Jun 12, 2015, 7:09 pm
Last edit by: audidudi
This wiki covers basic info and common FAQs. For full terms and conditions, see the relevant DL web page: Same Day Travel Changes
Same-Day Confirmed
To request an SDC, you can
Online SDC does not seem to present all the options available to you, especially when you are SDCing a GAP fare and there is no inventory in your fare bucket. Calling in is best. People have had success with Twitter but that may depend on how "involved" the SDC is.
You can SDC starting 24 hours before your initial departure. You can SDC to any flight leaving the same calendar day. There is a $75 fee for SDC ($50 for tickets issued before March 15th, 2017), waived for GM and higher. This fee, and the waiver, applies for each person, although for GM+ traveling with companion the companion fee is sometimes waived.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (main cabin)?
A. Yes (whether revenue or award ticket). Note there is sometimes inventory in a fare bucket even though it may not be offered for sale on the web site. SDC on V or N (low award) fare is not unheard of.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (Comfort+)?
If booked into W (not WU) there only needs to be an available seat in Comfort+ regardless of fare class.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (First/Business/DeltaOne)?
Q. What about SDC with RUC/GUC/mileage upgrades (that have already cleared)?
As of November 2017:
It is unclear how this affects SDC if you are confirmed in RY/OY.
Q. I have a premium cabin fare, can I SDC to an itinerary with a single-cabin aircraft?
Written reply received from Delta, Dec. 2015:
Q. What about Medallion complimentary upgrades?
A. These do *not* count as premium cabin fares even if you already cleared. The main cabin rules for SDC regarding fare inventory will apply, and if it goes through you will SDC into a main cabin seat (but you are eligible to be upgraded again -- make sure you appear on the upgrade list on your new itinerary)
Q. Can I change the routing/connections?
A. You cannot SDC from a connecting itinerary to a non-stop itinerary. In all other cases the answer is unclear. The SDC rules do not explicitly prohibit routing changes. However ticket fare rules usually contain a clause that additions/changes to connections must be permitted by the fare rules. These are apparently in conflict, and practically speaking it depends on the agent/supervisor you speak with. Some refuse, some allow anything reasonable.
Q. Can I change the origin/destination?
A. Technically no, but there is an unwritten rule that DMs can make co-terminal changes. (There are some unintuitive gaps in what DL considers co-terminal, e.g. DAL and DFW do not count.)
Q. How are SDC flights credited?
A. You will earn MQMs for the route you actually fly.
Q. Can I SDC onto a red-eye later the same day, that connects to a flight the following morning?
A. Yes (though the agent may need to process it manually)
Q. I have a red-eye flight or a flight leaving shortly after midnight; can I SDC to a flight the next day/day before?
A. Officially, no. In practice, some people have reported success (with no real pattern to status). Can't hurt to ask.
Q. Can I SDC on an international itinerary?
A. Officially, no. In practice, you can SDC remaining domestic flights after all international flights have been flown; if you have onward checked bags it is best to do this before you re-check them. There are non-zero reports of SDC of domestic flights before connecting to an international flight but this should not be counted on.
Q. Can I SDC an Alaska Airlines codeshare?
Same-Day Standby
"Same-day standby is only offered if same-day confirmed is not available."
"You can use the same-day standby option for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights."
SDS can be requested 24 hours before your initial departure. GM+ can SDS to any flight departing the same calendar day; others can only SDS for an earlier flight. No routing changes are permitted.
SDS costs$75 ($50 for tickets issued before 15 MAR 2017) but only if you clear the standby list (waived for GM+) SDS is now free for all passengers as of August 4th, 2021
Upgrades are not preserved -- if you already cleared the upgrade on your original flight you must still standby for the main cabin.
Q. Is it possible to get upgraded after a standby?
A. Almost always no, whether because it is explicitly forbidden or because the standby list is processed after the UG list and it is rare for any F seats to be leftover after that happens. So, maybe sometimes?
