If I try to fly standby do I lose my confirmed seat?

Question

I haven't flown standby before but am thinking of trying to on the second leg of a flight tomorrow. If I select the option to standby for an earlier flight, do I lose my seat on the flight I originally purchased (i.e., would I no longer be guaranteed to have a confirmed seat on that original flight and have to standby on it as well if I couldn't get on an earlier flight)?

Answer 1

No, your purchased seat will still be confirmed.  I've flown standby many times, and when I am unlucky enough to not get the standby seat, the consolation is always that I have a guaranteed seat on the later flight.

A hint for standby - to get a feel for how many seats are left on your target flight, try and buy a ticket on it.  The availability of seats can give you a hint.  Also if you have a travel agent they can always check the number of open seats on the flight as well.

Answer 2

The only thing about flying standby is that you have to verify on which flight your bags (if you check bags) will be put on, are you bags also on standby?  Some airlines now a days do not have standby program so it also depends on what airline you fly.  But as far as your confirmed seat, you don't have to worry about losing it.