Feb 16, 2016, 10:40 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
NOTE AA SDFC CHANGED POLICY: As of 01/15/16 the SDFC option will be limited to alternate flights only if they follow the same origin, destination, and also SAME CONNECTION POINT. Other rules seem to be unchanged as far as available 24-hours before, no charge to EXP, no co-terminals allowed, and slight overlap to calendar date limitation for late night may be possible.
"Domestic" Same Day Confirmed Flight Change / SDFC / SDC / CFC / "Standby"
ARCHIVE: Domestic SDFC / SDC /CFC Same Day Confirmed Flight Change
May 15, 2015, 2:10 pm
#166
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Platinum, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,788
Non-AA employees in AA uniforms the bane of airport operations. BDL story.
In a nutshell:
Non-AA airport agents can be clueless on AA's basic rules. For standby, a non-AA airport ticket agent thought it was required to have the same connecting city, despite origin and destination cities not changing.
Try over and over again to find a proper AA employee and things will improve for you.
------------------------
The Desk Agent
Had a BDL-DFW-LAX itinerary with a 6pm-ish departure. I was available to depart at around 3pm so the night before I called the premium line and asked if I could SDC or standby for an earlier BDL-ORD-LAX itinerary. The premium agent said she could only SDC me for a 7am departure (no way!) and that I can only try to standby at the airport for the BDL-ORD flights. Okay.
At the airport, the desk agent said very tersely, "If you want to standby, your connecting city must be the same. You can only standby for another Dallas flight and that left three hours ago." She added, "You can possibly standby over the phone."
I tried to explain that as long as the origin and destination cities are the same, passenger can standby regardless of what the connecting city is. Additionally this can only be done at the airport. She had none of it.
By the way, I noticed she was training a new agent.
I then called the premium line and the PA said, "Of course you can standby for an earlier flight! As long as there's no change with or origin and destination pairs, it makes no difference where you connect through." She had no idea what the desk agent was talking about. She said there was space available on the desired flights but I can only standby at the airport.
With the PA sill on the line, I walked back to the desk agent and explained what the PA just told me. Without argument she begrudgingly started trying to standby me for the earlier BDL-ORD-LAX flights. She took 20 minutes. Seriously She had no idea how to do it and kept on making phone calls to ask for advice.
Yes, she was training a new agent.
After that 20 minutes (I'm really sorry to all of those in line that day waiting for that agent - there were only 2 agents working) she finally SDCed me for the ORD itinerary - she ultimately couldn't figure out how standby works. It was a middle seat and according to AA.com, there were many non-middle seats available but I knew better than to ask her to find me a better seat. I thanked her and left for the AC.
Another premium line agent said she couldn't change seats for me but I could do it at the airport.
The AC Agents
At the AC, when I entered I asked if the agent could try to change a seat for me. He said he wouldn't try because I was traveling on AA and he only had access to the US system. I found it amusing that he said this sitting in front of the large "American Airlines"-written glass backdrop (no US signage anywhere). I shrugged and sat down.
I frequently stuck my head out the AC doors to see if an agent arrived at the gate so I could try to change seats with them. One of the times I did this a different AC agent asked if she could help me. When I explained I wanted to change seats and how the first AC agent couldn't because he only had access to the US system, she whispered, "Some people are lazy." This wonderful AC agent then made a quick phone call and got me great MCE seats on both my flights.
After telling her of my attempted-standby experience at the desk, she explained that most of the agents at BDL, including the desk agent (and trainer!) I encountered, are non-AA. She was one of the only 4 there. She said, "they get them from the street."
Conclusion
It seemed the only way I could accomplish something that should've been routine was talking to multiple airport and phone agents until I finally found someone who knew what they were doing. I understand how it saves AA money to subcontract airport staff out, but if they're going to do this they should properly train that staff the same way they train their own.
Non-AA airport agents can be clueless on AA's basic rules. For standby, a non-AA airport ticket agent thought it was required to have the same connecting city, despite origin and destination cities not changing.
