Best and Worst Carriers for Standby and Same-Day Changes — and How to Capitalize (Video Episode)

Summary

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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

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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 |

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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.

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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.

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

Transcript

[Ford BlueCruise Announcer]

Ford BlueCruise Hands Free highway driving takes the work out of being behind the wheel, allowing you to relax and reconnect while also staying in control. Enjoy the drive in Bluecruise enabled vehicles like the F150 Explorer and Mustang Mach E available feature on equipped vehicles Terms apply. Does not replace safe driving. See Ford.com BlueCruise for more details.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Have you ever stared at your flight.

[Meagan Coyle]

Time and thought why am I leaving at 5am?

[Sally French]

And should you pay to fix that terrible life choice you made when you booked it?

[Meagan Coyle]

Good news. Same day changes and standby tricks can actually save you money if you know how to work the system.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And yes, there is a system.

[Sally French]

Some airlines make it easy, some make.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

It weird, and while some let you do same day changes for free, some still do charge you money.

[Meagan Coyle]

Today we're breaking down how to hop onto a different flight, ideally without paying any fees.

Welcome to Smart Travel, a deep dive into the tips, tools and tactics to maximize your travel dollars. I'm Meagan Coyle.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And I'm Sally French.

[Meagan Coyle]

We're the travel nerds ready to help you plan your next big trip.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And that next big trip might be.

[Sally French]

When you actually want to cut short by flying home a little earlier or.

[Meagan Coyle]

Maybe staying a little longer.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

That's true.

[Sally French]

We will get to today's episode on.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Last Minute Travel Changes up next. But first our disclaimer. And that is that we'll talk about.

[Sally French]

A few credit card companies that are.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Nerdwallet partners in this episod that does.

[Sally French]

Not influence how we discuss them.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

The benefits, terms and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change. Some offers may have expired by the time you're listening, so for the latest details, follow the links in the episode.

[Meagan Coyle]

Description let's start off this week's news by talking about an airline promotion that's, well, kind of adorable or necessary.

[Sally French]

Depends on how you feel about humanity when it is time to board the plane.

[Meagan Coyle]

So Delta just launched a new holiday promotion called Centennial Cheer to celebrate its 100th year of service. So from now through January 5, they'll be recognizing 100,000 acts of kindness during travel. Things like helping someone with their bag, sharing a charger, or, I don't know, not stampeding the gate. The second pre boarding is announced.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Truly heroic behavior.

[Sally French]

Delta employees will be handing out these.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Limited edition holiday medallion cards to customers they see doing something nice. And no, these are not tied to medallion status or how many flights you take. They are genuinely supposed to reward people just for being pleasant, human Beings, which I got to say at an airport.

[Sally French]

In the holidays is ambitious.

[Meagan Coyle]

If you get one, you can redeem it on Delta's website for a surprise gift. They range from exclusive swag all the way up to a limited number of centennial gift sets which include trading cards, but more importantly, a $500 Delta gift card.

[Sally French]

That's a pretty big prize for being the person who helps the 4 foot.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

10 person get their bag in the overhead bin.

[Meagan Coyle]

Sally, aren't you buff enough to just overhead press your bag into the overhead compartment? I think you'll be fine, Megan.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

I am, but that assumes using the overhead bin, which I pride myself in.

[Sally French]

Usually not using anyway, Medallion members will.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Also get this special holiday edition job well done certificates to hand out to Delta employees.

[Sally French]

So this whole thing is basically a big circle of self enforced niceness.

[Meagan Coyle]

I wonder if it'll actually change any behavior. Like will people be kinder because there might be a prize involved or will holiday travel crowds remain, you know, like really, really snarky.

[Sally French]

I'm an optimist.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

I'm rooting for kindness.

[Sally French]

But I've also seen what happens when.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

They call zone one.

[Meagan Coyle]

Moving on now, Sally, I know you were in Vegas for the opening of the new Chase Lounge in Las Vegas last week, but we have another piece of Chase Lounge news that's the opposite. Chase announced that its Hong Kong Sapphire Lounge will close on January 5, 2026.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And that was the first Chase Lounge to ever open. But for what it's worth, do not panic if you are a Chase Sapphire reserve cardholder with a Hong Kong trip. Hong Kong International Airport is absolutely loaded with lo are on the Priority Pass network. That's a benefit you get through the Chase Sapphire Reserve as well as other cards with Priority Pass such as the Platinum card from American Express Capital One Venture X card to name a few.

