on standby

Meaning

This phrase describes a state of waiting to see if an opening or seat becomes available, usually on a flight, train, or list. If you are on standby, you do not have a guaranteed seat but will get one if another passenger cancels or fails to show up.

Examples

• The flight was fully booked, so they put me on standby.

  The flight was fully booked, so they put me on standby.

• We waited at the gate for two hours while we were on standby.

  We waited at the gate for two hours while we were on standby.

• As an airline employee, she often travels on standby for a discounted price.

  As an airline employee, she often travels on standby for a discounted price.

• I managed to get a seat at the last minute after being on standby.

  I managed to get a seat at the last minute after being on standby.

• If you are on standby, keep your bags ready in case your name is called.

  If you are on standby, keep your bags ready in case your name is called.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am waiting in standby for the next flight.

  ✓ I am waiting on standby for the next flight.

  The correct preposition to use is 'on', not 'in'.

• ✗ They put me to standby because the plane was full.

  ✓ They put me on standby because the plane was full.

  The prepositional phrase is always 'on standby'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since all the flights to London were full, I had to wait ___.

  💡 Waiting for an open seat to become available.

  Show answer

  on standby

• Traveling ___ can be stressful because you never know if you will get a seat.

  💡 Waiting for a last-minute vacancy on a flight.

  Show answer

  on standby