On 30/05/10 4:21 PM, John Levine wrote:
I'd have done what you did. If you fly through customs, you can always
stand by for the earlier flight. ...

accommodating. The worst they can do is say, "No, it's almost Labor Day
weekend, what were you thinking?" and you'll catch the later flight. It's
certainly better than being booked on the earlier flight, missing it and
waiting until a later flight opens up.

Maybe some time ago, but no more. All the major airlines are now charging
for standby changes on the same day.

Looking at Delta's web site, it appears that they charge $50 for a
confirmed same-day flight change, but if you just want to stand by and
see if you get on, that's free.

The last time I flew on United, within the past year, it was the same
rule, pay for a confirmed change, or take your chances for free.

If they suggest the flight change to the earlier flight (which they have
a vested interest in doing if there's space), then they won't charge
you. If you request it, they will likely try to charge you. You probably
wouldn't be able to sit together.

You probably did the right thing by moving the 2nd flight. Flights are
running very full even not on holidays these days. Non-revenue
passengers really have a tough time these days getting on, and need to
be very flexible, but as a revenue passenger you'd at least have
priority over them.