American Airlines' new standby rules cause frustration among frequent flyers

An American Airlines spokesperson stated, "We’re fortunate to enjoy an active dialogue with our AAdvantage members and take all their feedback seriously. We’re looking into this report and will continue to work toward delivering a seamless travel experience for our customers."

Since US Airways management took over American Airlines, there has been a noticeable shift in how standby policies are handled. The current approach seems more focused on preventing customers from getting favorable deals rather than ensuring they reach their destinations efficiently. Comparatively, Delta and United offer more generous standby options.

Further complicating matters, passengers must adhere strictly to their original routing even when alternative routes with available seats exist. This restriction undermines the value of having a vast domestic network with multiple hubs.

Additionally, gate agents are now limited in their ability to assist passengers seeking alternate flights. This reliance on self-service tools that do not fully meet customer needs is causing delays and inefficiencies within American Airlines' operations.

On March 1st, same-day standby was eliminated entirely for travelers on corporate PNRs (Passenger Name Records). Despite recent efforts by American Airlines to reconcile with travel agents and business travelers, there has been no indication that this policy will be reversed.