How to Get on the Delta Standby List

Question 1 of 7:

What does it mean if you are on standby for a flight?

Usually, you can only request to be on standby for another flight within 24 hours of the flight that you've already booked.^{[1] X Research source} That means the service is usually reserved for last-minute changes. While you wait for a seat to become available, you can keep the seat you've already booked. That way, even if a seat doesn't become available, you can still use your previously booked seat to fly your destination.
Delta Air Lines offers this service for free. You can request to be put on standby over the phone, on an airline's app or website, and at the help desk at the gate.

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Question 2 of 7:

Why would someone fly standby?

In the past, flying standby was an option for those who wanted to potentially get a seat on an inexpensive, underbooked flight. Nowadays, most airlines, including Delta, only offer the service to people who have already purchased a ticket. Request to be put on the standby list if you realize you need to change to another flight within 24 hours of the flight that you've already booked.^{[2] X Research source}

Question 3 of 7:

How does the Delta standby list work?

If you want to change your ticket within 24 hours, the airline will first see if there are any available seats on alternate flights. If there are, the airline will charge you $75 to change your flight and you will be confirmed for the new flight. If there aren't flights available, then you'll be given the option to get on the standby list for free. While you wait for your ticket to be changed, you'll keep your seat on the original flight. Note that if you'd like to change your flight before the 24-hour mark, you can change and confirm a new seat on the Delta website anytime.

For non-members, Silver Medallion Members, and General SkyMiles Members, you'll have to choose a flight that is earlier than the one that you booked. Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Members can pick a flight any time that day.

Delta's standby service is available for all flight classes except for Basic Economy.

You can get on the standby list for multiple-segment flights, but you'll have to sign up for the standby list for each segment.

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Question 4 of 7:

How do I get on the Delta standby list?

To register for the standby list using the app, download and open the Fly Delta app. Next, click "Same-Day Change." There you'll be taken to a list of flights to either confirm a new seat on or fly standby. If there are seats available to confirm, you'll have to pay a $75 fee and change seats using the Same-Day Confirmed service. If there aren't seats available, you'll be put on standby for free.^{[3] X Research source}
To register for the Delta standby list over the phone with a Delta representative, call 800-221-1212.^{[4] X Research source}

Alain de Botton, Travel Expert and Public Speaker

To get on Delta's standby list, use the Fly Delta app or call a representative within 24 hours of your flight. As a Medallion Member or General SkyMiles Member, you can choose an earlier flight. Diamond, Platinum and Gold members can pick any flight that day. If seats are available to confirm, there's a fee. If not, you'll be put on standby for free while keeping your original seat.

Question 5 of 7:

How early can you get on the standby list?

Anytime before that, you can still change your ticket to a different flight on the Delta website. To get on the standby list, locate the original email with your ticket and confirmation number. Next, go to the Delta website and click "My Trips." Select your trip by providing either your name and confirmation number, your credit/debit card number, or your ticket number from your flight receipt email. After you enter the information, change or cancel your flight.^{[5] X Research source}

Delta doesn't charge change fees on flights originating from North America for Delta One, Delta Premium Select, First Class, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin ticket holders.

Basic Economy ticket holders can't change their ticket unless they have a Basic Economy waiver.

If you would like to change your ticket to a more expensive flight, you'll have to pay the difference.

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Question 6 of 7:

How does the Same-Day Confirmed service work?

Instead of being put on a list, this service ensures that you're put on the flight of your choice if a seat is available. The service costs $75 for non-Delta members.^{[6] X Research source} For Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, it's free.^{[7] X Research source}

You can only use this service on domestic flights.

You have to choose a flight that is on the same day as the ticket you've already purchased.

You'll have to wait until you're within 24 hours of your flight to use the Same-Day Confirmed service.

Question 7 of 7:

How do I get on the Delta Same-Day Standby Upgrade list?

First, you'll need to check if your flight is eligible for the service. Visit delta.com/us/en/change-cancel/same-day-flight-change and scroll down to "Same-Day Flight Change." Click the linked text and scroll down to "Same-Day Standby Upgrade." This section provides a list of all the flights that are eligible. Next, be sure that you're within 24 hours of your flight. If you meet these requirements, you can pay a fee to potentially be upgraded to a higher flight class, such as Delta Comfort+ or First Class. To do so, use the Fly Delta app or call a Delta representative.
To determine the price of the fee, you'll have to get in touch with a Delta representative. Reach them through Delta's customer service line by calling 800-221-1212.^{[8] X Research source}

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