Standby help
I am planning on travelling standby to the US and back in a few months and wanted to ask some advice. I would like to travel between LHR and LAX and see there are about 6 airlines that operate that route direct. I was wondering if anybody had tips for me to save me being stranded. I have been told that it would be prudent to buy standby tickets on all these carriers just so I have a backup plan, then redeem them all and get my money back when I return to the UK. Is that a sensible thing to do?
Also, is it better to try airlines like United and Air NZ where there will be less chance of staff travelling than ther emay be with BA or VS?
Any help, tips would be apreciated as it will be the first time I have used standby across the Atlantic!!
Ta
Hufty.