Can I fly standby like this?

[Anonymous]

We have an 8pm flight, booked that late because we weren’t sure about work conflicts. It turns out we can leave earlier. There are many seats available on an earlier flight. What happens if we show up earlier? Would they let us on the earlier flight assuming the seats are still available?

[Anonymous]

One issue. Carry on luggage only? They will not want you flying separately from your checked luggage.

[Anonymous]

IME this is largely up to the people at the checkin desk. I’ve had them tell me no on the phone and yes in person.

[Anonymous]

May depend on airline and also whether it's a domestic or international flight.

For example, I believe Delta doesn't allow you to take an earlier flight like this if it's international.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:May depend on airline and also whether it's a domestic or international flight.

For example, I believe Delta doesn't allow you to take an earlier flight like this if it's international.

OP here.

International, we will only have carry ons,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May depend on airline and also whether it's a domestic or international flight.

For example, I believe Delta doesn't allow you to take an earlier flight like this if it's international.

OP here.

International, we will only have carry ons,

DOMESTIC! And still only carryons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:May depend on airline and also whether it's a domestic or international flight.

For example, I believe Delta doesn't allow you to take an earlier flight like this if it's international.

OP here.

International, we will only have carry ons,

DOMESTIC! And still only carryons.

Might work. More likely to work domestically (incl Canada) than overseas. Worth a try.

[Anonymous]

Did you see what would happen if you actually changed your tickets? Most airlines don’t have change fees anymore. In theory they charge you the difference in ticket price, but if the earlier flight is empty, those seats might not be any more than yours.

[Anonymous]

I’d try.

[Anonymous]

Airline and airfare dependent. Some airlines charge extra in your original fare if you want the ability for same day switches.