✈️ If Gate Anxiety Were an Action Figure...

A round-up of our top posts this week and the best socks in the standby game.

Author

Matt C
April 11, 2025

Happy Friday from South Carolina! 👋 

I'm here visiting family for the weekend, which means good food, long porch chats, and—inevitably—trying to explain how standby travel actually works. My relatives are convinced I live in constant chaos (“Wait, you don’t know which flight you’re getting on?”), and honestly… they’re not totally wrong. But there's a weird kind of freedom in it too—being able to pivot last-minute, find the emptier route, and sometimes land a First Class seat just by being patient (and lucky).

That kind of flexibility is more important than ever right now, especially with how unpredictable the travel landscape has become. This week, Delta withdrew its 2025 financial forecast, citing uncertainty around international trade tensions and global demand.

It’s a reminder that the industry is still in flux—and while that makes things complicated for airlines, it can sometimes play in our favor as passriders. Lower demand and shifting schedules can mean emptier cabins and unexpected opportunities, if you know where to look.

Enjoy the weekend!

Matt C
Captain, Standby Steals 💚

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🎒 Matt’s Nonrev Necessities

The Warm Hug Your Legs Deserve at 35,000 Feet

Confession: I always wear compression socks on flights longer than 6 hours (and honestly, I should wear them on every flight—but remembering them is half the battle). Whether I’m flying transatlantic or just stuck in an unexpectedly long ground delay, my go-to? These Sonoran merino wool compression socks.

We all really *should* be wearing compression socks on flights…

These aren’t your average compression socks. With 30% merino wool, they’re warm, soft, and super breathable—so your legs stay cozy without overheating. The 15-20mmHg compression level hits that sweet spot: enough to keep circulation flowing and swelling down, but not so tight you’re peeling them off halfway through the flight.

Why I swear by them:

  • Merino wool = plush warmth and no stink, even on multi-leg days

  • Snug, stay-put fit thanks to non-slip cuffs (no slouching mid-walk to Gate D57)

  • Extra cushioning that makes airport treks a little less brutal

  • Great gift for any frequent flyer whose health you care about!

These socks are basically the cabin upgrade your legs didn’t know they needed. Toss a pair in your go bag. Your feet—and future self—will thank you.

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