SDC Question
#16
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
#17
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SEA, MKE, PSP
Programs: AS MVP75K
Posts: 396
Similar SDC question.. if there is a connecting itinerary for less miles in F (40k) than a nonstop (70k), could I theoretically book the connection and SDC to the nonstop if there is still space in F? The routing with the connection forces an overnight in SFO so the arrival date would change, but the origin and destination would stay the same. Anyone know if this would work, theoretically?
I would assume the F tickets are treated the same way as Y tickets. For example if I book a cheap award main fare ticket and do a SDC there only needs to be a Y class seat available.
#18
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
I'm looking at a connecting F award ticket (20k). PSP-SJC-BOI. As a 100k could I SDC to a later flight via SEA (PSP-SEA-BOI) and be booked into F, as long as an F seat is available? or does a certain fare bucket need to be open? (like U class to U class)
I would assume the F tickets are treated the same way as Y tickets. For example if I book a cheap award main fare ticket and do a SDC there only needs to be a Y class seat available.
I would assume the F tickets are treated the same way as Y tickets. For example if I book a cheap award main fare ticket and do a SDC there only needs to be a Y class seat available.
A same day change is applicable to the same origin, same destination, same connection & you cannot change from a connection to a non-stop and vise versa. Anything outside that is an itinerary change and is subject to fare differential.
While many have been accommodated on their requests to change their itinerary within 24 hours of departure and no fare difference has been collected, it is important to note that those requests are not same day changes.
James
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
99% sure you will have no difficulty (and quite likely will be able to do it online using the “Change to a later flight” option at OLCI)
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
#20
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
99% sure you will have no difficulty (and quite likely will be able to do it online using the “Change to a later flight” option at OLCI)
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
jrl767
And experience! Moreso recently, the practice has swung more towards what is written. The OP is asking questions that don't relate to Same Day changes because it isn't a Same Day Change.
It is certainly nice that you have access to data that suggests a 99% success rate. Bravo! Too bad so many of your "off the cuff," statements lack in fact. Do they not require the same standards that you ask of others? I will leave it at that and follow the proper channels.
James
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
My favorite trick was always buying a ticket to a cheap destination and then SDCing to an expensive co-terminal. SFO-LAX for $49; SDC to SFO-SNA which was selling for $149 or $199. The rules say that this is no longer allowed (nor should it be; it's an abuse of the system) but is it still allowed in practice?
#22
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 100K, Frontier Elite100K
Posts: 222
Vegas,
I don't think of it as an abuse of the system. It's just a benefit of being elite customers who gets change fees waived. The common folk would have to pay the change fee so not much benefit in doing that. Elites spend thousands of dollars to obtain status so working the system within its rules is fair game. In fact, AS is giving its blessing to such behavior because it has the power to change the rules if it wanted to, so take advantage of the policies, it's there for our benefit.
I don't think of it as an abuse of the system. It's just a benefit of being elite customers who gets change fees waived. The common folk would have to pay the change fee so not much benefit in doing that. Elites spend thousands of dollars to obtain status so working the system within its rules is fair game. In fact, AS is giving its blessing to such behavior because it has the power to change the rules if it wanted to, so take advantage of the policies, it's there for our benefit.
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Elites spend thousands of dollars to obtain status so working the system within its rules is fair game. In fact, AS is giving its blessing to such behavior because it has the power to change the rules if it wanted to, so take advantage of the policies, it's there for our benefit.
#24
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 100K, Frontier Elite100K
Posts: 222
Vegas,
Yes Alaska did include a Co-terminal exception but it also included an exception for elites to the the standard SDC rules.
And AS in its terms of contract it doesn't have to refund if it decides to cancel your flight and fly you to a co-terminal that is miles away. If you booked a flight to SNA and AS cancel that flight, it could send you to SAN with no refund.
FYI I have bought a cheap ticket SEA to LAS and then called to change to PAE to LAS with no problem. Also have changed LAS to SEA to LAS to PAE with no problems. AS suffers no loss since the seat would be empty if I didn't fill it. Hence why they allow these types of co terminal changes for elites.
Yes Alaska did include a Co-terminal exception but it also included an exception for elites to the the standard SDC rules.
And AS in its terms of contract it doesn't have to refund if it decides to cancel your flight and fly you to a co-terminal that is miles away. If you booked a flight to SNA and AS cancel that flight, it could send you to SAN with no refund.
FYI I have bought a cheap ticket SEA to LAS and then called to change to PAE to LAS with no problem. Also have changed LAS to SEA to LAS to PAE with no problems. AS suffers no loss since the seat would be empty if I didn't fill it. Hence why they allow these types of co terminal changes for elites.
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
99% sure you will have no difficulty (and quite likely will be able to do it online using the “Change to a later flight” option at OLCI)
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
FfF is — as usual — providing a very literal reading of written AS policy/rules … and also obliquely agrees with something I’ve mentioned numerous times with respect to such … policy isn’t what’s written; policy is what’s practiced
#26
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: The opinions expressed here are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the airlines I worked for.
Posts: 1,894
So I can buy a (much cheaper) SFO-LAX Main or First fare and SDC it to SFO-SNA assuming availability (and of course no guarantee of upgrades)?
#27
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,299
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Of course there are no guarantees but I never got burned by it. Even when there was a cancelled flight and everything was zeroed out as they were scrambling to rebook everyone I managed to grab a seat that opened on the flight that I wanted. An EF subscription was critical that time (for the alerts)
#30
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP 100K, F9 dirt Hilton damond, Choice Gold, Former DL Plat, UA 1K
Posts: 366
AS charges for SDC
I'm a 75K and did a doemstic SDC. I was told I was being charged $8, but on my credit card statement, they charged me $10. No co-terminals permitted (LAX/BUR/SNA/ONT)