I have CO FF tickets to Mexico, with kids in tow, traveling next week. The return leg to NYC was routed via Delta, with a very late night stop in Atlanta. There are CO non-stops, for which I am waitlisted but, I am told that the list "hasn't cleared." (Of course, there are still seats available on those non-stop flights.)

My plan would've been to show up at the airport on departure day and hope for seats on the non-stop(s). Yet, I've been told by CO reservationists that, on int'l flights, you are not permitted to go standby. My concern is showing up, being turned away and spending hours in the airport.

Does anyone know if, internationally, the general rule of "show up and if there are seats we'll put you on" applies? Also, any way to increase my chances of getting the non-stops?
Thanks.

Best to call CO and ask (may have to call several times to get proper answer).

I have tried the show-up early and hope for stand-by strategy with NWA and BA when I knew they had empty seats. But neither allowed stand-by for international and I wasn't allowed on those flights despite seat availability.

I would call again closer to your return trip. They may release some more FF seats later, but not quite yet as they can still sell those tickets for money right now.

I wouldn't go to the airport to standby. With a family in tow, that's more trouble than flying through ATL later.

BTW, standbys on international flights do occur. I've seen couple of dozen of people standing by in Newark for EWR-HKG last Christmas. But I don't know about using FF miles.

I'd believe what CO says, and make sure they have a contact number for you in Mexico. If it does not clear prior to your arrival in Mexico, I would also check with CO while there, including the night before your return flight. CO may release FF seats at last minute, but I wouldn't risk just showing up hoping for an exception to be made. If you are Elite, try calling the Elite desk.

I thought about this a little more. If you cannot confirm by phone the CO non-stop flight prior, then you'll still have a DL reservation on the day of travel, not a CO one. I doubt CO in MEX (or wherever that is) will even entertain putting you on standby on their flight.

Thank you.

I think I will refrain from "running" to the airport absent a confirmed return seat, and will try CO from Mexico, to see if any seats cleared. I appreciate the many hours at the airort you have likely saved me.