Read About us to know how we fly ‘free’ standby (or non-reservation)
After nearly 150 non-rev trips (over 350 flights) taken with kids, I have a {few} standby tips. This is part of a series of advice for non-rev family travel. Subscribe to my blog to be notified when more standby tips are available.
Here’s hoping for a smooth stand-by experience for you! As if non-rev travel is ever smooth! It isn’t easy and you always have to be prepared to change plans last minute. But here are a few ways to make the stressful, anxious experience of trying to get several seats at the last minute as peaceful as possible.
Flying on a buddy pass?
Here are tips for flying standby internationally.
AVOIDING EXIT ROWS
On our recent trip, there were just enough seats for 3 of us to get on. Of the last 3 seats on the flight, 2 of them were exit rows. Even though we know that on the plane plenty of people would be happy to switch for an exit row, the gate agents are not legally allowed to list a child in an exit row due to the federal rules. Since all the other passengers boarded prior to us getting tickets, we were unable to board and the plane left with empty seats! This was so disappointing!
Standby Tip #1: If you fly standby with children, let the assigning gate agent know! Ask them to assign the exit rows early or switch seats with paying customers because you’d like seats later down the list!
GETTING TO THE GATE ON TIME
After we missed our first flight, we asked the gate agent to move us to another flight. We ran as fast as possible to that gate, but they had already begun boarding. 32 stand-by passes had already been handed out. Since we weren’t there, we were skipped.
When we arrived there were still plenty of seats, so we still thought we would make it on. But instead of calling us, they gave seats to 10 more stand-bys AFTER us. We were so confused as to why this happened. We were told that the last 10 seats were also exit row seats. Since we had kids AND had arrived late, they gave the seats to others. This was so disappointing again.
They gave out 42 stand-by seats, I’m not sure why they saved the exit rows for the very end, but on our next flight we were sure to ask them to re-assign others to the exit row so it was possible for our family to get on!
Standby Tip #2: Be to the gate 45 minutes before take off. Usually, seats aren’t assigned until the end, but you never know! And you don’t want to miss hearing your name called!
SPLITTING UP
It is always tricky knowing if you should split up or not. If half the party makes it
and the other doesn’t what happens? Make sure you have the bags packed in order to accommodate those who might be splitting up.
As we are getting closer to the flight time, if it looks tight, we make a game plan. “If we get one seat, will we send someone?” What about 2 seats? Who goes if there are 3 seats? etc. Then we arrange baggage to match that plan. If you do get tickets, it is usually a last minute thing and you have to run on. If you take too long messing with plans or baggage, they will leave without you!
Frequently, large parties decide to be skipped rather than split up. If you are ok taking the risk, being willing to take a few seats means a better chance on your party getting on last minute. All three times we planned on splitting up, the other people in our family ended up making it on anyway!
It is such a great feeling to see my husband and child walking on to the plane when I thought I would be alone. Breathing a sigh of relief and not having to fly with anxiety wondering what happened to them in the airport is a great feeling. Once, I missed seeing my husband and son board. When I checked my phone halfway through the flight, I learned he was actually on the plane!
Standby Tip #3: Have a plan for who and what baggage travels if you get 1,2,3+ seats. Don’t forget your phone chargers!
NOT SEATED TOGETHER
Most likely, if you get the last 6 seats on the plane, they will all be middle seats and spread throughout the plane. Plan for this!
Honestly, in many situations, I prefer my kids to sit apart because then… NO FIGHTING with their siblings!
My kids are expert travelers, usually sitting on their own from age 3. They have learned to be just fine sitting next to strangers. I usually introduce them and let their neighbors know that they are so lucky to sit with my child because they will have lots of extra arm and leg room. I let them know where I am sitting if they need anything and thank them for being helpful. Many times people will switch if they see you are traveling with a young child.
My children each have their own travel bag with headphones, tablet, snacks, toys and writing utensils. They are fully capable of having a great flight in their own space. But I teach them in advance and practice. Most people are helpful and kind to children. Many will compliment my children’s independence as well.
In fact, we happen to be on a return flight with a guy who sat next to my 4-year-old old son on our previous flight. He saw my son, and asked if he could sit next to him again! This man said my son was well-behaved, gave him more arm and leg room and entertained HIM on the flight by talking to him!
Switching seats on the flight
Look at your tickets before/during boarding. Make a plan for who in your party sits where. Is there a seat that could be desirable for enticing a switch if someone was willing to move? Try asking someone near your other seat to switch. It is easier for someone to switch before they get all settled in. If possible, get seated early and put your child in the seat you’d like. When that person arrives, Ask if they’d like the other, better (or comparable) seat. Usually, the further to the front seat is desirable for someone sitting in the far back.
Standby Tip #4: Plan for middle seats, split up from your party. What do you kids need if you can’t sit together? Most likely someone will trade, but maybe not! Plan for the worst case and be thankful for anything better!
FLYING WITH A BABY
Because we can, I reserve a seat for my infants and babies. They sleep so much better in a car seat and I get my hands free to help my other children. This makes the flight so much more enjoyable. However, switching the child to a lap baby can take lots of time at the gate and can contribute to not getting on a flight. If the seats look tight, ask the attendant to add the baby as a lap baby well before boarding. It is more difficult on the flight, but if it helps you get on, it is worth it, right?
Standby Tip #5 Make a listing for a seat for the baby, but be willing to switch to a lap baby well before the last minute if it looks tight.
Here are 8 more ways to rock Flying Standby.
What other questions do you have about flying standby with your family? What tips would you add?
If you travel standby you need this inspirational travel wall!
Need more money to travel? I have the perfect solution for any traveler!
Fly by the Seat of our Pants contains affiliate links. When you buy through the links it helps keep this website running, at no extra cost to you.
5 Comments
This was heaven sent really 😍❤️❣️👍🏻‼️
Hi Jamie,
Your information has been very informative. My son just started working with an airline and I’m researching any and all tips I can gather. The one tip I’m really looking for to hear is luggage when flying internationally? If we leave for two weeks, its impossible not to check them in? And my fear is not being able to board the flight and having our luggage sent away.
We typically only travel with carryon’s when going internationally. I think you can get them back if you don’t make it, but we like to be able to change plans and go somewhere else if needed. So my husband and I fit all our need in one carryon each and we do laundry on our trips.
This post is exactly what I was looking for! We’re new to the world of stand-by travel and have 4 kids ages 7 and under…I am determined to teach them to sit independently so we can go on some awesome adventures!
I’m so glad you found this blog! Send me any questions you have an I’d love to help! We’ve been traveling standby with 4 kids for 7 years now!