Within the coming days, American Airways will probably be making updates to its standby coverage, and the adjustments are unarguably detrimental…
American’s new limitations on flight standby
Presently, American permits all prospects in eligible home markets to standby for a special flight on the identical day. As of March 1, 2024, we’re going to see two new restrictions launched:
- With a view to be eligible for standby, you’ll must be an AAdvantage member
- You’ll solely be capable to request standby through aa.com and through the American Airways app, so it’s not one thing {that a} human can assist with anymore
The primary change isn’t precisely a excessive barrier to having the ability to request standby. American is making a bunch of adjustments to the AAdvantage program this 12 months, and overwhelmingly they’re about being certain that persons are enrolled in this system.
Airways are higher capable of generate extra income from prospects who’re additionally members of the loyalty program, so American is doing every part it will probably to encourage individuals to affix this system. That’s largely coming within the type of taking away issues from non-AAdvantage members, and making them unique member advantages.
The second change is maybe extra problematic. Airport brokers will now not be capable to add you to the standby listing, so that you’ll must make that request your self, or it’s not occurring. I’ve actually had conditions the place there have been tech points stopping requesting standby, so I discover that to be fairly a irritating coverage change. Hopefully brokers may have some discretion there.
I’m curious what motivated that change about not having the ability to request standby with an agent. Is it nearly attempting to restrict the work that airport brokers have, or is it to forestall frustration when individuals attempt to get added to the standby listing on the final minute, after the cutoff?
The fascinating historical past of American’s standby coverage
It’s fascinating to look again at how American’s standby coverage has developed through the years:
- In 2010, American eradicated free standby for non-AAdvantage elite members, so it grew to become a profit unique to standing; non-elite members may simply pay to make a confirmed identical day flight change
- In 2020, American added again free standby for all passengers, at a time when flexibility was extra precious
So with this newest change, we’re nonetheless higher off than we have been between 2010 and 2020, however not as effectively off as we’ve been the previous few years.
Backside line
As of March 1, 2024, American is including new restrictions to standby. Standby is being restricted to AAdvantage members, and on prime of that, you’ll solely be capable to request standby through aa.com or the American Airways app. The AAdvantage membership requirement isn’t an enormous deal, although I discover it form of foolish that it’s going to now not be attainable to request standby with an airline consultant.
What do you make of those American Airways standby adjustments?