Same-Day Standby Upgrades
"The same-day standby upgrade option allows you to upgrade your flight for a small fee, provided space is available and your ticket is eligible. This option applies to specific flights and routings [...]"
This is not the same as upgrading after successfully standing by for a main cabin seat (see above).
SDSU fee chart (may be out of date):
All flights within and between the Domestic 48 States and Alaska
All flights to and from Hawaii
All eligible other flights
Same-Day Confirmed
To request an SDC, you can
- Use the Same Day Change function on the Today screen in the Delta app (recommended, but with some peculiarities -- may not show all routings, and if changing to an earlier or later flight will only show the option within 24 hours of the target flight)
- Click the "Change" button during OLCI (after you click "Check in" on the first screen)
- Call a phone agent (recommended if app does not work)
- Use Delta's chat functions via the app (hit or miss)
Online SDC does not seem to present all the options available to you, especially when you are SDCing a GAP fare and there is no inventory in your fare bucket. Calling in is best. People have had success with Twitter but that may depend on how "involved" the SDC is.
You can SDC starting 24 hours before your initial departure. You can SDC to any flight leaving the same calendar day. There is a $75 fee for SDC ($50 for tickets issued before March 15th, 2017), waived for GM and higher. This fee, and the waiver, applies for each person, although for GM+ traveling with companion the companion fee is sometimes waived.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (main cabin)?
A. Yes (whether revenue or award ticket). Note there is sometimes inventory in a fare bucket even though it may not be offered for sale on the web site. SDC on V or N (low award) fare is not unheard of.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (Comfort+)?
If booked into W (not WU) there only needs to be an available seat in Comfort+ regardless of fare class.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (First/Business/DeltaOne)?
Q. What about SDC with RUC/GUC/mileage upgrades (that have already cleared)?
As of November 2017:
* If your original ticket is a Delta OneTM ticket, you may move to any other flight with a premium cabin seat available
* If your original ticket is a First Class ticket, you may move only to other flights with a First Class seat available; you may not move to a flight with a Delta One experience, even if seats are available.
* If your original ticket is a First Class ticket, you may move only to other flights with a First Class seat available; you may not move to a flight with a Delta One experience, even if seats are available.
Q. I have a premium cabin fare, can I SDC to an itinerary with a single-cabin aircraft?
Written reply received from Delta, Dec. 2015:
f the aircraft does not support a First/Business/Delta One cabin you are still eligible to change to the flight as long we are still selling seats on the flight.
Q. What about Medallion complimentary upgrades?
A. These do *not* count as premium cabin fares even if you already cleared. The main cabin rules for SDC regarding fare inventory will apply, and if it goes through you will SDC into a main cabin seat (but you are eligible to be upgraded again -- make sure you appear on the upgrade list on your new itinerary)
Q. Can I change the routing/connections?
A. You cannot SDC from a connecting itinerary to a non-stop itinerary. In all other cases the answer is unclear. The SDC rules do not explicitly prohibit routing changes. However ticket fare rules usually contain a clause that additions/changes to connections must be permitted by the fare rules. These are apparently in conflict, and practically speaking it depends on the agent/supervisor you speak with. Some refuse, some allow anything reasonable.
Q. Can I change the origin/destination?
A. Technically no, but there is an unwritten rule that DMs can make co-terminal changes. (There are some unintuitive gaps in what DL considers co-terminal, e.g. DAL and DFW do not count.)
Q. How are SDC flights credited?
A. You will earn MQMs for the route you actually fly.
Q. Can I SDC onto a red-eye later the same day, that connects to a flight the following morning?
A. Yes (though the agent may need to process it manually)
Q. I have a red-eye flight or a flight leaving shortly after midnight; can I SDC to a flight the next day/day before?
A. Officially, no. In practice, some people have reported success (with no real pattern to status). Can't hurt to ask.
Q. Can I SDC on an international itinerary?
A. Officially, no. In practice, you can SDC remaining domestic flights after all international flights have been flown; if you have onward checked bags it is best to do this before you re-check them. There are non-zero reports of SDC of domestic flights before connecting to an international flight but this should not be counted on.