[Meagan Coyle]

And of course, Chase's lounge network is not really shrinking.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

If anything, it's expanding, right?

[Sally French]

As you said. I was just at the new Chase.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas in early December. That is easily the best lounge in Las Vegas Airport I am calling it. It's got its own little champagne parlor.

[Sally French]

It'S got amazing food from Mamafuku.

[Meagan Coyle]

And there are even more US lounges on the way where you're still waiting on the Dallas and LA Angeles locations which are both slated to open in the near future. I'm waiting for Los Angeles to open hopefully in 2026.

[Sally French]

You and me both. That Los Angeles lounge scene is otherwise pretty bleak.

[Meagan Coyle]

Speaking of luxurious things, the three big hotel players, Marriott Hilton And Hyatt all basically showed up to the same party in Cannes.

[Sally French]

Yes, quite a party. That was.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

That was the international luxury travel market.

[Sally French]

Basically a big fancy luxury travel trade show.

[Meagan Coyle]

And they all said the same thing within days of each other. Which is luxury is where they' putting a ton of focus for 2026 and beyond.

[Sally French]

Yeah. You know if you have felt like every new hotel announcement lately is either.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

A wellness retreat, a lakeside hideaway, a five figure penthouse you'll only ever see on Instagram, you are not imagining it.

[Meagan Coyle]

Let's start with Hilton. They just put out what they're calling their luxury and lifestyle hot list and said they now have about 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties with almost 500 more in the pipeline. So that's a lot of growth for brands like Hill, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad LXR expanding into splashy destinations.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yeah, there's the Waldorf Astoria, London Admiralty Arch. That one overlooks Buckingham Palace. There's some luxury debuts in Kuala Lumpur. Big new resorts in Greece like the Conrad Corfu. I just went to Corfu this summer. It was amazing. I'm itching to go back.

[Sally French]

Really excited about that.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Also ultra boutique options. There's the San Blue, Santorini. The LX are in Santorini. All these properties, all the marketing materials lean in hard into words like immersive, multigenerational. I'm really just saying the headline here is more high end properties in very expensive destinations.

[Meagan Coyle]

And Marriott is also doing the same thing. They said they're bringing in this idea.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Of the era of high life worth.

[Meagan Coyle]

Which is basically their way of saying luxury isn't about stuff, it's about emotional return on investment.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Or luxury is just about them getting as much of your travel budget as possible.

[Meagan Coyle]

True.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Anyway way their luxury group includes brands like Ritz Carlton and St. Regis. They've got more than 550 luxury hotels now and roughly 35 more openings just in 2026.

[Meagan Coyle]

They're also framing a lot of these spots as far more than just a bed. There's a lot of wellness focused properties like the Lake Como Edition and the JW Marriott in Bali.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Also a lot of branded residences and yacht style experiences.

[Sally French]

I'm talking about the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Then there's those luxury condos. I think this is them capitalizing on how Airbnb made us fall in love.

[Sally French]

With the ide idea of multiple bedrooms.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And dishwashers and laundry and all that. But presumably none of the uncertainty that comes with booking a literal Airbnb.

[Meagan Coyle]

Then Hyatt is also joining this luxury craze with the Miraval Red Sea, which will be the brand's first resort outside of the US and a big wellness focused retreat in Saudi Arabia. Plus new Park Hyatt openings in places like Mexico, Vancouver and an Alila coming to Mexico.

[Sally French]

Those are just a few.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

In fact, their pipeline has 170 luxury hotels, which is a lot for Hyatt, which is not as big as Marriott and Hilton overall in their hotel footprint.

[Meagan Coyle]

So what does this mean? If you're listening and you're thinking, cool, but I'm not booking $2,000 a night suites.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

So a few things here. One, if you're loyal to any of these brands or collect their points, you're going to see more aspirational places to redeem. You know we mentioned Lake Como, Santorini, these high end Red Sea resorts. This is what makes those things like the free night certificates more valuable. The second thing is, I do think luxury tends to trickle down in the form of at least better design or wellness features in their not quite luxury brands over time. So I am optimistic. Five, ten years from now we'll see nicer options even at those middle of the road hotels.

