of. By understanding these eligibility requirements, you will be able to navigate your travel plans more effectively. Let's take a glimpse at the requirements: 

• The standby policy will be applicable only to the Business Select or Anytime fare holders. This is because of the flexibility offered by these fare types that many others don't provide. 
• Wanna Get Away fares (the low-cost tickets) don't provide the same-day standby option. 
• The airline permits passengers holding Wanna Get Away fare to upgrade their ticket to Anytime or Business Select so that they can get the same-day standby option. It's the best way to keep the options open, particularly when there is the possibility of a change in your travel plans. 
• The standby option is applicable only on the day of travel, two hours prior to your desired new flight departure. Southwest has designed this option for last-minute changes. 

How To Fly Same Day Standby On Southwest Airlines?

There are multiple options available to request Southwest same day standby. You can add yourself to the list via website, mobile app, and at the airport. Go through the following sections to explore all these options. 

Mode 1: Get On The Southwest Airlines Standby List Online 

Follow the step-by-step procedure to add yourself to the same-day standby list. This is the simplest and quickest way, but you must do it at least 30 minutes prior to the original flight departure. 

• Firstly, you should either move to the Southwest Airlines website or launch the mobile app. 
• Then, hit the View/Manage tab and choose the Same-Day Standby option. 
• Now, you have to select the flight you want to stand for. 
• After this, you will be informed whether you are clear about the flight or not through email or text. 

Note: If you don't present on time, the no-show policy might apply. Standby travelers board the flight after ticketed passengers, so you will have to wait and board as per the boarding group order. 

Mode 2: Get On The Standby At The Airport

The other way to get on the Southwest standby list is by visiting the airport. However, before you go to the airport, you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service to inquire if your preferred standby flight has any seats available or if there is a chance to get a seat.

Note: All standby travelers must have a confirmed ticket. Passengers with companion passes don't get the same advantages as the original ticket holder they are flying with, which means they aren't eligible for standby. 

Here is what you need to do: 

• You must reach the airport one to two hours before the standby boarding time of the flight. If you are traveling overseas or from a major hub like New York, try to reach you at least two hours before the boarding time. 
• Approach the customer support team at the Southwest ticket counter and request to add you to the standby list. 
• Pay the fee or fare difference, if required. If you booked cheaper flight ticket options such as Senior or Wanna Get Away for the original flight, you will have to pay the fare difference for the two flights. Business Select and Anytime fares do not require you to pay the fare difference. 
• Move to the departure gate and wait for the standby procedure, as the ticketed traveler will board the flight first.  

How Much Does Southwest Airlines Charge For Same Day Standby?

Unlike other airlines that charge a flat for fee standby, Southwest Airlines has a policy focused on fare differences. 

• Passengers holding Business Select or Anytime fare don't have to pay a fee to change to standby status. It's an embedded benefit of these flight tickets. However, travelers with Wanna Get Away fares will have to upgrade to Business or Anytime fares to be eligible for same-day standby.
• Upgrade expenses can be substantial because they depend on the fare difference between the previous flight ticket and the new Anytime fare. However, there are no specific rates as fees might fluctuate based on factors like length of flight, route, and how full the new flight is. 
• Once the standby gets confirmed, passengers only have to pay the difference in fare. The airline informs travelers about the fee they need to pay at the airport.

Does Southwest Airlines Provide Free Same-Day Standby?

Indeed, recently, Southwest Airlines has offered same-day standby for free to all the passengers, irrespective of the fare class. Which means if you book the cheapest Wanna Get Away flight ticket, you can try to grab a seat on the early flight by paying a fee if there is space available. 

Earlier, only particular fares or members of the loyalty program had the option for free Southwest same day standby, with others having to pay the fare difference if they needed to change to the previous flight. This change has brought the airline closer to being in line with other popular airlines in the United States. 

Things To Consider For Southwest Standby Checked Bags 

Here are some important considerations regarding checked bags from the same-day standby policy which you must keep in mind: 

• When traveling on standby, your luggage might get separated from you. This means your luggage will probably travel on the original flight ticket, even if you get cleared for the earlier flight. 
• As you have voluntarily selected to standby, the airline won't be responsible for the delivery cost if your luggage reaches the destination. 
• After getting cleared for standby, you should bring your checked baggage at the gate and have it checked onto the new flight. This will depend on how close the departure is. 
• In a few situations, passengers who are eligible for same-day change might be able to confirm their seats on the desired flight when checking for the luggage in advance.  

Restrictions Of Same Day Standby On Southwest Airlines 

Although Southwest standby policy is straightforward, there are a few restrictions and limitations that you must get familiar with to get most out of your travel plans. 

• The same-day standby is only applicable on the day of travel up to two hours before the desired flight departure. Also, standby services are not available on international flights. 
• The seat allocation is executed on a first-come-first-serve basis.  
• In case the standby list is full, travelers are permitted to switch to the next standby list for the other flights on the same day. However, remember this isn't applicable to long-haul flights.

Note: Passengers with the Business Select fare will be given first seating priority.

Final Words

Southwest Airlines has one of the simplest and most passenger-friendly policies. It is open to passengers holding Business Select or Anytime fares and Wanna Get Away fare. They can get the standby option by upgrading their ticket. Remember Southwest standby is only available on the day of travel, up to two hours prior to the departure of the new flight. If you still have any doubts regarding same-day standby, you can reach out to Southwest customer support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Furthermore, dial +1-800-633-0441 to talk with a flight expert and get your issue fixed in a few minutes.