Stand-by and wait list

[dizzydeusen]

I am wait listed for a flight to North America from Narita in August. I had a ticket for July but had to change the date, and there are (they say) no seats available now for August. But I went to the website and of course there are tickets at 3 times the price I paid for my original ticket. So I suppose if they find they can't sell the seats at the higher price they will call me to give me a seat. I guess.

But I wonder if airlines do stand-by these days. I know they do for airline employees and their relatives, but what about Joe Blow? I live very close to Narita.

Also, does wait list only apply if you have a ticket in hand? I'm unsure of the difference between "wait list" and "stand by."

If someone could clear up my confusion I'd appreciate it.

Ta very much.

[well_bicyclically]

I have flown stand by, as a non-revenue passenger.... I have a relative who works for an airline.

If the plane is NOT fully booked, or OVERSOLD, full fair passengers who had missed their flight, or were bumped from their flight go on board first, then other airline staff, then immediate family members....

keep in mind, airlines usually oversell the flight by about ten percent to assure a full flight. Someone is always late. Someone always has to cancel at the last minute, and overselling assures 100 percent capacity and full revenue for them.

if you have a ticket, but have to make a change, you can either try to wait for stand by; or pay the additional seat fares. Standing by is risky. If all the seats are sold, you will be left behind and have to wait for the next flight.

it is your choice!! August is the peak travel season in Japan. Those available seats could easily be sold between now and then and you would be screwed!!

wait listed -- at the end of checking in, if your type of seat is available on the flight you wish, the airline will re-issue your ticket for the flight you wish and give you a seat assignment, usually before they call the generally boarding of the plane.

stand-by -- after all passagers have boarded, if there are any empty seats, they will be given to passengers who did not originally have seat assignments or reservations for that flight. Stand by passengers are always the last to board.

[dizzydeusen]

I see. Thank you for the clarification, Well-B.

[well_bicyclically]

if your vacation plans are limited, you will have to buck up and pay the additional fare to reserve yourself a seat -- especially in a peak season, on a popular flight.... the airlines are counting on that very scenario!