Try over and over again to find a proper AA employee and things will improve for you.
------------------------
The Desk Agent
Had a BDL-DFW-LAX itinerary with a 6pm-ish departure. I was available to depart at around 3pm so the night before I called the premium line and asked if I could SDC or standby for an earlier BDL-ORD-LAX itinerary. The premium agent said she could only SDC me for a 7am departure (no way!) and that I can only try to standby at the airport for the BDL-ORD flights. Okay.
At the airport, the desk agent said very tersely, "If you want to standby, your connecting city must be the same. You can only standby for another Dallas flight and that left three hours ago." She added, "You can possibly standby over the phone."
I tried to explain that as long as the origin and destination cities are the same, passenger can standby regardless of what the connecting city is. Additionally this can only be done at the airport. She had none of it.
By the way, I noticed she was training a new agent.
I then called the premium line and the PA said, "Of course you can standby for an earlier flight! As long as there's no change with or origin and destination pairs, it makes no difference where you connect through." She had no idea what the desk agent was talking about. She said there was space available on the desired flights but I can only standby at the airport.
With the PA sill on the line, I walked back to the desk agent and explained what the PA just told me. Without argument she begrudgingly started trying to standby me for the earlier BDL-ORD-LAX flights. She took 20 minutes. Seriously She had no idea how to do it and kept on making phone calls to ask for advice.
Yes, she was training a new agent.
After that 20 minutes (I'm really sorry to all of those in line that day waiting for that agent - there were only 2 agents working) she finally SDCed me for the ORD itinerary - she ultimately couldn't figure out how standby works. It was a middle seat and according to AA.com, there were many non-middle seats available but I knew better than to ask her to find me a better seat. I thanked her and left for the AC.
Another premium line agent said she couldn't change seats for me but I could do it at the airport.
The AC Agents
At the AC, when I entered I asked if the agent could try to change a seat for me. He said he wouldn't try because I was traveling on AA and he only had access to the US system. I found it amusing that he said this sitting in front of the large "American Airlines"-written glass backdrop (no US signage anywhere). I shrugged and sat down.
I frequently stuck my head out the AC doors to see if an agent arrived at the gate so I could try to change seats with them. One of the times I did this a different AC agent asked if she could help me. When I explained I wanted to change seats and how the first AC agent couldn't because he only had access to the US system, she whispered, "Some people are lazy." This wonderful AC agent then made a quick phone call and got me great MCE seats on both my flights.
After telling her of my attempted-standby experience at the desk, she explained that most of the agents at BDL, including the desk agent (and trainer!) I encountered, are non-AA. She was one of the only 4 there. She said, "they get them from the street."
Conclusion
It seemed the only way I could accomplish something that should've been routine was talking to multiple airport and phone agents until I finally found someone who knew what they were doing. I understand how it saves AA money to subcontract airport staff out, but if they're going to do this they should properly train that staff the same way they train their own.
May 15, 2015, 6:57 pm
#167
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 123
I had a few frustrating SDCFC last week-- both times the EXP agents told me I was on the upgrade list on the new flight, but both times I wasn't moved over to the airport list. I'm having doubts I was even on the upgrade list to begin with. Kind of frustrating.
May 17, 2015, 8:01 am
#168
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 394
Have a weird situation currently that I'm wondering if anyone else has seen before. Originally scheduled on AA2386 dfw to msy and saw the comp upgrade didn't go through. Requested standby online for the noon flight late last night since i need to get back earlier today. Got an email around 7am that the comp upgrade went through for the noon flight (four people on upgrade list currently), not my original flight. I have a boarding pass and everything looks okay, was even able to check in.
Is this a usual occurence? Seems like I somehow got confirmed on an earlier flight in first through standby without paying.
Is this a usual occurence? Seems like I somehow got confirmed on an earlier flight in first through standby without paying.
