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I'm flying United from DTW to ORD to SFO. However, I have a 3 hour layover at ORD and, in that time window, there are 2-3 earlier flights that depart to SFO from ORD. If I'm not mistaken, United charges $75 normally to be on the standby list for earlier flights or something like that. Are there any tricks that would allow me to get on one of those earlier connecting flights for free (or a lower fee than $75)?

(Note: I don't need a response about why the standby fee exists.)

nukeguy
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2 Answers2

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So apparently there's NO FEE for getting added onto the standby list if you arrived on a connecting flight. Source: I just did it and the agent told me there's no fee as long as you arrive on a previous connecting flight.

(I have no status with united, I rarely fly with them and have like no miles or anything.)

Thanks everybody for their input.

nukeguy
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Officially it depends on your status. Here are the rules: https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/reservations/samedaychange.aspx

This being said, you can always ask. If your original flight is oversold or if the expect a large rebooking crowd because of an earlier delay and there are plenty of open seats on your original flight, they will probably take you.

Hilmar
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