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.