American Airlines has changed its standby policy and for tickets purchased on or after Feb. 22, 2010, only premium passengers, elite members and military personnel will be able to fly standby for no additional charge.

Passengers who may fly standby for free include travelers flying on business, first class and unrestricted coach (Y, B, H) fares; active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents; AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum or Gold members; oneworld Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members and AAirpass members. Also, AAdvantage members who are flying on award tickets in first or business class MileSAAver awards and those flying on first, business or coach class AAnytime awards can standby without paying any fees.

If you are unable to standby, you can pay $50 for a confirmed seat for a same-day flight change made within 12 hours of the departure of your desired flight, subject to availability.

The new standby policy applies to flights on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection for travel within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean or Canada. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?2248 for details.