what do you call that thing?

[cheapchinese]

I remember watching Dateline, introducing that I can fly cheap, by waiting next to the counter if the flight isn't booked full.

How do i do that?
anyone with exp on this?
and How do i ask for it at the desk?

thinking of traveling to NY, got plenty of time since its winter vacation, might as well travel cheap :P

TIA

PS if there's age restriction, I'm 24

[zippyjuan]

You mean Stand By. The busier the airline is the harder it is to get seats so avoid the Holiday season and when others are on break. Unless your destination is less popular.

[cheapchinese]

so i just walk up to the counter and ask for a stand by?
would it be any cheaper than just searching airfaires online?

LAX to NYC
I'll fly one weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Is it considered Holiday Season Now?

[zippyjuan]

You are probably better off online trying those sites that you can pick the day but not the time. Some specialize in last- minute tickets. Airlines book flights fuller than they used to so finding seats at the gate can be hard. I think it is more used by people who are bumped off already full flights trying to get a seat on the next one than people trying to get a ticket in the first place. I don't have the names of any.

[Merlin]

You are courting disaster. It is pretty rare that airlines have empty seats nowadays. The last several flights I have been on have been filled to capacity. Hell, you can barely get frequent flier flights they are so full. And going during the week....well you notice the plane is still full just with people wearing suits.


I think it is more used by people who are bumped off already full flights trying to get a seat on the next one than people trying to get a ticket in the first place.
Usually you are on the later flight but you were able to get to the airport sooner than expected. Like when there is a flight every hour (LA to San Fran) and your meeting went smoother than expected and traffic was light. I've done that in the past....just asked if they could put me on the earlier flight and it usually works.