Holiday Standby: Taking the Earlier Flight

Q. For Christmas this year, I'll be flying Delta from New York to Dublin, Ireland. My flight departs at 10pm but I'd prefer to fly one of the earlier flights, and without having to pay the huge difference in price. Is this possible? And if so, how can I improve my chances of getting a standby seat on the earlier flight, or atleast a better seat on my current flight.

A. If there's room on the earlier flight, you won't be charged for the difference in fare, but you will probably have to pay Delta's same day change fee of about $50. The best thing to do to increase your chances of securing a standby seat is to arrive early. When you call to confirm your original flight, you can check to see how full those earlier flights are, as well as try and change your seat assignment on your original flight.

For a look at what other airlines are charging for same day changes, click here.