[Meagan Coyle]

That's interesting. I hope that's true. I will say the experience language stuff isn't just marketing either. So when you're looking at hotels, don't just look at the rate, but also consider the types of experiences you might be getting. So for some hotels that might be things like a kids club so you don't have to find a babysitter, those types of amenities and features could be worth it.

[Sally French]

Yeah.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

I know so many people are turned off by resort fees and so am I. I agree it would be nice if they just wrapped it all up in the price. But I have seen this trend of more hotels offering these built in experiences, these wellness experiences, and these are only offered to the hotel guests, which means even if you're paying a higher upfront price point, if you can get those things inside your hotel, it could make it more worth it.

[Meagan Coyle]

Sally, I have a confession. You know how so many hotels offer like a free yoga class?

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Oh yeah.

[Meagan Coyle]

I always go in with the intention of being like, yeah, I'm gonna do.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

A yoga class on vacation.

[Meagan Coyle]

I've never once made it, not a single time.

Since we're closing in on the end of this year, this is your friendly reminder that this month is the finish line for a lot of credit card benefits.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Right? A surprising number of credits reset on a semi annual, annual or even quarterly basis for many cards. December 31st is that absolute final day to use them. We are talking about those things like the airline fee credits, the hotel credits, the food and beverage credits, the shopping credits. All those perks that feel like little gifts until you realize that they expire at midnight on December 31st.

[Meagan Coyle]

And the kicker is that for a lot of these travel credits on your.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Travel credit cards, you don't actually have.

[Meagan Coyle]

To take the trip by December 31st. First, yeah, you just need to put the charge on your card before the year ends.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Great tip. I will say as always, check the terms for your specific card and please learn from the collective pain of the people who waited too long last year. I have done this before. Do not go out on December 31st trying to use that sacks credit from your AMEX Platinum card. Many of these reimbursements take two or three days or sometimes more to post. If the clock strikes midnight before the.

[Sally French]

Credit hits, you are out of luck.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

So you are listening to this early in December. Book those things now so you actually have time for the statement credits to post.

[Meagan Coyle]

And speaking of deadlines, Elite status clocks also run out on December 31 for some of the major airline and hotel loyalty programs. So if you're just one flight away, a couple thousand miles, maybe some spending, this is when travelers start to plan what's lovingly, or maybe not so lovingly called a mileage run or a mattress run so that they can meet the requirements to earn Elite status for next year.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

This is basically when people take a flight or book a hotel stay, not because they necessarily want to go on.

[Sally French]

This place, but because the value of.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Holding Elite status next year outweighs the cost of that one flight or that one hotel stay. Nordwallet actually breaks down all the best Elite status programs so you can find.

[Sally French]

Out whether or not that flight is actually worth making that mileage run for.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

We will link to that in the.

[Meagan Coyle]

Episode description Happy shopping everyone. We've got a couple weeks left.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

The following is a paid sponsorship, not an endorsement by NerdWallet's editorial team. Today's episode is sponsored by Bilt. It is almost 2026 and you are still paying rent.

[Sally French]

Without Bilt, we cannot have that.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

BILT is a loyalty program for renters.

[Sally French]

That rewards you for what is likely.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

One of your biggest monthly expenses. That's rent. With bilt, every rent payment earns you points that can be used towards flights, hotels, Lyft rides, Amazon.com purchases, and so much more. And when you pay rent through build, you unlock access to exclusive benefits from a network of more than 45,000 merchants. Just link your credit card, spend at your favorite local spots, earn bill points, and get one step closer to that trip you wanted to take. I would redeem my points for the fitness credits.

[Sally French]

They have soul cycle.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

They have berries. See y' all at the Red Room.

[Sally French]

It's simple.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Paying rent is better with bilt.

[Sally French]

Earn rewards, and finally get something back.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

For being a renter. Join the loyalty program for [e-mail] SmartTravel that's J-O-I-N B I L T.com SmartTravel make sure to use our URL so.