Q. Can I SDC an Alaska Airlines codeshare?
"Same-day standby is only offered if same-day confirmed is not available."
"You can use the same-day standby option for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights."
SDS can be requested 24 hours before your initial departure. GM+ can SDS to any flight departing the same calendar day; others can only SDS for an earlier flight. No routing changes are permitted.
SDS costs
Upgrades are not preserved -- if you already cleared the upgrade on your original flight you must still standby for the main cabin.
Q. Is it possible to get upgraded after a standby?
A. Almost always no, whether because it is explicitly forbidden or because the standby list is processed after the UG list and it is rare for any F seats to be leftover after that happens. So, maybe sometimes?
Same-Day Standby Upgrades
"The same-day standby upgrade option allows you to upgrade your flight for a small fee, provided space is available and your ticket is eligible. This option applies to specific flights and routings [...]"
This is not the same as upgrading after successfully standing by for a main cabin seat (see above).
SDSU fee chart (may be out of date):
All flights within and between the Domestic 48 States and Alaska
Code:
Traveling Y/B/M Fares S/H/Q/K/L Fares U/T/X/V Fares 0 to 500 miles $49 $119 $169 501 to 1,000 miles $79 $149 $199 1,001 to 1,500 miles $99 $209 $259 1,501 to 2,000 miles $149 $249 $319 2,001 to 3,000 miles $239 $269 $359 3,001 miles and up $329 $369 $399
Code:
Traveling Y/B/M Fares S/H/Q/K/L Fares U/T/X/V Fares 2,001 to 3,000 miles $239 $269 $359 3,001 miles and up $329 $369 $399
Code:
Traveling Y / B / M / H / Q / K Fares 0 to 500 miles $50 501 to 1,000 miles $75 1,001 to 1,500 miles $100 1,501 to 2,000 miles $150 2,001 to 3,000 miles $225 3,001 miles and up $350
Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Apr 17, 2014, 3:45 pm
#1501
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 198
Anyone know if a same day change can be done to a flight operated by a SkyTeam Alliance partner if Delta has a codeshare?
Specifically, I'm wondering if I'll be able to change from my Delta flight to a later flight operated by Air France. The rules say "on Delta and Delta Connection® flights," so I'm guessing the answer is no, but wanted to know if anyone has any real world experience.
I searched this thread, but didn't find any answers.
Specifically, I'm wondering if I'll be able to change from my Delta flight to a later flight operated by Air France. The rules say "on Delta and Delta Connection® flights," so I'm guessing the answer is no, but wanted to know if anyone has any real world experience.
I searched this thread, but didn't find any answers.
Apr 18, 2014, 10:36 am
#1504
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
Are you flying Y or J?
1) If you're in J on a DL op'd flight now, you're likely on a plane with a lie-flat bed/seat, and, I believe likely going to a cr@ppy Biz Class seat on AF.
2) If you're flying Y, you're going to get whatever seats are left over at the last minute, which is VERY likely to be a bad seat.
I try to avoid AF TATL's simply because I feel that DL recognizes Medallions MUCH better, seating-wise, and much more!
Apr 18, 2014, 3:59 pm
#1505
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: So Fla & NYC
Programs: DL DM/2MM, UA MM, BV LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 23,766
Apr 20, 2014, 4:42 am
#1506
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 198
As mentioned above, int'l is simply not possible, but, I'd be curious to know your thoughts (js80's), on a couple of thingz . . . .
Are you flying Y or J?
1) If you're in J on a DL op'd flight now, you're likely on a plane with a lie-flat bed/seat, and, I believe likely going to a cr@ppy Biz Class seat on AF.