May 17, 2015, 1:00 pm
#169
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: 2015 kettle
Posts: 653
changing P fares and SDFC
Booked a flight ord-DFW-las later this summer in P class. Now the departure just after my ord-dfw leg is on the 787. If like to try it out, but was wondering how often the same day changes on AA have P class open for changes. I'm new to AA.
May 17, 2015, 1:22 pm
#170
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
On the new airplane I would guess that F would fill up, if only for the novelty of flying in F on it... my guess (and that's all it is, a guess!) is that it would be doubtful that there would be any discount F (A/P) available on that aircraft within 24 hours of departure. That said, you never know! MIA-LAX on the 3-class 777 had SDC available in A tonight... score!
May 17, 2015, 2:09 pm
#171
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The best solution is to call.
As AA ticketing policy and fleet haven't merged with US' yet, we've moved this into the proper forum. /Moderator
As AA ticketing policy and fleet haven't merged with US' yet, we've moved this into the proper forum. /Moderator
May 17, 2015, 3:06 pm
#172
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
phone vs. airport availability
Was booked AAA-BBB-CCC-DDD. Broken fare at BBB. Called twice for a CFC to AAA-CCC-DDD, but was correctly told that the broken fare did not allow it. Day of departure an agent at the check-in counter, however, gladly made the CFC for me.
Question: Is the airport allowed to ignore fare rules for CFC, or did I just get a generous agent?
Question: Is the airport allowed to ignore fare rules for CFC, or did I just get a generous agent?
May 17, 2015, 3:12 pm
#173
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Was booked AAA-BBB-CCC-DDD. Broken fare at BBB. Called twice for a CFC to AAA-CCC-DDD, but was correctly told that the broken fare did not allow it. Day of departure an agent at the check-in counter, however, gladly made the CFC for me.
Question: Is the airport allowed to ignore fare rules for CFC, or did I just get a generous agent?
Question: Is the airport allowed to ignore fare rules for CFC, or did I just get a generous agent?
May 17, 2015, 5:00 pm
#174
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Keep in mind, the actual SDFC as reservation process is economy only with -E- being the indicator if it's available on a given flight.
That said, to sort of "mirror" SDFC, there are instructions in place to allow for UP-type premium cabin fares to do similar via a reissue, with waived fee.
So, you may possibly find some AAgent confusion/reluctance, but is doable, inventory allowing, of course.
That said, to sort of "mirror" SDFC, there are instructions in place to allow for UP-type premium cabin fares to do similar via a reissue, with waived fee.
So, you may possibly find some AAgent confusion/reluctance, but is doable, inventory allowing, of course.
May 17, 2015, 6:28 pm
#175
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
Jon, any chance you could clarify? I have had no luck trying this. Is there a specific magic word I should ask for to jog an agent's memory about this reissue technique?
And what about non-UP type fares? Like I fares on transcons?
And what about non-UP type fares? Like I fares on transcons?
May 17, 2015, 6:33 pm
#176
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Premium Cabin Processing
Same Day Flight Change, as reservations processes, does not apply to any premium cabin booking including fares that are sold in coach for travel in First/Business, such as fares containing -UP in the fare basis or ticket designator.
BECAUSE:
Reservations SDFC processing path is for the Main cabin only.
The inventory that is validated against the requested change in E inventory.
E inventory is for travel in the Main cabin.
Automation does not validate First/Business inventory.
The fare rules, as copied below, allow SDFC at no charge for premium cabin customers.
PASSENGERS WHO PURCHASED TICKETS FOR FIRST OR BUSINESS BOOKED IN D/I/J/A/P/F INVENTORIES MAY USE SAME DAY FLIGHT CHANGE WITHOUT CHARGE
You must...
Then process SDFC as a REISSUE waiving any change charge that may populate for customers calling reservations using the dropdown reason SDFC Premium Cabin. See BTNAV S for process information
Same Day Flight Change, as reservations processes, does not apply to any premium cabin booking including fares that are sold in coach for travel in First/Business, such as fares containing -UP in the fare basis or ticket designator.
