Originally Posted by
emcampbe
I don't believe this is correct. PMUA, under the 3 hour SDC, you could change as long as there was availability in whichever particular fare class needed to be available (not if there was any availability in Y, but I believe there had to be M availability - because, for example, they wouldn't use SDC to oversell).
Now, the rule is (IIRC) you can SDC to a flight within 24 hours, but for just the SDC fee, there needs to be availability in the fare class you are booked in (i.e. if you're booked in S, there has to be S available). I think you can also SDC to a flight with only higher class availability, but in addition to the SDC fee (whatever it is, based on your status), you also need to pay the fare difference to the upgraded fare class. However, I also believe at T-3, they open up any availability to all classes, so if there are 5 seats left, that were only in Y, all classes show as 5 beginning T-3.
AFAIK, there is no refund that would ever be necessary - if your fare class is available, you get SDC'd to the same fare class (no difference), not a lower one.
I corrected my post, thanks. I flew DL yesterday and had their SDC policy in my head re: needing 'Y' class. On CO, you are correct, same fare class. But my point is still valid - even if lower fare classes are open during SDC you can't use them. You'd have to actually reprice your ticket if you want to get a lower fare class at which point you will pay the change fee associated with the ticket.
And, pmUA was 'H' class for SDC.
-RM