Originally Posted by
ijgordon
Unless AA changed, main cabin SDFC requires special “E” inventory, which is arguably MORE restrictive than DL’s policy requiring the same inventory as booked, although that ultimately will depend on what fare class you booked into. I believe UA is the same as DL - same inventory.
DL paid FC gets last seat availability so no availability restrictions, although there is a fee unless you are elite. AA has no fee for paid FC but does require same booking code.
That said, AA allows SDC on some international routes (LHR notably) while DL is domestic only; UA is most flexible here. AA doesn’t allow connection point changes, while DL does.
Where do you read about the AA E fare and FC fare category restrictions? I couldn't find those and I'm curious, because from my experience SDC on AA app has always worked out fine. A couple months ago, did a BOS-LGA on AA, upgraded to F but did a SDC to a later flight without F seats but I was able to get main cabin (originally booked main cabin). Previously, the other way around, booked main cabin on JFK-LAX transcon, complement upgraded to Business, did same day flight change to earlier also in Business.
Back to Delta, the app was still buggy this morning so I manually input name and booking confirmation to access today's booking. It didn't show up under "Today", so the same day flight change option isn't there. Went into change/cancel flight option, and searched for today's BOS-LGA, and this morning all the flights are available for $0 change in main cabin (not looking for C+ upgrades), so I did end up successfully doing it. Then I could check in on the app but not generally a boarding pass, and the agent at the gate sorted it out.