I just read this message on AA's website regarding their standby policy. It looks like they will charge to go standby unless you meet certain criteria.

http://www.aa.com/viewPromotionDetai...&_locale=en_US

That sucks, but I'm not surprised since some of their competitors are already doing this. Still a bummer though.

Looks like they've exempted elite FF members from this change.

I know airlines need money, but isn't this counterproductive for them? If there is an empty seat on an early flight and someone with a ticket for a later flight wants it at the last moment, don't they have a better chance of selling a full fare ticket for that later flight?

I would think they would want to encourage this behavior, not punish it.

Steve

I don't think it is counterproductive. There are a lot of flyers (my husband for example) who will buy the cheapest ticket for flights that day and then go standby on the flight he really wants. As he has status, 90% of the time he gets the flight he wants without paying for it.

After 15 years of and travel with AA and taking advantage of standby, I now have to switch airlines. That ticks me off. UNITED AIRLINES has no standby fee. They will get my loyalty and my business.

I give UAL 6mo before they change their standby fee. AA rewards loyalty, but only if you're loyal enough to earn elite FF status. I think moves like this move may actually increase loyalty - since I have elite status on UAL and AA I'm less likely to use other airlines now.

<i>I give UAL 6mo before they change their standby fee.</i>

I didn't think it would take that long, and it didn't...$50 effective April 28 for tickets purchased on or after today. And not all elites are exempt.

So now where is EX AA FLYER going???? LOL! I always love the "knee jerk" reactions..... Never say never in travel. It tends to turn around and bite you in the "you know where"