I had a connecting flight to Dallas and was able to go standby from NY on a direct flight. On the way back to NY this didn't work -- there was a fee that is probably double what the ticket cost.
The point is if you get an agent who doesn't know the rules you are better off. From the customer's standpoint you feel like the airline is just taking advantage of you.
It seems airlines need more transparency as I never seem to understand their complex jargon and description of rates, etc.
Sorry about the early-morning mini-rant but I haven't had coffee yet.
