American Airlines Reinstates Gate Standby Access for All Flyers

4 godzin temu

FORT WORTH— American Airlines (AA) has reinstated same-day airport standby listings through gate agents, regardless of AAdvantage status. The policy, effective July 1, 2025, applies to all domestic flights within the carrier’s network.

Passengers flying out of major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and New York (JFK) can now request standby assistance directly at the gate, ending a previously restrictive policy that required digital-only standby access.

American Reinstates Gate Standby

In March 2024, American Airlines (AA) limited standby access to its mobile app, website, or kiosks, excluding non-AAdvantage members and preventing gate agents from assisting most passengers. That policy has now been reversed, allowing all customers, regardless of status, to request standby at the airport up to 45 minutes before departure.

The new policy enables travelers to list for standby through a gate agent for same-day, same-origin domestic segments. AAdvantage elite members retain the added benefit of listing up to 15 minutes before departure.

American Airlines stated the change reflects a commitment to “enhancing the travel journey” by reintroducing flexibility. This move also aligns more closely with competitors like Delta Air Lines (DL) and United Airlines (UA), which never fully restricted agent-driven standby options.

Why This Change Matters to Flyers

The 2024 rule had created substantial customer dissatisfaction. Many travelers were denied assistance by agents, even when mobile tools failed or last-minute changes were needed.

Without status, passengers were often left stranded or forced to navigate malfunctioning apps, creating unnecessary tension at boarding gates.

Reintroducing in-person support helps passengers make tight connections or arrive early for their flights. It allows smoother rebooking, especially during delays or schedule shifts, and reduces overall system strain during irregular operations.

Comparative Industry Practices

While American Airlines briefly pursued a stricter digital-only model, neither Delta nor United implemented such rigid restrictions.

Their gate agents retained discretion to assist passengers with standby listings, maintaining a higher level of in-person service.

American’s rollback not only aligns it with industry standards but also signals a return to customer-first operations under new leadership. The previous policy, often criticized as a “tech-over-service” misstep, has now been corrected.

Key Details of the Reinstated Policy

Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Scope: Domestic AA-operated flights
Eligibility: All passengers, regardless of AAdvantage membership
Cutoff Times:
- Non-elite: Up to 45 minutes before departure
- Elite status holders: Up to 15 minutes before departure
Method: Listing via gate agent at the airport