Is it at all possible to fly standby without having previously purchased a ticket?

Question

I'm looking for the cheapest cross-country flight I can get within the next month. I don't have any time restrictions and I'm willing to camp out at the airport. If show up at the ticket counter can I pay for a standby flight if they have room for me? If not, does anyone have any better ideas to find a super cheap flight?

Answer 1

Just stay home instead camping at the airport.

Stand-by tickets do not exist any longer.

Ticket purchased at the airport on the same day are FULL fare.

Low prices mean buying in advance and well in advance

Answer 2

unfortunately the way the fares are structured now. the day of the flight you would have buy a full fare coach ticket to fly that day. the further out you buy your ticket the cheaper it is. the airlines structure their fares based on 7 days out 14 days out and 21 days out. and some are even 30 days out. so buy your ticket at least 30 days in advanced to get the best fare!