Originally Posted by
Quinlanty
If anyone could clarify that would be great. If I SDS for a later flight, and don't make it, and have to fly the next day, does DL charge fare difference? Or is the flight free? TIA
Per the rules: DL will charge the fare difference and the change fee.
Actual Practice: DL seems to liberally waive these fees. Yesterday, the GA in IAH waived the fees for the two non-status people who weren't going to be able to SDS for later flights after showing up late for their assigned flights. Neither was going to fly out before today, but both changes were made, while I was standing in line for assistance, without fees.
Personally: I've done SDS to later flights a few times and, luckily, always gotten a seat, but I only do it if when I call DL in the morning, the flights seem open and the weather across the country is good. Even if you are flying FLL-DTW, a storm in AZ could disrupt a flight using a plane that's supposed to be in FLL later in the day, setting a plane load of IRROPs impacted passengers ahead of you on the SDS list.