Originally Posted by
emcampbe
SDC allows a change of routing - standby does not.
Theory being (I think) that with a routing change, you may not get on the second leg. The what happens. Of course, going from a connection to a nonstop doesn't have that risk, which is why you probably find agents willing to do it.
this is exactly right, but another case where UA has written its rules so tightly that they defy logic (technically disallowing SBY from a connecting to a non-stop).
IIRC, fare buckets are supposed to "level out" at T-3hrs to departure, so if a seat is available in any fare class it should technically be available for SDC even if you are in a lower fare bucket...