What To Know
- A standby flight allows passengers to travel on a specific flight without a confirmed seat.
- Standby allows you to travel on a specific flight without being tied to a particular seat or departure time.
- Standby can be a lifesaver if you need to travel at the last minute and confirmed seats are unavailable.
Air Canada, as a leading airline, offers various options for travelers, including standby flights. Understanding the intricacies of standby can help you navigate the process effectively. This article delves into the details of Air Canada’s standby policy, exploring what it entails, how to qualify, and the potential benefits and drawbacks.
What is a Standby Flight?
A standby flight allows passengers to travel on a specific flight without a confirmed seat. Instead, they wait until the flight’s departure time to see if any unsold seats become available. If seats are available, standby passengers are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can Air Canada Put Me on Standby?
Yes, Air Canada offers standby flights on select routes and flights. However, eligibility and availability vary depending on factors such as:
- Flight status: Standby is typically available on flights that are not fully booked.
- Ticket type: Certain ticket types, such as flexible or refundable fares, may be eligible for standby.
- Status: Air Canada’s Altitude Elite members and Star Alliance Gold members may have priority for standby.
How to Get on Standby with Air Canada
To get on standby with Air Canada, follow these steps:
1. Check flight availability: Visit Air Canada‘s website or contact their reservations team to inquire about standby availability on your desired flight.
2. Purchase a standby ticket: If standby is available, purchase a standby ticket at the airport or through Air Canada‘s website.
3. Check in early: Arrive at the airport well before the flight’s departure time to increase your chances of getting a seat.
4. Report to the gate: Proceed to the gate and inform the gate agent that you are on standby.
Benefits of Standby Flights
- Potential cost savings: Standby tickets can be significantly cheaper than confirmed tickets, especially on popular routes.
- Flexibility: Standby allows you to travel on a specific flight without being tied to a particular seat or departure time.
- Last-minute availability: Standby can be a lifesaver if you need to travel at the last minute and confirmed seats are unavailable.
Drawbacks of Standby Flights
- No guaranteed seat: Standby passengers are not guaranteed a seat on the flight.
- Long wait times: You may have to wait for several hours or even miss the flight if there are no available seats.
- Limited availability: Standby is not always available, especially on peak travel days.
Tips for Getting a Standby Seat
- Be flexible: Be prepared to wait or even miss the flight if no seats become available.
- Check multiple flights: Consider checking standby availability on multiple flights to increase your chances.
- Upgrade your ticket: If possible, upgrade your ticket to a higher fare class, which may increase your priority for standby.
- Join Air Canada’s loyalty program: Altitude Elite members have priority for standby, so consider joining the program for additional benefits.
Alternatives to Standby Flights
If standby is not an option or does not meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Waitlisting: Similar to standby, waitlisting involves adding your name to a list for a specific flight. However, waitlisted passengers have a higher priority than standby passengers.
- Bumping: If a flight is overbooked, the airline may bump passengers to accommodate waitlisted or standby passengers.
- Purchasing a confirmed ticket: While more expensive, purchasing a confirmed ticket guarantees you a seat on the flight.
Questions We Hear a Lot
- Q: Can I book a standby flight online?
A: Yes, you can purchase a standby ticket through Air Canada’s website.
- Q: How long do I have to wait on standby?
A: Wait times vary depending on the flight’s availability and your priority.
- Q: Can I bring checked baggage on a standby flight?
A: Yes, you can check baggage on a standby flight, but there may be additional fees.
- Q: What happens if I miss my standby flight?
A: If you miss your standby flight, you will need to rebook or purchase a new ticket.
- Q: Can I use my Altitude status to improve my chances of getting a standby seat?
A: Yes, Altitude Elite members have priority for standby.
- Q: Is standby available on all Air Canada flights?
A: No, standby is only available on select routes and flights.