[Sally French]

They know we sent ya.

[Marshalls Advertiser]

Marshall's buyers are hustling hard to get amazing new gifts into stores right up to the last minute. Like a designer perfume for that friend who never RSVP'd wishlist topping toys for.

[Sally French]

Her kids who came too.

[Marshalls Advertiser]

Belgian chocolates for the neighbor. A cozy scarf for your boss, and a wool jacket for your husband that you definitely did not. Almost forget.

Marshalls. We get the deals. You give the good stuff, even at the last minute. Find a Marshalls near you.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So, Sally, today we're talking about that last minute travel, especially for flights. And it is so stressful. You're like, I need to take a different flight, but it's going to cost me so much.

[Sally French]

It's stressful for many people, but for me, I'm a little bit unhinged, and I think of it as a little bit fun. It's one of these travel hacks that, if you do it correctly, can actually save you money.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

And I think frequent travelers use this hack a lot. So it makes you feel like, okay, I'm doing this right.

[Sally French]

You do have to do some gambling. And I will say, I just did this hack when I was in Vegas, and it is the only gambling I did the whole trip.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Okay, and did you come out a winner?

[Sally French]

Oh, yes, I did. But I will not take that good karma to the slot machines.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

All right, so let's talk about taking advantage of some of these last minute travel rules I usually recommend. Like, people book their flights early because that way, you know, you're getting a price that you're comfortable with. You can always set the price alert, maybe rebook it if the price goes down. But, you know, a lot of things can change, and I think people shouldn't be afraid to change their flight if, you know, at the last minute they see something cheaper or they need to do something else.

[Meagan Coyle]

Yeah.

[Sally French]

And this comes up often. You and I travel so much for work, and sometimes the meeting Ends early and you just want to go home.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Or you're on a trip with friends.

[Sally French]

And you also just want to go home. That's when sometimes changing your flight at that same day can be really beneficial.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So there's a couple of different ways to do this. One way that, you know, people might not think of first is maybe just booking a whole new flight. That new booking with that last minute price might be really expensive in cash, but on points it might be really affordable, especially if you have some points to draw from.

[Sally French]

And then I also do want to let people know if they are booking a flight at the last minute, that they should be flexible if you can be more flexible with your time. Sometimes flights are sold out and you can't get the one you want. So be flexible with your time and also be flexible with your destination. A lot of people assume when they're going to my home city of San Francisco, they need to fly into San Francisco airport and they forget that there's Oakland is is almost equally close. Same if you're going to dc, can you fly into bwi? That also might make sense because we.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So rarely see these last minute cash deals on flights. Again, looking at those points flights and seeing what kind of credit cards you have, that could help you actually save on the award travel you might be able to book last minute.

[Sally French]

Yeah. So this is funny because so many people I hear say flights are too expensive. Right. But I need to go on this specific date. So I'm just going to wait and hope that fares drop. And I'm like, oh my gosh, 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.

[Alteryx Advertiser]

Right.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So when we did our big valuations project, we found that there were two U.S. airlines. When you actually use your points for an award flight just 15 days out, you know, that's two weeks out, your points are actually more valuable. That means you usually get more bang.

[Sally French]

For your buck when you book at the last minute.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yep. The two airlines are Alaska and Southwest.

[Sally French]

Okay, Southwest, we've been throwing them a lot of shade recently, but maybe they deserve some love.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

This is a really common thing you see where airlines will drop the price of the flight in points because they're not able to sell it for the cash. But they think that maybe a loyal member might be able to use their points and fly that way.

[Sally French]

You also brought up credit card benefits and I know you were just talking to Caitlin, who's an editor on our team, and she had an amazing Credit card hack.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

She used the mileage discount on her United Quest card to book a last minute flight. She was having a medical emergency. She needed to leave right away. So she was able to book a flight for really cheap on points with this discount. And we can link to the whole story of that in our episode description. What card did she use? She had the United Quest card.

[Sally French]

You know, that's so interesting. When I was researching this episode, I was shocked to learn how many credit card benefits apply specifically to same day changes and cancellations. Really good ways to make it easier. So for example, Delta Cardholders get a 15% discount on award flights, which is a great way if you. We mentioned points are often cheaper at the last minute. And then with the Delta card you can get that extra discount.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah. And that applies to any flights, not even just last minute.

