Travel with Delta Air Lines offers countless benefits and options to make your travel experience better. Among them is the standby list. If you have ever wondered what it is or how you can use it to your advantage, then this is the place to be. The following blog will give a detailed explanation regarding Delta standby list, how it differs from same-day confirmed changes, why you may want to fly standby, and give some tips on how you can get through the process.

What does it Mean if You are on Standby on a Delta Flight?

This means that you’re on a list to change your flight if a seat becomes available.

Usually, you can only request to be on standby for another flight within 24 hours of the flight that you’ve already booked.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 Delta website, and at the help desk at the gate.

How to Get on the Delta Standby List?

To make it to the Delta standby list, you will have to get there within 24 hours before the curfew time of your previous flight.

You only need to determine that your fare type and your destination is eligible for a same-day standby change. You only need to hold a ticket that is anything but a Basic Economy ticket. Similarly, your travel can only be on flights wholly contained within the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.

After you’ve verified that your fare and destination are both eligible, use any of the following methods for contacting a Delta representative: over the phone, online, or through the Fly Delta app.

Check in as if you were normally checking in and click “same-day change” at the bottom, when you select to check in. This will generate a list of flights to which you are allowed to make a confirmed change.

If you’re not eligible for same-day confirmed change, you’re going to get another option: same-day standby change.

Remember that you can only change to the same or lower class than originally booked.

Also Read: Delta Airlines Manage Booking

How Does the Delta Standby List Work?

Delta only offers the option to fly standby if their Same-Day Confirmed service isn’t available.

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.

Delta only offers the option to fly standby if their Same-Day Confirmed service isn’t available.

The Delta standby list functions by allowing passengers to wait for available seats on different flights. Here’s a basic overview:

• Request Process: Passengers can request standby through the Delta website, mobile app, or at the airport.
• Priority System: Standby requests are prioritized based on factors such as Medallion Status, fare class, and the timing of the request.
• Seat Availability: Being on the standby list does not guarantee a seat; it depends on the availability of seats and the number of passengers on the standby list.

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.

Why Would Someone Fly on Delta Standby?

People request to fly standby if they want to change to a different flight at the last minute.

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.

How Early Can You Get on the Standby List?

You’re eligible for the standby list within 24 hours of your flight.

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.

• 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.

How does the Same-Day Confirmed service work?

The Same-Day Confirmed service allows passengers to switch to a different flight on the same day, subject to availability. Here’s how it works:

• 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.
• The service costs $75 for non-Delta members.For Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, it’s free.
• You’ll have to wait until you’re within 24 hours of your flight to use the Same-Day Confirmed service.

The following terms apply to same-day confirmed changes with Delta:

• A seat must be available in the same fare class or lower on the flight you wish to change to. That means you could change from a Delta Premium Select fare to a Main Cabin fare, but not the other way around.
• Same-day confirmed changes can’t be made on international flights.
• Origin and destination, as well as same-city airport changes, are unavailable for same-day confirmed changes.
• Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden.
• Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day confirmed changes.
• The same-day change can be made within 24 hours of the departure time of your original flight.

Also Read: Delta Airlines Name Correction Policy

What is the Upgrade Standby List on the Delta App?

The Upgrade Standby List is a functionality within the Delta app. This will put you in line for your chance to obtain an upgrade, which will upgrade you to that higher class of service, like Delta Comfort+ or First Class. This is how it works:.

• Eligibility: Available to Delta SkyMiles members and travelers with eligible tickets.
• Requesting Upgrades: You can request an upgrade through the Delta app, either before check-in or after.
• Priority: Upgrade priority is determined by factors like Medallion Status, fare class, and the timing of your request.
• Real-Time Updates: The Delta app provides real-time information on your upgrade status and will notify you if an upgrade becomes available.
• Fees and Policies: While requesting an upgrade on standby typically doesn’t involve additional fees, policies may vary based on your ticket type and status.

How Do I Get on the Delta Same-Day Standby Upgrade List?

To get on the Delta Same-Day Standby Upgrade list:

• Eligibility:  Ensure that you’re within 24 hours of your flight.
• Request Upgrades: Use the Delta app to request an upgrade. You can do this either before check-in or after, depending on availability.
• Monitor Status: Keep an eye on your upgrade status through the Delta app for real-time updates and notifications.

You can register through the app or with 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.

The following terms apply to same-day standby changes with Delta:

• Same-day standby flight changes can be made only within 24 hours of the original flight departure time.
• Silver Medallion members, general SkyMiles members and non-members can only fly same-day standby for a flight that departs earlier than their original flight.
• Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight that departs at any time on the same day as their original flight.
• Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day standby changes.
• Same-day standby changes can’t be made on international flights or flights to and from Canada.
• Same-day standby changes can be made on travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.
• Origin and destination as well as same-city airport changes are unavailable for same-day standby changes.
• Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden. However, you can choose standby for multi-segment flights, as long as the beginning and end airports are the same.

Tips and Strategies for Navigating the Standby List Successfully

Just like other aspects of flying, approaching it strategically can boost your chances of it all working out. Below are some crucial pointers that will ultimately lead to your winning the Delta standby list.

• Be Flexible: Flexibility on travel dates helps in getting a standby seat more easily. Keep yourself open to flying at different times and also via different routes.
• Check Early: The earlier you put in your standby request, the greater your chances of getting confirmed. Well, the early bird does get some better priority.
• Use the Delta App: This app is very good at tracking—in real time—any stand-by updates and potential upgrades. One can easily also make any changes and track their options.
• Know Your Status: Remember your Medallion Status or fare class, since either one of these factors can directly impact your priority on the standby list.
• Prepare Alternatives: In case you do not get on the standby flight, have some alternatives to guard against that eventuality. Now, being ready for any alternative arrangements can ensure much less stress and a smoother journey.

Get Set, Jet: Start Your Last-minute Journey with confidence

The Delta standby list is very useful for any customer who needs to change a flight or upgrade. Knowing how the standby list works, what sets it apart from same-day confirmed changes, and using the Delta app to your advantage can go a long way in making your travels easier. Be it taking an earlier flight or getting upgraded, the standby list will help you with those travel tricks. Safe travels, and may your standby experience be smooth and successful!