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
#2791
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Loyalty is one reason. From the airline to the customer. If I'm bringing in business via companion tickets/we are in the same pnr, it would be nice that DL recognized that added value with a fee waiver for an electronic modification that costs them marginally nothing.
Just saying there are good arguments both ways.
Just saying there are good arguments both ways.
#2793
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 937
FCM/SDC question
Good morning. I'm scheduled to fly EWR->LAS next weekend stopping in MSP both ways.
Originally I was hoping to SDS to an earlier flight so i can get into Vegas mid-afternoon instead of 9pm. I'm GM so know I can do this for free and will often be towards the top of the standby list.
That said, per expertflyer the MSP->LAS leg I'd want to move to is currently F2 Y3 so i know it's questionable I'll make this flight. We're still 10 days away.
I currently have an offer to upgrade to F for $417 r/t. That's more than I'd like to spend but still a pretty decent value for 2 tcon flights, especially if that will allow me additional flexibility.
I know to SDC/SDS I need to fly EWR->MSP->LAS and I know it's much easier to SDC when in first as you just need to have F1. That said, would I be able to change my routing and connect in DTW/ATL/SLC? Or must I still connect in MSP?
$417 is more than I'd want to spend for this upgrade, but if it guarantees I'll get to Vegas by mid-afternoon it may be worth it.
Thanks
Originally I was hoping to SDS to an earlier flight so i can get into Vegas mid-afternoon instead of 9pm. I'm GM so know I can do this for free and will often be towards the top of the standby list.
That said, per expertflyer the MSP->LAS leg I'd want to move to is currently F2 Y3 so i know it's questionable I'll make this flight. We're still 10 days away.
I currently have an offer to upgrade to F for $417 r/t. That's more than I'd like to spend but still a pretty decent value for 2 tcon flights, especially if that will allow me additional flexibility.
I know to SDC/SDS I need to fly EWR->MSP->LAS and I know it's much easier to SDC when in first as you just need to have F1. That said, would I be able to change my routing and connect in DTW/ATL/SLC? Or must I still connect in MSP?
$417 is more than I'd want to spend for this upgrade, but if it guarantees I'll get to Vegas by mid-afternoon it may be worth it.
Thanks
#2794
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...l#post26842807
Your ultimate outcome will depend heavily on the agent you reach and/or their supervisor that you appeal to. A strict interpretation of one set of rules would say that you can SDC to another routing but only if it is permitted by your original fare rules. However there are definitely reports of FTers SDCing onto any plausible routing, and I think even some slightly implausible ones.
#2795
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 937
gotcha thanks. i'm not going to look for a EWR->CVG->IND->LAX->LAS routing or something crazy like that. really just want to increase my odds of getting to Vegas by 5pm instead of 9pm.
I assume EWR->ATL->LAS is still a valid routing. I know its a little out of the way but doesnt seem that far fetched.
I assume EWR->ATL->LAS is still a valid routing. I know its a little out of the way but doesnt seem that far fetched.
#2796
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,784
If you're not concerned about the return trip, you should be able to save money by upgrading to F for just the outbound. I've done that on a couple of occasions. The online upgrade offers I've gotten are not RT or nothing; you can divide the offer.
#2797
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
FWIW I looked up a random fare for next weekend assuming 21-day advance purchase and the routing rules there are EWR-ATL/BOS/CVG/DTT/LAX/MEM/MSP/NYC/RDU/SLC-LAS (i.e. connect in any of the intermediate listed cities)
#2798
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
They certainly sell that routing, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is permitted on all fares. You'd have to look up the routing rules for your 8-letter/digit fare code to be sure. But then again as mentioned above some agents will let you to SDC to anything plausible regardless of your fare rules.
FWIW I looked up a random fare for next weekend assuming 21-day advance purchase and the routing rules there are EWR-ATL/BOS/CVG/DTT/LAX/MEM/MSP/NYC/RDU/SLC-LAS (i.e. connect in any of the intermediate listed cities)
FWIW I looked up a random fare for next weekend assuming 21-day advance purchase and the routing rules there are EWR-ATL/BOS/CVG/DTT/LAX/MEM/MSP/NYC/RDU/SLC-LAS (i.e. connect in any of the intermediate listed cities)
Regardless to answer OP QUESTION. You can change routing with SDC,but not SDS. You may have to play the HUACA game though as a lot of agents don't fully know the rules.
#2799
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,375
#2800
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP 100K, Amtrak peon, Colbert Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 4,534
Any recent experiences getting an SDC or SDS exemption for post-midnight departures to get an earlier flight? I have an F award which I just changed from SEA-LAX-MSP (departing pre-midnight) to the nonstop redeye SEA-MSP, which happens to leave just after 12 midnight. There's a very good chance I'll be able to leave much sooner, but I need to build in a cushion for arriving Seattle off a long-distance train. I changed from the connecting itinerary since this could give me the flexibility to change to any nonstop or connection instead. However, I do realize the tradeoff is that I still might not be able to change to any flight on the "day before" (even though the booked flight boards on the same day and departs literally minutes into the next day). Thoughts?
#2801
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Any recent experiences getting an SDC or SDS exemption for post-midnight departures to get an earlier flight? I have an F award which I just changed from SEA-LAX-MSP (departing pre-midnight) to the nonstop redeye SEA-MSP, which happens to leave just after 12 midnight. There's a very good chance I'll be able to leave much sooner, but I need to build in a cushion for arriving Seattle off a long-distance train. I changed from the connecting itinerary since this could give me the flexibility to change to any nonstop or connection instead. However, I do realize the tradeoff is that I still might not be able to change to any flight on the "day before" (even though the booked flight boards on the same day and departs literally minutes into the next day). Thoughts?
#2802
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP 100K, Amtrak peon, Colbert Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 4,534
Very frustrating that there's a (seasonal?) gap of 9 hours between the last SEA-MSP of the night and the next earlier flight.
#2803
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,110
I suspect there's not sufficient O&D traffic for a later afternoon departure that would miss most if not all connection opportunities, and then after that you get into redeye territory (neither O&D nor connecting traffic wants a 3am arrival into MSP).
#2804
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,375
#2805
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Big Muddy Mile Marker 332
Programs: Delta-PM, HHonors-Diamond, Hyatt-Explorist, Hertz - Presidents
Posts: 335
on a 12:35AM FRI redeye LAX>MSP>STL can I SDC to a 9PM THUR flight LAX>SLC>ATL>STL that arrives approx. the same time?
Last edited by Start_at_UIN; Oct 26, 2016 at 9:53 pm