Can this SDC work?
 

Hi All,

I'm looking to book an award ticket for the summer, 1-way WAS-PHL-DBV for 2 passengers
I can find an award for 55k, but it does come with 15 hours layover in Philly.

Can this (in theory) work as EXP?
Book the ticket, 24 hours before the original flight, SDC to a later flight which will reduce the connection time (assuming one is available).

Sure. I don't think there's any requirement on SDC that the same fare class (in this case, award space) be available. Just a seat.

You are not eligible for SDC because it is only available on domestic tickets (with the limited exception of LHR-JFK). Agents will sometimes permit a change at the airport after all international segments have been flown, but this is the outbound and you presumably want to do this by phone.

Is there a particular reason why you want to fly WAS-PHL rather than take Amtrak -- particularly with a 15-hour connection? There are at least 2 trains per hour (one Acela and one NE Regional) and it is 1:40 up to 30th Street Station followed by a 20-minute (or less) Uber out to PHL.

I would do that, but the award space is not showing up for as direct, only with married segments
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...38a98bd56d.png

Technically, you are not allowed to SDC on international itineraries. However, as another poster mentions, sometimes you can get an agent to change this for you at the airport. Other times the app or website will let you make the change yourself. I usually check that option first. But don't count on it as it's not technically allowed as part of SDC rules.

The problem for OP is that he then has to go to whichever WAS airport it is, find an agent, see if he can change the flight (it's not really an SDC, but an agent making the change & waiving the fee) and then either going home or sitting around IAD/DCA for however many hours it is.

But, because OP won't know until he gets to the airport, he has to bring his bags and be prepared to fly as scheduled.

and the agent IME is way less likely to do it if you've checked or are checking bags. My other point was that I've had the app offer to SDC the domestic leg before so if carrying on there's a chance the app or website may offer it up.

Just curious, what would happen if he ticketed it with the 15 hour layover. Couple of days later call AA and ask the agent just do drop the DCA-PHL segment. Would the agent not do it?

Not anymore. Married segments are brutal.

It’s a 15 hour layover. Check in your luggage to the Washington airport, don’t bring any carry on bags. Fly to Philly, rent a car and drive home. The next day, drive to Philly.
On the way back, assuming a connection and stupidly long layover in Philly, skip the flight to DC and take a train home.
If there’s any delay for your flight to Philly, or there’s a travel waiver for snow, you can then drop the DC-PHL flight.
Maybe try to get a longer layover in PHL.

Depending on the time of summer (late versus early) you might have a schedule change in your favor allowing you to move the DCA-PHL flight. Note if the cost is 55k it's a websaver and can't be changed if availability comes up on the flight you want, only if there is a schedule change.