2) If you're flying Y, you're going to get whatever seats are left over at the last minute, which is VERY likely to be a bad seat.
Are you flying Y or J?
1) If you're in J on a DL op'd flight now, you're likely on a plane with a lie-flat bed/seat, and, I believe likely going to a cr@ppy Biz Class seat on AF.
2) If you're flying Y, you're going to get whatever seats are left over at the last minute, which is VERY likely to be a bad seat.
Apr 20, 2014, 4:46 am
#1507
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
I'm flying J and it's just the opposite unfortunately. DLs aircraft for my flight is its 75(e). AF flies it's 747-400. So in this case DL gives a bucket seat versus AF giving the lie flat. Precisely the reason I'd be looking to switch. I booked DL because I was using skymiles. No status with either airline so that's a non issue for me.
If you paid more than LOW miles for your current award ticket in this direction, the extra miles will be refunded to your FF account.
Apr 20, 2014, 7:55 am
#1508
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
The AF B744 Biz Class seats are "Angle-Flat" - not "Lie-Flat". While I'm not really familiar with the AF seat in particular, the DL (former NW) angle-flat seats could be considered only marginally better than the B752 "Barcalounger" seats, as the angle seats cause all of your body weight to be pushing on your feet to support your body on the foot rest. I'm not really sure how this compares with the AF seat.
Apr 20, 2014, 1:49 pm
#1509
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Posts: 10,745
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
The AF B744 Biz Class seats are "Angle-Flat" - not "Lie-Flat". While I'm not really familiar with the AF seat in particular, the DL (former NW) angle-flat seats could be considered only marginally better than the B752 "Barcalounger" seats, as the angle seats cause all of your body weight to be pushing on your feet to support your body on the foot rest. I'm not really sure how this compares with the AF seat.
AF is updating to true flat beds, but is starting with the 777s and it will be several years before the fleet is converted, IIRC.
Apr 20, 2014, 1:52 pm
#1510
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
Apr 20, 2014, 8:50 pm
#1511
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 198
If you have an award ticket with DL miles, you should be able to change to the AF flight before T-72 if there's low award availability on the flight you want and if you pay the $150 change fee for DL award tickets as a nonelite.
If you paid more than LOW miles for your current award ticket in this direction, the extra miles will be refunded to your FF account.
If you paid more than LOW miles for your current award ticket in this direction, the extra miles will be refunded to your FF account.
Apr 20, 2014, 8:55 pm
#1512
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 198
According to SeatGuru:
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
The AF B744 Biz Class seats are "Angle-Flat" - not "Lie-Flat". While I'm not really familiar with the AF seat in particular, the DL (former NW) angle-flat seats could be considered only marginally better than the B752 "Barcalounger" seats, as the angle seats cause all of your body weight to be pushing on your feet to support your body on the foot rest. I'm not really sure how this compares with the AF seat.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air...ng_747-400.php
The AF B744 Biz Class seats are "Angle-Flat" - not "Lie-Flat". While I'm not really familiar with the AF seat in particular, the DL (former NW) angle-flat seats could be considered only marginally better than the B752 "Barcalounger" seats, as the angle seats cause all of your body weight to be pushing on your feet to support your body on the foot rest. I'm not really sure how this compares with the AF seat.
I did at least get 25k skymiles per ticket credited back to my account when I called to make a complaint.
Apr 20, 2014, 9:31 pm
#1513
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
AF J is angled lie flat, not flat bed. The seat "unfolds" to 180 degrees, but when flat it is not parallel to the floor, so it kind of acts like a slide and everything slides into the footrest. Not the best by far.
AF is updating to true flat beds, but is starting with the 777s and it will be several years before the fleet is converted, IIRC.
AF is updating to true flat beds, but is starting with the 777s and it will be several years before the fleet is converted, IIRC.
Apr 21, 2014, 7:00 am
#1514
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Posts: 33,857
Apr 21, 2014, 8:12 am
#1515
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369