Navigate the Delta Standby List for Last-Minute Travel

Even the best of travel plans go awry.

Whether you decide you want to squeeze a few more hours out of your vacation or need to travel earlier than planned, Delta Air Lines has a few smart options for you.

If you’re on an eligible domestic flight, you can opt for the Delta standby list to help you secure a different flight on the same day. What’s more, the service is free of charge.

However, there is some small print to read carefully when it comes to making a same-day Delta standby change.

Let’s dive into the Delta standby list meaning, its pros, cons and when you’d be better off going for a same-day confirmed change instead.

What Is the Delta Standby List?

The Delta standby list enables you to make same-day changes to your flight plans, as long as there is seat availability.

Perhaps you want to arrive at your destination earlier than planned or maybe you were bumped from your original flight due to overbooking.

You can opt to be on the Delta standby list, putting you next in line when a seat is available on your desired flight.

The only caveat with being on the Delta standby list is that you’re not guaranteed to get a seat on the flight you want to be on, so be prepared to gamble.

Same-Day Confirmed vs. Standby

It’s easy to confuse a same-day confirmed flight change with a same-day standby change. However, these types of changes carry different levels of risk, so it’s essential to understand the distinction. Likewise, these changes are also different from when you want to upgrade your Delta flight.

A same-day confirmed change happens when you want to rebook a confirmed seat on a different flight departing on the same day. In this case, you’re assigned a seat at the time of booking, guaranteeing that the plane will leave with you onboard.

For Delta same-day confirmed changes, a fee starting at $75 applies. That said, you may be able to avoid the fee if you have a refundable ticket or if you’re a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion member.

You can use same-day confirmed changes on travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection® flights.

The following terms apply to same-day confirmed changes with Delta:

• A seat must be available in the same fare class or lower on the flight you wish to change to. That means you could change from a Delta Premium Select fare to a Main Cabin fare, but not the other way around.
• Same-day confirmed changes can’t be made on international flights.
• Origin and destination, as well as same-city airport changes, are unavailable for same-day confirmed changes.
• Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden.
• Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day confirmed changes.
• The same-day change can be made within 24 hours of the departure time of your original flight.

In contrast, a same-day standby change enables you to wait for an open seat on a different flight departing on the same day. Same-day standby changes are complimentary, meaning there are no fees involved.

If a same-day confirmed change is unavailable, you’ll be able to opt for same-day standby. Until your seat is confirmed on your desired flight, you’ll be able to keep your original flight booking (assuming your desired flight departs earlier than your original flight).

The following terms apply to same-day standby changes with Delta:

• Same-day standby flight changes can be made only within 24 hours of the original flight departure time.
• Silver Medallion members, general SkyMiles members and non-members can only fly same-day standby for a flight that departs earlier than their original flight.
• Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight that departs at any time on the same day as their original flight.
• Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day standby changes.
• Same-day standby changes can’t be made on international flights or flights to and from Canada.
• Same-day standby changes can be made on travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.
• Origin and destination as well as same-city airport changes are unavailable for same-day standby changes.
• Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden. However, you can choose standby for multi-segment flights, as long as the beginning and end airports are the same.

The main difference between a same-day standby change in comparison with a same-day confirmed change is that you’re not yet allocated a seat when waiting on the standby list, meaning that there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to take your desired flight.

Likewise, while there are possible fees involved with same-day confirmed changes, there are no extra fees for same-day standby changes.

Why Opt for the Standby List?

Opting for the standby list can give you flexibility and cost savings.

You won’t be liable to pay a fee, unlike with a same-day confirmed change. Plus, you won’t lose your original flight booking by being on the standby list. Therefore, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying to catch a spot on an earlier flight.

Potential Challenges of Being on the Standby List

Although you technically have nothing to lose by being on the standby list, keep in mind the very real possibility that you won’t get a seat on your desired flight.

You likely won’t be the only one on the standby list. And if other travelers on the list have priority over you, such as those with higher Delta Medallion status, you could be out of luck.

That means if you need to be on an earlier flight than originally planned, opting for standby should be avoided.

Likewise, being on the standby list is a less-than-ideal option for families traveling together. Even a family of just three could face problems, with perhaps only one or two members being allocated a seat. Not to mention that being on the standby list can result in longer wait times, which could prove stressful for families with young children.

How to Get On the Delta Standby List

To get on the Delta standby list, you’ll first need to get on it within 24 hours before your original flight’s departure time.

You’ll then need to ensure that your fare type and destination are eligible for a same-day standby change. Specifically, you’ll need to have a fare type other than a Basic Economy fare. Similarly, your flight can only be within the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.

Once you’ve confirmed your fare and destination eligibility, you can call a Delta representative, go online or go through the Fly Delta app.

During the check-in process, you can opt to make a same-day change to your flight. You’ll be given a list of flights you can make a confirmed change to.

However, if a same-day confirmed change is unavailable, you’ll be given the option to make a same-day standby change.

Keep in mind that you can only change to the same or lower fare class than you originally booked.

