✈️ Where to find the emptiest flights this April

I just returned from a few days in Las Vegas, where I successfully avoided both checked bags and the brutal check-in lines that left some visitors waiting for hours (seriously, check out this madness). Luckily, I stayed at the newly revamped Rio, where I breezed right in with no wait—definitely a win in my book. 🎰 

If you’re curious whether the Rio is worth a stay on your next trip, I put together a full trip report breaking down what’s new, what’s still a work in progress, and whether it lives up to the hype (read it here).

This trip was mostly about leisure—hopping between hotels for great meals, soaking in the over-the-top Vegas atmosphere, and sneaking in some much-needed relaxation at a few hotel spas. Instead of committing to a single resort’s amenities, I used Resort Pass to book day access to different hotel pools and spas, which turned out to be a fantastic move (highly recommend for airline crew!). 💆 

But while Vegas is always a gamble, standby travel doesn’t have to be. This week’s newsletter has everything you need to make your next trip easier, including a guide to the easiest flights to score a seat in April, exclusive hotel discounts in NYC and Boston, and a firsthand review of London Heathrow’s newest lounge.

Enjoy the deals, and see you in the skies!

Matt C
Captain, Standby Steals 💚

Latest deals, tips & more

🏨 Updated Hilton Booking Instructions

We’ve heard from many of you that Hilton’s dedicated airline staff rate booking page wasn’t working when entering an email address. Good news—we worked with Hilton to find a workaround!

If you’re having trouble accessing the discount page, try booking directly on Hilton.com and using the airline staff group code instead. Full instructions, including the group code, can be found here: Hilton Airline Staff Rates.

What’s the deal? Hilton offers exclusive airline staff rates at select properties worldwide worth up to 25% off standard rates! Rates are available to airline staff identifying themselves as airline employees and who present valid airline identification at check-in.

If the standard instructions don’t work for you, give the group code method a shot and let us know how it goes!

🎒 Matt’s Nonrev Necessities

The Klearlook Airplane Phone Holder

If you’ve ever tried to prop your phone up on a tray table latch just right so you can watch a movie, only to have it slide down mid-scene, this is the gadget for you.

The Klearlook Airplane Phone Holder is a total game-changer for standby travel—and I’m not the only one who thinks so. With more than 3,100 five-star reviews, it’s clearly a favorite among frequent flyers.

I bring this little gadget on every trip because, let’s be honest—seatback entertainment isn’t always a given. Whether I’m in an old-school cabin with no screens, a bulkhead row with an awkward armrest monitor, or a middle seat where I just need some personal space, this thing has my back.

✈️ Clips onto the tray table – Perfect viewing angle, no awkward hand cramps.
🎬 Great for streaming – No more neck strain from looking down at your lap.
🛫 Standby-proof – Whether I end up in first class or the last row, it works anywhere.
👜 Folds up tiny – Toss it in your bag and forget it’s there (until you need it).

I’ve used it on everything from short hops to long-hauls, and trust me, it makes any seat a better seat. If you’re flying standby, you don’t always get to choose your cabin—but you can choose to make the experience better.

 🏆️ Share and Win

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