Often1

OP is ticketed LAX-HKG with a connection at DFW. He wants to change that. Whether he changes one segment or both is irrelevant. A change is a change.

On the LAX-HKG route, AA competes for its nonstop service with CX and HX. If AA is losing any business to either of them because it won't offer a fee free change to someone flying LAX-HKG and choosing to connect at DFW rather than fly nonstop, I would be surprised.

But, I don't have access to the data. I presume that you don't either.

swingaling

Agreed. Although I wouldn't blame front-line agents for this. AA likely severely limits their ability to exercise any discretion on a wide range of issues, and in those instances when they are allowed discretion, they almost certainly have to defend their actions after the fact.

With the possible exception of full fare tickets, CX definitely does NOT allow free flight changes. Same day or not. I can't speak to HX, but I suspect the same would apply to them as well.

Science Goy

As with upgrades or discount award flights, I consider same-day confirmed flight changes a nice benefit when they're available (and I've been able to avail myself of all of these things countless times). Never in a million years would I rely on it as part of my travel planning, though.

tkelvin69

It used to be all EXP agents had "supervisory" authority but not sure if that still exists.

mvoight

But, AA is NOT offering it on this itinerary. The OP has an international ticket and AA did NOT advertise SDFC for that kind of ticket

fotographer

I have done SDFC for a few flights last year leaving ATL because of possible storms coming thru.
All those flights had an international connections. (paid J)
In fact on one flight the AA angels told me to leave on the earlier flight just to make sure.

JDiver

I’ve had changes allowed that were technically not allowed (flights originating at LHR and BRU among others), but I consider myself fortunate I was granted those; I certainly wasn’t entitled to them (and I knew it when I politely asked).

TSparky

I haven't been able to use SDFC the last few years. Just tried again yesterday and the only option LAX-IND was to standby on 1 flight. If you search for LAX-IND you can find dozens of options. So in my case, it's of no value. Just like milesaver awards, almost never have one I can use.

golfingboy

I detest AA’s SDFC policy and I have made it known multiple times here

However, your issue isn’t really with the agent or this benefit being a fraud. The issue here are the, in my honest opinion, overly restrictive rules. Same routing, same number of connections, E fare must be available, etc. Almost as if AA really did not want to offer this benefit but to remain competitive with UA/DL/WN their hands are tied so they will offer this benefit with as many controls in place to keep the potential costs of this benefits to a bare minimum.

Losing UA’s SDC benefit when I moved over to AA was a tough one but AA operates 2x more flights out of PIT with broader nonstop access to more hubs. Being PIT based with UA for 2 years was miserable as a long delay almost guarantees overnighting at a hub given how limited UA is here after the post merger cuts.

This is most likely due to identical routing restriction. You will only see options for the same connecting cities so say you are flying via PHX and there are only two PHX-IND fights then generally the most you will see is one alternative assuming E is available. You won’t see options via DFW, ORD, CLT, or even the nonstop to LAX.

TSparky

Yesterday's case was for that exact reason - I detest the rule that limits it to the exact routing. However, I have tried when connecting via DFW with nothing available, not even a standby.

jordyn

OP is not flying nonstop LAX-HKG, so I have no idea why you are only listing the carriers that fly nonstop.