Newbie Question: SDC Rules
Dec 6, 2018, 2:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
Newbie Question: SDC Rules
Sorry for maybe a n00b question. But I have a flight Saturday: JFK-SFO-PDX. I called to ask about changing it and the CSR said I can SDC to a direct JFK-PDX once the check in window opens for the original flight. I thought based on the rules you had to keep the same routing, but the CSR said just starting and ending pair. I called a second CSR just to test it and she said the same. I just wanted to ask folks if they've had experience with successfully changing a flight like this. I only have MVP status (if that matters.)
Last edited by williwaw; Dec 6, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Dec 6, 2018, 3:19 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,391
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...flight-changes
- You must keep the same origin, destination, thru, and connection cities. Co-terminal changes are not allowed.
Dec 6, 2018, 3:49 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,391
I've never seen a nonstop offered to me in the app or on the web if I am flying a one-stop. I have called and gotten an SDC to a nonstop when there was the potential for being stranded overnight in a city where AS only had a daily flight when connecting from a partner award: DUS-ORD-MCI(AA)-SEA(AS) became DUS-ORD(AA)-SEA(AS), but that involved CS reps getting clearance from supervisors.
I'm wondering if you have pmVX phone reps here...
I'm wondering if you have pmVX phone reps here...
Dec 6, 2018, 4:38 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
Well, you all had me worried (rightly so, as it is in the rules.) I called a third CSR, based in SEA, who confirmed I can SDC from the JFK-SFO-PDX to JKF-PDX direct. I pointedly asked, since the original itinerary has a connection is this really possible. He respond yes, and if my original itinerary had been a direct that I had I could even add a connection in the 24 hour window. I also asked if this was a change in policy, and he said there had been changes, but as he discussed them it seemed to be more about the shift from the calendar day policy for SDC to 24 hour window. So.... we shall see.
I will get on the horn tomorrow morning and see if it works. Makes my life 100x easier if I can do it. Will report back.
I will get on the horn tomorrow morning and see if it works. Makes my life 100x easier if I can do it. Will report back.
Dec 6, 2018, 4:59 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
I successfully helped a friend change SEA-SFO-BOS to SEA-PDX-SFO-BOS last week.
$50 change fee plus $14 or so in extra taxes, all done over the phone. No, these options didn't appear online.
MVPG status secured ^ plus SEA-PDX cleared into F too
This is a YMMV situation, and I wouldn't count on it. But if space is there, and you want to try, give AS a call.
$50 change fee plus $14 or so in extra taxes, all done over the phone. No, these options didn't appear online.
MVPG status secured ^ plus SEA-PDX cleared into F too
This is a YMMV situation, and I wouldn't count on it. But if space is there, and you want to try, give AS a call.
Dec 7, 2018, 12:21 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 17
I successfully helped a friend change SEA-SFO-BOS to SEA-PDX-SFO-BOS last week.
$50 change fee plus $14 or so in extra taxes, all done over the phone. No, these options didn't appear online.
MVPG status secured ^ plus SEA-PDX cleared into F too
This is a YMMV situation, and I wouldn't count on it. But if space is there, and you want to try, give AS a call.
$50 change fee plus $14 or so in extra taxes, all done over the phone. No, these options didn't appear online.
MVPG status secured ^ plus SEA-PDX cleared into F too
This is a YMMV situation, and I wouldn't count on it. But if space is there, and you want to try, give AS a call.
Last edited by Seattle206; Dec 7, 2018 at 12:22 am Reason: error
Dec 7, 2018, 9:57 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
Sooooo... it was going to work. The CSR was ready to move me and then uh oh. Something wasn’t working. She calls rates and I wait. And wait. Turns out it would work but because this was a ticket purchased through Chase UR/Expedia it is a bulk fare that they can not change routing on. I can change to the earlier version of routing but not to the direct. So out come the Visa card....
This is my own doing so I’m fine, but be warned that UR ourshaed tickets are an extra wrinkle. Glad the cash price for a oneway tomorrow is not awful. I have a kid birthday party to make!
This is my own doing so I’m fine, but be warned that UR ourshaed tickets are an extra wrinkle. Glad the cash price for a oneway tomorrow is not awful. I have a kid birthday party to make!
Dec 7, 2018, 11:26 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
I am MVP. I think this would have worked with no issues if I had originally purchased the ticket via Alaska directly. Because it was a bulk fare via a travel agency (Expedia) it complicated things. All the CSR's I spoke with said they could do it - but the bulk fare prevented them.