Flying standby

On the same day your flight is booked to depart, you may be able to fly standby on an alternate flight, depending on your destination and the tickets you purchased - see the eligibility section below for full details.

Am I eligible to fly standby?

You are eligible for same day standby for an alternate flight if your reservation falls into one of the three categories below, and you are not traveling on a Saver fare.

  • You are traveling on a nonstop flight between:
    • Anchorage and Fairbanks
    • Seattle and Portland
    • Seattle and Spokane
    Note: If you have a connection itinerary that includes flights between the cities above, you may fly standby on those flights only. See an airport customer service agent for help with this.
  • You have a refundable First Class or Main Cabin ticket that is eligible for a same day confirmed flight change, but space is not available on the desired flight to make a confirmed change. This applies to fare class Y or J.
  • You are an MVP® Gold Mileage Plan member (or traveling in the same reservation as one) and are eligible for a same day confirmed flight change, but space is not available on the desired flight to make a confirmed change.

How do I fly standby on Alaska Airlines?

Follow these steps to fly standby on Alaska Airlines:
  1. Same day standby may be requested during check-in. While you’re checking in for your flight using our online check-in, mobile app check-in, or one of our airport kiosks, choose “Change flight” to request standby. Standby requests must be made prior to the departure of your original flight.
  2. Same day standby can also be requested at the airport. If you’re at the airport and decide to fly standby, see one of our customer service agents to get your name added to the standby list. Standby requests must be made prior to the departure of your original flight.
  3. Head to the gate for your chosen standby flight as early as possible. Keep in mind that seat availability for same day standby travel will not be known until thirty minutes before the flight departs. During that time, be sure to stay in the boarding area, wait for your name to be called, and respond right away when the gate agent calls your name.

What can I do if I’m not eligible to fly standby?

You may want to try a same day confirmed flight change, which will let you switch flights for $50 if seats are available on your preferred flight.