does flying stand by actually make the flight cheaper?

Question

If waiting last minute at the check out counter waiting for available flights make the flight cheaper?

when I say stand by, I mean not purchasing a ticket until the front check-in agent confirms that there are available seats before take off

Answer 1

Airline employee here - maybe 30 years ago on flights to Europe on certain airlines. Flying standby today is the most expensive way to fly. You will pay the full fare. i.e. about $1,000 one way LA to NY in coach as opposed to a few hundred r/t if you even planned a week before. Don't be suckered by dumb answers. Don't fly stand by unless it's a reputable company such as Air Hitch to Europe. I really don't know of any others.

Answer 2

For the people that answered YES - please explain how this is done. You can't go to the gate to stand-by unless you have some sort of boarding card. You can stand-by if you already have a flight and are trying to change, but to buy a ticket at the gate just before take off? I'd like to hear more about it.

Answer 3

I don't think it works that way anymore although this was true once upon a time. With so many online ways to go (i.e. last minute deals on travelocity, priceline, hotwire, weekend deals on the websites of the airlines themselves) I don't think you can show up at the airport and get that great of a rate anymore. But I can't say I've tried.....

Answer 4

Yes, because you have to wait until almost departure time, and if there is room on the flight you want to take, then they will sell you a discount ticket to board.

Answer 5

Yes it is cheaper but you aren't guaranteed a seat or which flight you'll be on. If you aren't in a rush and don't care when you arrive it is definately worth it.♥

Answer 6

Those who said YES.. please try to do so yourself.
Those who said NO.. Please listen to these people.
You definately pay full fare for the tkt. It's not FUN to wait on the standby list.