Originally Posted by
CalVol
On a return of a STL-LIM trip I was doing Lim-DTW-STL with only a 35 min. connection at DTW. I wanted to try to get to DTW earlier because I had another flight out of STL later that day and didn't want to chance anything. I was told "no dice" wasn't even offered the option of $250 change fee.
I sort of "get" the no SDC on the international legs. I fail to understand the rationale for the domestic portions. Do any of you know the stated reason for this policy?
CV
I've also been told no SDC on international tickets, but IIRC the change fee on M to Asia is $400, not $250. However, I've only tried on the return, when I get through customs faster than I had conservatively estimated, including on SQ award tickets. I've never succeeded, although I'm not sure the flights in question had open FC seats when I asked (before rechecking my bag).
Since you're upgrading, I assume you're elite. Perhaps you should have tried to call the DM or PM line and explained that you are worried about the short connecting time, especially with weather events likely to be affecting travel tomorrow, and ask if they can please move you to an earlier connecting flight or re-routing. I've had success in these circumstances with both NW (PE/Chisholm) and DL (DM/SLC), but I've sometimes--not always--had the impression that the helpful agent had to obtain supervisor approval.