Why is AA so restrictive when it comes to same-day changes?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 24, 2023 | 12:11 am

#31

econ

Join Date: Oct 2013

Location: SFO

Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat

Posts: 6,248

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijgordon

Without the fee people would be more likely to book the cheaper flight that departs at an odd hour and then try to SDC to a more desirable one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antarius

Possibly, however you can still do that today.

Given the high load factors across the industry and UA and DL allow this AND manage to get yield premiums over AA, I'm not convinced that this is that big of an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xliioper

As noted, DL requires original booking class inventory unless you have a paid C+ or FC fare. In practice, this significantly limits SDC availability when on cheaper Main fares.

UA also requires same fare class (even in FC), and they don’t level out fare buckets close to departure to the same extent that they used to, so it’s not unusual for SDC to be sparse or unavailable if booked in the lower Y/J fare classes.

I do like that UA treats the “D” in SDC as an actual day (+/- 24 hr) as opposed to calendar day.

futuramadramallama likes this.

Jun 24, 2023 | 1:25 am

#32

flying_geek

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: MIA, VIE and DPS

Programs: DL Plat 1MM, AA EXP 3MM, SQ Krisflyer Gold, UA Silver, Marriott LTT, HH Gold

Posts: 1,143

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cledaybuck

Anyone can not get status easily on AA or other US airlines (yet). They aren't Marriott or Hilton.

Well, you could get EXP status on AA without ever stepping onto a plane. Not sure why you would want to, but it is pretty easy. Not as easy and quick as Hilton, but possibly easier than Marriott

Jun 25, 2023 | 2:57 pm

#33

Cledaybuck

Join Date: Jun 2015

Location: DAY

Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards

Posts: 6,561

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

It is easy to do - they just need to take flights. Book an expensive ticket and can get status - it isn't difficult; few people would throw money away to get a pretty card though

Quote:

Originally Posted by flying_geek

Well, you could get EXP status on AA without ever stepping onto a plane. Not sure why you would want to, but it is pretty easy. Not as easy and quick as Hilton, but possibly easier than Marriott

I don't count spending thousands of dollars as "easily".

Jun 25, 2023 | 3:52 pm

#34

Dave Noble

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Jan 2002

Posts: 46,142

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cledaybuck

I don't count spending thousands of dollars as "easily".

It is a very easy thing to do - whether it is worth doing is very different

ExpatExp and futuramadramallama like this.

Jun 28, 2023 | 2:23 pm

#35

futuramadramallama

Join Date: Nov 2016

Programs: Nectar Card

Posts: 1,627

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stripe

[...]

Anyone can stand by for an earlier flight. Only elites can stand by for a later flight. One assumes this is because non-elites are less likely to clear the standby list and would risk being stuck. AA is just avoiding a potential customer service headache here.

[...]

My assumption for allowing only elites to standby for a later flight, was that standing-by-for-later, is in some sense, a no-show. Yes, flat tire rule exists, but this formalizes the courtesy for elites. And sure, an elite could be physically present at the gate for their ticketed flight and still have prior intent to standby for a later flight (therefore not exactly no-showing in its purest sense), but that seems rare.

That said, your explanation also makes sense, and I will now have an additional explanation in my head.

Reply Subscribe

Reply Share

First
Prev
3 / 3
Next
Last

Forum Jump