Traveling standby greatly increases the flexibility of your travel plans. This luxury is common when traveling within the United States, but unless you are an airline employee or eligible dependent, it is generally not allowed for international travel.
About
Traveling standby means trying to board a flight on which you do not hold a confirmed reservation. Depending on the airline, revenue (fare-paying) passengers can travel on a same-day standby basis. However, this is generally only allowed if you are traveling within the United States or to Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Eligibility
International standby travel is permitted for airline employees and their eligible dependents. This includes the employee's spouse or domestic partner, parents, and children. Employees may also issue a limited number of "buddy passes" to anyone else. This is referred to as "non-revenue space available" travel.
Advantages
The cost savings, which can be significant, are the primary reason for traveling on standby. Also, there are no change fees for itinerary changes. Some airlines offer complimentary upgrades to premium cabins when space is available.
Disadvantages
Revenue passengers always board the aircraft first. Any remaining seats will be assigned to non-revenue passengers in a specific order based on the seniority of the employee. Those using a buddy pass have the lowest boarding priority. If a flight is full or oversold, non-revenue passengers will not be allowed to board. In addition, blackout dates apply during peak travel periods.
Conclusion
Revenue passengers have limited options for international standby travel. Airline employees, their dependents, and buddy pass riders may travel on standby, subject to certain limitations. Standby travel can be cheap, flexible, and luxurious, but you won't be going anywhere if the flight is booked full with fare-paying passengers.
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