Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Episode: Best and Worst Carriers for Standby and Same-Day Changes — and How to Capitalize
Hosts: Sally French & Meagan Coyle (NerdWallet Travel Experts)
Release Date: December 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into last-minute flight changes—specifically, the policies, fees, and hacks related to same-day changes and standby options across U.S. airlines. Hosts Sally French and Meagan Coyle guide listeners through which carriers make changing flights a breeze (or a nightmare), the traps of budget airlines, tricks for maximizing travel flexibility, and key actionable tips. The episode is filled with witty banter, real-life examples, and practical recommendations to ensure travelers can upgrade their getaways without breaking the bank.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Consider Same-Day Changes & Standby?

[00:31–01:02, 12:49–13:58]

• Many travelers regret their flight times and wonder if switching to a more convenient option is possible without extra cost.
• Sally: “Same day changes and standby tricks can actually save you money if you know how to work the system.” [00:39]
• Used frequently by “travel nerds” and business travelers when meetings end early, plans change, or the desire to head home strikes.

Pro Tip:

• Sometimes booking last-minute on points (not cash) is a great value—points fares don’t always hike up like cash fares the closer you get.
• “Fares do not drop if you wait until the last minute. But that applies to fares booked in cash, not to fares booked in points.” — Sally [15:04]

2. Airline News Roundup

[01:39–07:34]

• Delta's “Centennial Cheer” rewards kindness at airports with surprise gifts, including a $500 gift card.
• Chase is closing its Hong Kong Sapphire Lounge but expanding in the U.S.; Las Vegas just got a standout new lounge.
• Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt are investing heavily in luxury and lifestyle properties (wellness, experiences, high-end destinations).
• More options for points redemptions at aspirational hotels; hosts are hopeful luxury trickles down to mid-tier properties.

Quote:
"Luxury isn't about stuff, it's about emotional return on investment." — Marriott rep (paraphrased by Meagan) [06:15]

3. Maximize End-of-Year Benefits

[09:13–11:06]

• Many travel credit card benefits (airline, hotel, shopping credits) reset after December 31. Book charges now, don't wait until the last minute.
• “Do not go out on December 31st trying to use that Saks credit from your AMEX Platinum card... If the clock strikes midnight before the credit hits, you are out of luck.” — Sally [10:13]
• Elite status qualification window also closes Dec 31: Last-minute ‘mileage runs’ or ‘mattress runs’ may make sense for some.

4. Deep-Dive: How Same-Day Changes and Standby Work

[12:49–14:06]

• There are two main ways to adjust travel last-minute:

  • Book an entirely new flight (often expensive in cash, potentially a deal using points).
  • Use the airline’s same-day change or standby policies to hop on a different flight for a flat fee or even free, depending on rules.

• Flexibility is critical: Being open to alternative airports or departure times increases odds of success.

5. Best & Worst U.S. Airlines for Same-Day Changes and Standby

Southwest Airlines: The Gold Standard

[19:19–21:14]

• Best for same-day changes and standby—if you book "Choice Fare" (2nd tier or higher).
  • Unlimited same-day confirmed changes: $0 fee!
  • Can confirm new flight after midnight of your travel day.
  • Sally’s Vegas example: “I was able... just at 12:01 to lock in that earlier flight... and I still paid the 4pm price.” [20:51]
  • “You could do this up to 10 minutes before departure.” [20:55]

American Airlines: Transparent, Flat Fee

[21:31–22:18]

• Same-day confirmed changes: $60 fee (flat), regardless of fare difference.
• Standby also permitted.
• “This can be kind of a hack to only pay $60 to do a confirmed change... Again, you are rolling the dice.” — Sally [22:00]

Delta Airlines: Good But Less Convenient

[24:45–26:34]

• Same-day standby is free (except on Basic Economy fares), but must be done in person at the gate—cannot get your seat assignment via app.
• Same-day confirmed changes: $75 fee.
• “You have to go to the gate to get your actual seat assignment… if you’re not at the gate, then they could just give your ticket to the person number 11 in line.” — Sally [25:54]

United Airlines: Elite Status Only for Deals

[22:28–24:45]

• Non-elites: Only option is to pay the fare difference, usually substantial.
• Elites (Premiers): Same-day confirmed changes are free if available.
• Standby is free and can be requested via the app even before arriving at the airport.
  • “With their app, they actually notify you through the app if you got a spot on the waitlist. ... You can just chill out at the lounge.” — Sally [24:24]

Alaska Airlines: Fees Vary by Route

[26:40–27:18]

• Travel between Seattle & Portland/nonstop within a state: $50 fee; all other flights: $75 fee.
• Even Saver/Basics can pay extra for some flexibility.

