Delta to nix standby option on flights in most cases

ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines announced Thursday that most passengers who want to change their travel plans no longer will be able to stand by and wait for a seat to open up. <br> <br> Customers instead will have to get a confirmed reservation on a different flight provided that seats are open. <br> <br> Customers may request to be confirmed on a different flight within three hours of that flight&#39;s departure by paying a $25 fee. <br> <br> That fee will be waived for SkyMiles Platinum and Gold Medallion members. <br> <br> The changes take effect March 1. <br> <br> Delta spokeswoman Dee Baker Amos says that in emergencies, customers will still be able to stand by for a later flight. <br> <br> Delta says the new policy will benefit customers making connections who change their plans because it assures them they will have a seat if one is available. <br> <br> Delta is the only airline to take away the standby option. <br> <br> But other carriers charge higher fees when passengers change their flight plans.