Tips and Strategies for Navigating the Standby List Successfully

As with all things flight-related, having a solid strategy can help improve the odds of getting what you want.

Here are some tips for maximizing your success on the Delta standby list.

Arrive Early and Time Your Request

When it comes to flying, arriving at the airport early never hurts. This is all the more so when it comes to being on the standby list. In fact, arriving late could reduce your chances of getting that flight you want.

By arriving early and registering your change with a Delta representative or through the app, you’ll have a greater chance of being higher up on the standby list. This can help give you priority over other travelers when it comes to getting a confirmed seat.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans

Being flexible with your travel plans can give you greater success on the standby list.

If you’re willing to wait longer for a new flight or have your connecting flight through a different airport, you’ll be in a better position to score the flight you want.

Stay Updated on Flight Status

Fortunately, you don’t have to stay in the dark while waiting on the standby list.

You can select your desired flight in the Delta app and click “Upgrade/Standby List.” From the Delta upgrade standby list section, you can then select the standby list and see the names and order of priority for each of the passengers on standby for your flight.

In the app, there is no difference between the Delta standby list vs. the seats remaining list. The seats remaining list shows the number of yet unassigned seats. Keep in mind that this can also include booked Basic Economy travelers who haven’t yet checked in.

Similarly, you can sometimes see the standby priority list at your gate.

Keeping up to date on the status of the standby list can help you predict the likelihood of securing a seat.

Get Priority with Delta Medallion

When it comes to navigating Delta’s standby list, loyalty pays off.

All other things remaining equal, the higher your status is with Delta, the more priority you will have over others on the standby list.

That means Delta SkyMiles members tend to have priority over non-SkyMiles members. Within the Delta SkyMiles program, Diamond Medallion members have top priority, Platinum Medallion members have second priority, Gold Medallion members have third, and so on for the remaining tiers.

Likewise, full-paying passengers have priority over those traveling on discounted fares.

Leverage Other Delta Loyalty Programs

As mentioned, elite status can help get you ahead in the line while on Delta’s standby list.

Here’s a quick overview of Delta’s status tiers and what you need to do to qualify.
Silver Medallion status is Delta’s lowest status tier. You’ll need to earn 5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD) to receive Silver status. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• 7X miles on qualifying Delta flights
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Hertz Five Star® status
• Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ and first-class upgrades on domestic flights in addition to flights from the U.S. to Canada, the Caribbean and Central America, 24 hours before your departure, with complimentary preferred seating
• Discounted CLEAR® Plus membership
• Your first checked bag flies free for you and up to eight travel companions.

Gold Medallion status is the next tier of Delta status, which you’ll need 10,000 MQDs to qualify for. As a Gold member, you’ll receive:

• 8X miles on qualifying Delta flights
• Hertz Five Star status
• Complimentary first-class and Comfort+ upgrades on domestic flights and short-haul international flights, 72 hours before your departure, with complimentary preferred seating
• First checked bag free for you and up to eight travel companions
• Waived same-day confirmed seating changes
• Sky Priority® suite of services including expedited baggage service, priority check-in, priority security line access, and Sky Priority boarding
• Discounted CLEAR Plus membership

Platinum Medallion status is the next step on Delta’s status ladder, requiring 15,000 MQDs. In return, you’ll enjoy:

• 9X miles on Delta flights
• One Choice Benefit of your choosing. Benefits include four regional upgrade certificates, the option to give Silver Medallion status to two members, and many more options.
• CLEAR Plus membership discount
• Unlimited first-class upgrades 120 hours before departure
• First checked bag free for you and up to eight travel companions
• Waived same-day confirmed seating changes
• Sky Priority suite of services
• Hertz President’s Circle® status

The final public tier of Delta status is Diamond Medallion. For this, you’ll need to earn 28,000 MQDs. Diamond members will receive:

• 11X miles on Delta flights
• First checked bag free for you and up to eight travel companions
• Waived same-day confirmed seating changes
• Unlimited complimentary upgrades for you and a companion to Comfort+ shortly after ticketing, first class 120 hours before departure and to domestic Delta One® on the day of departure
• Three Choice Benefits of your choosing
• Sky Priority suite of services
• Hertz President’s Circle status
• Complimentary CLEAR Plus membership

Overall, it pays to have status when it comes to the standby list.

Get Set, Jet: Launch Your Last-Minute Adventure with Confidence

If your plans have changed since booking your flight, the Delta standby list could save the day.

You could switch to an earlier flight without paying anything in fees, giving you more time at the pool, bar or the beach.

However, basing your plans around the standby list is a gamble. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get the flight you want to be on. So if you need to fly earlier than originally planned, bite the bullet and pay the fee for a same-day confirmed change.

And if you’re a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion member, you can avoid this fee altogether and still have peace of mind.

If you happen to fly Delta often, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could offer you significant rewards and perks when flying Delta, without the need for Medallion status. Check out our take on the Delta Reserve to see if this card is for you.