How likely is standby on Austrian Airlines?

Question

I booked a flight LAX to VIE on Austrian Airlines and somehow booked the return August 30 instead of July 30! Tickets have ballooned in price to astronomical rates :(. How likely is it that I get on as a standby passenger on July 30? The airline told me they put high-status members of their frequent traveler program on the waiting list, but since I'm not, I have to go to the airport and put my name down. I'm willing to go super early for my return, but I can't be stuck in Vienna for a week.

Answer 1

How likely is it that I get on as a standby passenger on July 30?

Not very likely, but that depends on the details.

• Just going to the airport and asking them to let you on a flight is extremely unlikely to work. That's exactly the scenario that airlines love: they will try to squeeze every penny out of you. In this case you would have to change the ticket which will incur a change fee (if applicable) AND the fare difference which will be very high for a same day ticket.
• Economy is sold out for a few days around 7/30. There are 4 seats on business left, but they are indeed VERY expensive. That means the planes around this time frame are really full.
• If a seat opens up, it's typically given out in terms of priority. This is a function of original fare class and status.

This being said, there is no harm in trying. There are still a few open seats in business and if a passenger gets upgraded, an economy seat will open up. If there is no one else on the list and you find a very kind hearted agent, you may get on.

There is also no harm in calling Austrian and asking them for advice or options.

Your best bet may be book a new one way: Currently the cheapest on 7/30 is Turkish Airline through IST for about 1000 Euro.