Budget Airlines (Spirit and Frontier): Fee Minefields

[27:18–29:48]

• Spirit: $99 same-day change fee plus the fare difference.
• Spirit’s only saving grace: No change/cancel fees for premium fares, though the fare difference still applies.
• Frontier: Opaque policies, but expect at least a $99 same-day change fee plus fare difference, plus $25 just to get on standby via talking to a gate agent.
• “The fact that I can’t figure this out is very stressful to me.” — Sally, on Frontier’s unclear website [27:36]
• “Basically, don’t change your flight if you’re flying Frontier… Godspeed and pay lots of fees.” — Sally [28:27]

6. Clever Credit Card Perks for Last-Minute Fliers

[16:05–16:58]

• Delta cardholders: 15% discount on award flights.
• Alaska Atmos Summit card: Up to $50 in waived fees for same-day confirmed changes.
• United Quest card: Mileage discounts for award flights, great for emergencies.

7. Expert Tips & Strategies for Maximizing Standby and Same-Day Changes

[30:06–31:52]

• Must-have: Download the airline’s app
  • Easiest way to join standby, check position, get status notifications.
• Join standby as early as possible
  • List position is key (along with elite status, fare type).
• Travel light
  • Only carry-on makes switching flights easier for both you and the gate agent.
  • “It is so difficult to get on standby when you’re like, but wait, I checked all my luggage.” — Sally [31:46]
• Gate agent friendliness
  • The “squeaky but polite wheel gets the grease.” [31:35]
• Pick less desirable flight times
  • Empty red-eyes or early mornings boost your chances for a successful change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There is a system—some airlines make it easy, some make it weird..." – Sally [00:46]
• "If you're flexible with your time and destination, your chances of scoring a last-minute deal or seat go way up." – Sally [14:24]
• "Southwest... number one best policy for same-day changes and standbys... and the fee is $0." – Sally [19:31, 20:20]
• "With Delta, you have to go to the gate to get your actual seat assignment and get your ticket... if you’re not at the gate, they could just give your ticket to the person number 11 in line." – Sally [25:54]
• "Frontier likes to make their rules very opaque and then just add on fees everywhere… we honestly don’t even know what Frontier’s policies are." – Sally [27:36, 27:59]
• "The squeaky but polite wheel gets the grease." – Host (show notes, quoted by Sally) [31:35]

Quick Reference: Airline Same-Day Change Policies (As of Dec 2025)

| Airline | Confirmed Change Fee | Standby Fee | Notable Caveats/Perks | |------------|---------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Southwest | $0 (Choice fares+) | $0 | Must wait until day-of; lower fares don’t qualify | | American | $60 | Usually free | Confirmed change starts 24hr before departure | | Delta | $75 | $0 (not for Basic) | Must get seat at gate, not app | | United | Fare difference (non-elite) / Free (elite) | Free | App works for standby | | Alaska | $50–$75 | $0 | Extra $40 for “saver” fares | | Frontier | $99 + fare diff; $25 standby fee | $25 just to join standby | Poorly documented, likely worse | | Spirit | $99 + fare diff | Unknown | Only flexible for premium fares |

Hot Takeoff: Personalization vs. Sustainability in Hotels

[32:05–32:58]

• Sally laments hotel TVs left on for hours solely to display “Welcome Ms. French,” questioning environmental benefits.
  • “I walk in and I’m like, this TV has been on for 10 hours just to welcome me.” [32:20]
• Both agree a handwritten note would be more personal and more sustainable.

Final Word

For savvy, flexible travelers, standby and same-day options can be a valuable tool—but only if you know each airline’s policies and make the most of credit card perks, elite status, and friendly connections at the airport. Travelers should double check current policies before flying and remember that being nice, prepared, and adaptable yields the best results.

For more details and referenced links, see the episode description or NerdWallet’s published guides on travel brands and loyalty programs.