[Sally French]

Right, Right.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Any award flights.

[Sally French]

Yes. And then the Alaska Atmos Summit card, and that is a relatively new card, gives Cardholders up to $50 with waived fees for same day confirmed Alaska flight changes.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah. So let's talk about what those same day flight changes are. So let's say you need to change your flight and most the time, if you do it, you know, a couple weeks, months in advance, you'll have to pay a fair difference to be able to change the time of your flight. But if you are okay taking a flight in the same calendar day, you can usually call the airline or look in the app and you can get a same day confirmed change, usually for a flat fee. So instead of taking a 6am flight that day like you had originally planned, you like call your airline and you're like, hey, can I take the 2pm flight instead? And then they're like, sure, here's the fee and you pay it. You have a ticket for the 2pm flight.

[Sally French]

Yeah. And fees vary by airline. There are some airlines that don't have fees and we'll get to those, but typically the fee is around 60 to 75 dollars. I will say, though, caveat. Sometimes you can just book a different ticket and just pay the fare difference. And that fare difference might be actually less than say a $75 fee. So you do have to do the math for yourself.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

The fee might not apply if you have elite status or if you bought like a premium ticket like, you know, first class or something like that.

[Sally French]

And I will also add, often this fee is only for a same day confirmed change.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Right.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

If you want to roll the. You did in Vegas.

[Sally French]

You know, I love to do that. Then you can fly same day standby and very rarely is there a fee to fly same day standby. This is more that gamble option where you wait at the gate or sometimes the app will tell you, but basically 30 minutes out, if people haven't checked in, then they will give away those remaining seats. But of course that's risky because you still have to be there and then there's a chance you don't even have a confirmed seat.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Sometimes, like you're not even allowed to stand by for a later flight. You can only do it earlier. So definitely make sure you know all the rules around all of these same day changes in standby, which. Which we're about to go over.

[Sally French]

Yes. And I will say one more caveat is often we'll see airlines say free same day standby. This is embarrassing, but when I was a little kid, I used to think that same day free standby meant that you could just like roll up and get a free flight, whatever was left.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Toddler Sally showed up for her free flight. She's like, hi, I'm flying free standby.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yeah.

[Sally French]

So you do need to have a confirmed seat on a flight later in the day and then you can do standby for free, but you still paid for an airfare.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Okay, so let's talk about some of those differences between airlines for or same day changes and we'll just focus on like the big differences. Sally, do you have a favorite airline for working some of these tactics?

[Sally French]

Megan, I'm so glad you asked, because I do. This is an airline that we have been dunking on a lot recently, but it still has number one best policy for same day changes and standbys, and that is Southwest Airlines.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Oh, gosh. Well, I'm glad they have something. They still have something going for them. Yes.

[Sally French]

So I do want to say caveat that their generous policy applies only to fares that are called choice fare that is at least their second highest fare and above. So if you have a basic fare that is formally known as want to get away, these policies do not apply. So you do need to at least have a number two class or higher fare to get this. Here is the deal. I recently used this when I was in Vegas and I wanted to get home early. It was 105 degrees in Vegas. I was like, please take me back to my 60 degree August in San Francisco nice and early. And what they allow you to do is have a. A same day confirmed change. So this is not just hoping that you can get on the flight. It is the same day confirmed change and the fee is $0.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Okay. But there's a catch.

[Sally French]

Well, so, so the same day applies the day. So at 12:01 at midnight, effectively that's when I go on the app and then I go ahead and change my flight. What's interesting is I was on a 4pm flight. I wanted to get on the 11am flight initially at booking, the 4pm flight was so much cheaper than the 11am flight. But because it's a same day free change, I was able just at 12:01 to lock in that earlier flight. That would have cost me more in cash, but I was able to get on it and I still paid the 4pm price.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Amazing. Okay. The only tough part is staying up till midnight.

