How are stand-by seats allocated?

[Voyages]

SYD-CBR, the third time I’ve been on standby this year (previous experiences with AA). And I did get on the flight (on an E fare).

Anyhow, I wonder if anyone might have some insights on how a SB seat is allocated. This is because I was only issued the BP when almost everyone else had boarded, and I was given 6D (a QF 737-400 service), a great seat that matched my preference, whilst I had expected a middle seat somewhere towards the rear end of the aircraft. The flight was full, I was told.

 

[Ewing]

Wait, you can fly standby on discounted fares? I didn't think Qantas had a standby system.

(having said that, the last few times I've flown on an O fare the kiosk has offered me a seat on an earlier flight).

In any case, I've found that it's not uncommon for the some seats in the first few rows to remain blocked for last minute additions - I've actually been the only person in row 6 (734) a number of times. It's also possible that you took the seat from someone who also changed to another flight.

 

[Voyages]

Wait, you can fly standby on discounted fares? I didn't think Qantas had a standby system.

(having said that, the last few times I've flown on an O fare the kiosk has offered me a seat on an earlier flight).

It was indeed a discounted fare. Perhaps morning rush was a factor.

I arrived at the airport earlier than expected, so I inquired in the J lounge. At first it was a 'no', then they said they could however put be on the standby list for one of the earlier flights, and that I was the only one in the list so I'd be fine (just needed to turn up at the gate and wait for the BP).