BECAUSE:
Reservations SDFC processing path is for the Main cabin only.
The inventory that is validated against the requested change in E inventory.
E inventory is for travel in the Main cabin.
Automation does not validate First/Business inventory.
The fare rules, as copied below, allow SDFC at no charge for premium cabin customers.
PASSENGERS WHO PURCHASED TICKETS FOR FIRST OR BUSINESS BOOKED IN D/I/J/A/P/F INVENTORIES MAY USE SAME DAY FLIGHT CHANGE WITHOUT CHARGE
You must...
Then process SDFC as a REISSUE waiving any change charge that may populate for customers calling reservations using the dropdown reason SDFC Premium Cabin. See BTNAV S for process information
May 18, 2015, 7:24 am
#177
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
Thanks, Jon! The last time I tried to do this on an I fare, the EXP desk agent said that she couldn't do it because there was no E inventory. Sigh.
What this rule doesn't say, though, is what inventory is required. To SDFC an I ticket, does it require I inventory? Similarly, P for P tickets? Or is there a less restrictive rule, similar to the E rule for coach?
What this rule doesn't say, though, is what inventory is required. To SDFC an I ticket, does it require I inventory? Similarly, P for P tickets? Or is there a less restrictive rule, similar to the E rule for coach?
May 18, 2015, 8:22 am
#178
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Thanks, Jon! The last time I tried to do this on an I fare, the EXP desk agent said that she couldn't do it because there was no E inventory. Sigh.
What this rule doesn't say, though, is what inventory is required. To SDFC an I ticket, does it require I inventory? Similarly, P for P tickets? Or is there a less restrictive rule, similar to the E rule for coach?
What this rule doesn't say, though, is what inventory is required. To SDFC an I ticket, does it require I inventory? Similarly, P for P tickets? Or is there a less restrictive rule, similar to the E rule for coach?
May 18, 2015, 2:10 pm
#179
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,231
But even beyond that, the fare rules seem to make clear that SDFC is certainly allowed on premium class fares, at no charge. Here's some language from the above-mentioned fare (on LGA-ORD). Nothing specific about fare class availability, thought.
(And maybe worth mentioning that the fare rules also allow same-day standby for free on these fares.)
Code:
2. SAME DAY FLIGHT CHANGE/SDFC/
A. ELIGIBILITY
<snip>
2.PASSENGERS WHO PURCHASED TICKETS FOR FIRST
OR BUSINESS OR COACH CLASS BOOKED IN
Y/D/I/J/A/P/F INVENTORIES MAY USE SAME DAY
FLIGHT CHANGE WITHOUT CHARGE AS NOTED BELOW.
<snip>
B.SAME DAY FLIGHT CHANGE CONDITIONS FOR ELIG PSGRS
1.THE REQUEST FOR SDFC IS MADE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF
THE ALTERNATE FLIGHT/S DEPARTURE TIME.
2.THERE IS NO CHANGE TO THE ORIGIN/DESTINATION.
3.NEW FLIGHT/S/ AND ROUTING ARE PERMITTED PER THE
TICKETED FARE RULE.
4.ALL TRAVEL IS ON AMERICAN AIRLINES/ AMERICAN
EAGLE AND AMERICAN CONNECTION.
5.REQUESTS ARE MADE VIA AIRPORT SELF-SERVICE
CHECK-IN/ TICKET COUNTERS /INCLUDING ADMIRALS
CLUBS AND PREMIUM SERVICES/ OR BY CALLING AA
RESERVATIONS.
6.CHANGES PERMITTED TO OUTBOUND OR CONTINUING/
RETURN FLIGHTS.
7.CONFIRMATION IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
8.ALTERNATE FLIGHT IS ON SAME TICKETED DATE.
May 18, 2015, 3:27 pm
#180
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
What happens if someone is booked in first on a 2-class flight and wants to SFDC to a 3-class flight? I would assume they would go in business, but what inventory needs to be available if it's even possible?