[Sally French]

Yeah. Well, so I will say you, I, I could have honestly done this at 10am for an 11am flight, but I, I didn't want to gamble that bad. I wanted to go to sleep knowing that I actually had a confirmed ticket. So that's. I was like, I'm doing it at 12:01 because if I sleep and then someone else got it, I, I don't that to happen. But you could do this up to 10 minutes before departure.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

That would stress me out. I would also say that's a really unique thing about Southwest. A lot of these other airlines will also do same day confirmed changes, but those start 24 hours before your departure time. So if you have a 2pm flight, then this window where you can do the same day change would be 4pm the day before.

[Sally French]

Right. So one of those airlines we were talking about, I know, is your favorite American.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yes.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I used to use American.

Same day changes when I was in college. I would literally book like a really inconvenient time to fly home for Thanksgiving. And then I would just call them and be like, hey, I want to fly this other flight on the same day. And they'd be like, okay, great, it is $60. And I was like, okay, you know, that was less than the flight cost. You know, the fair difference. And so I was like, I'm doing it.

[Sally French]

Yes. Sometimes the flight at 10pm is like $300 cheaper than the flight at 10am when everyone wants to go. So this can be kind of a hack to only pay $60 to do confirmed change. Again, you are rolling the dice. And then again, I do want to say Southwest does not charge for this privilege and American Airlines charges $60.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah. But as we'll find out, there are a lot of other airlines that charge more.

[Sally French]

We will talk about those after this.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

United, the other big airline, they don't have same day Confirmed changes for a flat fee like we've been talking about. So you actually are stuck paying the fare difference most of the time.

[Sally French]

Yes. And I really want people to know this fare difference at the last minute can be so high. I've seen so many flights that if you book a month out, it's $100 and then you book that same flight the day of and it's like $500, you are on the hook for that fare difference. So this is often not a good idea with an airline like United.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I will say there is a workaround though, and that's if you have elite status. It's called premier status, and you can get a free same day confirmed change if it's available. But if you don't have elite status, unfortunately, you're out of luck.

[Sally French]

That is a good reminder because lately I feel like I have been saying elite status is so overrate on an airline like United, that is such a valuable benefit. Or maybe I'll just say that's pretty rude of United that they don't let you do it if you don't have elite status.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

The other thing I'll say about elite status is it puts you at the top of the list for the standby wait list. So I've flown standby many times. I have just the lowest level of elite status, but I'm often seeing myself no lower than three on the standby wait list whenever I fly. Standby.

[Sally French]

Yeah. Well, so let's talk about standby because with United, we were just talking about same day confirmed changes. But you can do same day standby with United even if you don't have an sort of elite status. I have done this before and you can get on their app. So I will always say sign up for the airline's app. One of their top benefits is you can get on the waitlist and then you can track your spot on the waitlist because often there will be like five open seats and then you're like spot number five and you want to track and like make sure that you're still on there.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I'm like constantly refreshing it when I'm doing that. I will say it's also good because you can put yourself on the standby list. Sometimes even before you get to the airport, before you get to the gate. You just like put it in the app that you want to be on standby. And so I sometimes do that when my flights are delayed. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the earlier flight, but I'll just put myself in standby, just in case that I get off and get to the gate in time.

[Sally French]

I will also give United a nice little happy plug. Is that with their app. They actually notify you through the app if you got a spot on the waitlist. There are some other airlines we'll talk about later that you actually have to show up at the gate. But what's nice about United is you can just chill out at the lounge Vino volo. And they'll let you know if you got a confirmed seat on that same flight.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah, our next airline does not do that. This is Delta Airlines.

[Sally French]

It's funny because I usually love Delta and they fall a little bit flat for that reason.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

You can share, like, how you actually almost missed your flight because you had to run from the lounge.

[Sally French]

I was in New York. I was doing a NerdWallet trip in New York, and they said you need to do the last flight out on Friday because you have meetings all day on Friday.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yes, we. What?

[Sally French]

No meetings. Which. Thank you, Nerd Wallet, for canceling all my meetings. I love a new meet. No meeting Friday. So I was like, you know what? I want to get out of here. I want to go home. And so with Delta, I had a Delta main ticket. This does not apply much like Southwest. It does not apply to their Delta basic economy fair. So another great reason to have that Delta economy fair. But with Delta, I was able to, through their app, get on their same day standby list, and there was no additional fee to do same day standby. You can do same day confirmed for $75, but stay with Sally is not about that life. So I got on their same day standby list, and I could see there were 10 open seats and I was number 10 on the standby list.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

However, with Delta, you have to go.

