What does the term "stand by" mean for a passenger?

The term "stand by" for a passenger specifically refers to an individual who does not have a confirmed reservation on a particular flight but is hoping to be accommodated on the flight if there is available seating when it departs. This situation often arises when a passenger arrives at the airport and wishes to take an earlier or later flight than the one they are booked on, or when they have a flexible itinerary and are willing to wait for a seat to become available.

Passengers on standby usually check in at the airport and are then placed on a waiting list for the flight. If seats are available and the flight is not fully booked, they may be granted boarding. This practice allows airlines to maximize their capacity by allowing other travelers to fill any empty seats that would otherwise go unoccupied.

Understanding this term is crucial for passengers who might want flexibility in their travel plans or who might be looking to travel on a different flight at the last minute. The other options describe different statuses of passengers, such as those with confirmed reservations or on delayed flights, which do not encapsulate the concept of being on standby.