How to Catch an Earlier Flight—Possibly at No Extra Cost

Travel can be unpredictable, making it common for individuals to seek an earlier flight to reach their destination or return home.

Whether you're looking to depart a few hours ahead or even a day before your scheduled flight, passengers have several options available. Thanks to the user-friendly features of today's airline websites and apps, managing the process independently has never been easier, eliminating the need for assistance from airline customer service or gate agents. Here’s what you need to know about catching an earlier flight, along with insights from industry experts.

How to Secure an Earlier Same-Day Flight

In general, there are two primary methods to take an earlier flight on the same day: by flying standby or by utilizing a “same-day confirmed change.”

Flying standby involves arriving at the airport ahead of your desired flight in hopes of securing an open seat. Traditionally, this option was popular and cost-effective, as many airlines either charged a nominal fee or provided it as a complimentary benefit for elite status passengers. However, the landscape of standby has changed significantly—especially post-pandemic, when airlines eliminated hefty change fees and more travelers began to favor the certainty of self-managed same-day confirmed changes via airline apps or websites.

Standby remains an option, but remember that securing a seat is not guaranteed. Your chances depend on the flight's fullness and your position on the standby list: checking in and arriving early can greatly improve your standing. Additionally, an airline's policies and your ticket type play important roles. For instance, many carriers do not allow standby for their most basic fare options, as noted by Julian Kheel, founder and CEO of Points Path, a browser extension for comparing cash and award pricing for popular airline loyalty programs.

While standby may be available on international flights operated by U.S. airlines, Kheel explains that most foreign carriers do not have formal standby programs outside of the U.S. You might convince an overseas gate agent to switch you to an earlier flight, but this typically happens only if it’s convenient for them operationally or simply out of goodwill.

On the other hand, same-day confirmed changes have become standard practice in the industry. Except for complimentary changes for elite members, there is usually a fee (around $75 for major U.S. carriers such as Delta, United, American, and JetBlue). This method ensures a seat on an earlier flight and can typically be completed with just a few clicks on an airline’s website or app.

Lastly, overbooked flights can work to your advantage. If your original flight is overbooked, you might be able to switch to an earlier flight at no additional cost.

How to Catch a Flight a Day (or More) in Advance

Flying a day earlier can often be more complex and expensive than securing an earlier same-day flight. Start by checking the airline’s website or app for available options. If your new flight falls on a less busy travel day than your original one, you might even receive a refund for the change.

Weather-related disruptions can sometimes play to your advantage. For instance, when a hurricane or severe storm impacts air travel, many airlines will waive change fees, which can help you secure an earlier flight. However, act quickly, as numerous other travelers may be trying the same tactic.

A Bonus Tip for Securing an Earlier Flight: Book Directly—and Be Polite

Booking directly with the airline enhances your chances of flexibility for earlier flights, according to Tiffany Funk, co-founder and president of the points-based flight search and booking platform Point.me.

“Booking directly can simplify things, especially for straightforward itineraries, as it often costs the same and makes handling customer service much easier,” she mentioned.

It's crucial to never overlook the impact of a courteous request. For instance, during Kheel’s recent United flight from Washington Dulles to Newark, he faced over an hour of delay. Nearby, another United flight was preparing to depart for LaGuardia, and Kheel decided to approach the gate agent about switching flights.

“The key was to simply ask and patiently wait for her to have a moment, while also expressing my gratitude several times for her assistance,” he explained. “Treating people with respect rather than viewing them solely as service providers can make a significant difference. Ultimately, I secured the last available seat on the LaGuardia flight, arrived in New York, and was comfortably at home before my original Newark flight even left.”