[Sally French]

To the gate to get your actual seat assignment and get your ticket. And here's the catch is if you're not at the gate, then they could just give your ticket to the person number 11 in line. So.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

And.

[Sally French]

And they were like, come 30 minutes in advance. And I was like, well, I'm hanging out at the Delta Lounge. Like, do I leave? And I would be so mad if they gave away my seat just because I was like another cookie in the lounge. So I left the lounge like 50 minutes early because I'm like, I'm waiting at the gate for them to call my name. And they did call my name. It was a happy ending, but it is definitely kind of stressful to go this route.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah, you have to go in Person. I also just want to call out that. I mean, you mentioned Delta. Same day confirmed change fee is $75. That is higher than Americans.

[Sally French]

Yeah, $15 higher. Yeah.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

But if we're ranking them, you know, Delta's a little lower on the list.

[Sally French]

And let's also go to one other big airline we talk about often on the show, that is Alaska.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

They different fees depending on where you're flying, even within the U.S. so weird. So the same day confirmed change fee for travel between Seattle and Portland or nonstop intrastate travel is $50. Okay, okay. So less than American, less than Delta, but all other same day confirmed changes are $75. The nice thing is you can do this if you have a saver fare, which is their basic economy, but that's another $40 on top of it. So this is all really starting to add up.

[Sally French]

Ooh, interesting. Okay, Alaska, big fee menace.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Talking about big fee menaces.

[Sally French]

Okay, so we are going to get to the worst airlines for same day changes in standby. Those are the budget airlines, Spirit and Frontier.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

No surprise there. I mean, they'll get you with a fee for anything. So I fully expect to pay $100 just to be able to change my flight the same day.

[Sally French]

Yeah. So I want to talk about Frontier. However, we do a lot of research on these airlines for the show. I spent so many hours on Frontier's website and could not figure out their same day change and cancellation policy. Frontier likes to make their rules very opaque and then just add on fees everywhere. And I was like, the fact that I can't figure this out is very stressful to me. I emailed their media team and said we were going to talk about Frontier on the show and they never responded.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So.

[Sally French]

So let's just be clear. We honestly don't really even know what Frontier's policies are. However, here is my understanding of it is you can do a same day confirmed change, but you owe both a same day change fee, which is $99.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Okay.

[Sally French]

And then you also owe the difference in fare.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Oh, no.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

I know.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I mean, it's like I said, $100. I was pretty on it.

[Sally French]

And remember that last minute fares are super expensive. So basically, don't change your flight if you're flying Frontier.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Yeah.

[Sally French]

You're committing Godspeed and pay lots of fees. Frontier also has a same day standby list. But also, this is so wacky. To get on the standby list you have to talk to a gate agent. And again, this is my vague interpretation of their very unclear website. But to talk to a Frontier agent, you owe another $25 fee just for.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

The privilege of talking to the gate agent. So I wish people paid me $25 every time they emailed.

[Sally French]

That would be great. But you have to pay $25 to speak to an agent to get on the standby list, and that doesn't even guarantee that you got on the list.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

That is so sad.

[Sally French]

I know. I would never take all this with a grain of salt. Again. We can't understand their website, but that's that. But let's also talk about Spirit.

[Meagan Coyle]

Okay.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I. I'm again guessing it's $100 to change your flight because it's another budget airline. They will hit you with the fees.

[Sally French]

Yes. So they charge you $99 to change your flight, and then they also charge you the fare difference, like what Frontier does. So once again, that fair difference last minute is probably going to be really expensive. Often I've been in situations where I booked like a $39 Spirit Flight, and then I'm like, oh, no, I need to fly out the next day. And then I'm like, wait, it would cost me $99 to change this flight flight, but the flight on the next day is also 39.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

So I would be cheaper to just buy the flight.

[Sally French]

New, right?

[Meagan Coyle]

Yeah.

[Sally French]

I will give them one little nice plug, is that they don't charge any change or cancellation fees if you have.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

A premium, economy or spirit first fare.

[Sally French]

But you do owe the fair difference.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Okay. Okay. So similarly, like the higher class of fare you buy, usually the policies are a little bit more flexible.

[Sally French]

Absolutely right. All right, let's talk some strategy here. Some tips to actually save money or guarantee a spot on that standby list.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I don't know if we can guarantee. Guarantee anything, but we'll try.

[Alteryx Advertiser]

We'll try.

[Sally French]

All right, well, my first one is, I will say, always download the app. I am the person who hates having a million apps, but often the app is the best way to easily get on the standby list and then also check your position on the standby list.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I would say number two, join the list as soon as you can, because that is also one of the things that they rank. So, you know, if you want to get really into it, like, they rank by elite status, they rank by the fair class, all these types of things. And also when you join the list. So if you can beat out even just a couple people, that might be the difference between you making the flight and not.

[Sally French]

Yeah, I know a lot of people are like, what is the benefit of checking in at that 24 hour mark. But the ability to get on the standby list first is definitely one. Okay. My next one is just be flexible. Typically, you'll find that that red eye or that 2am flight is just going to be emptier than the flight when everyone wants to go at, like 10am so if you can scoot and wake up early and get on that earlier flight, you're probably more likely to make a standby list.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I agree. Yeah, you want to fly when there's less flying, so hopefully there's an open seat for you. And then last tip. Don't underestimate what the gate agent can do for you. You know, we just talked about how it's kind of annoying to, like, have to go in person to put yourself on the standby list. But I don't know, sometimes you can make a connection. They can help the gate agent. Like, if you're really, like, looking at them, I feel like a couple smiles, like, you know, they know that you really need to get on this flight and they might help you out. Who knows? I mean, it doesn't hurt to ask. I think that's what we've learned in travel is like, these are people.

[Sally French]

And I like what you wrote in the show notes. The squeaky but polite wheel gets the grease. I love that. Save for Sally loves this tip. Travel light. It is so difficult to get on standby when you're like, but wait, I.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Checked all my luggage.

[Sally French]

So the best way to make sure your luggage gets with you is to just have it with you.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

That would be a reason that the gate agent wouldn't want to put you on there. Like the chat too hard to figure out where it is. Yeah.

[Sally French]

All right. That was our same day check. Change in standby tips. Let's move into today's hot takeoff.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Sally, I believe you have one for us.

[Sally French]

Oh, I do. And this is about when you walk into a hotel room and the TV is on and it says, Ms. French, we welcome you. Why do they do that?

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I think they're trying to make it personalized to you.

[Sally French]

Megan. I have to say, I get so many pitches from PR people who represent hotels that are like, our hotel is the most environmentally friendly hotel. And then I'm like, I walk in and I'm like, this TV has been on for 10 hours just to welcome me.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I think there's other things they could do to personalize the experience for you. And the TV is not really the best one.

[Sally French]

The TV was cool in, like, 2006 when you didn't really know that this was a possibility and you're like, wow, how does the, how does the TV know that I'm here? And I'm like, Yo, it is 2025. Like this is just a massive waste of electricity. Yeah. Yeah.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

You know what?

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

I would like a handwritten note.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Yes.

[Meagan Coyle]

I love those. They're so cute and it makes me feel special.

[Sally French]

Yes, I do realize that traveling in general is not the best for the environment, but the least they could do is turn off that hotel tv.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

Make sure to follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and you'll automatically download new episodes. And if you're listening on Spotify, please drop us a comment. You can do it right there in the app.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

You can also email us your comments.

[Sally French]

To travel nerdwallet.com and you can also leave comments about this show.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

We want to know and we also want to see your 5 star reviews.

[Sally French]

We do take any reviews, but 5 star reviews are the best.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

This episode was produced by Cody Goff and edited by Nick Karismi. Thanks to Hilary, Georgie and Claire Socie for the editing and thanks to this.

[Sally French]

Beautiful studio at Edam Visuals and our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

To your specific circumstances.

[Host 1 (possibly a travel expert or co-host)]

We hope you're inspired to keep your passport full and your wallet even fuller. See you next time.

[Co-host (likely Sally French or another travel expert)]

Foreign.

[Alteryx Advertiser]

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