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
Jan 11, 2017, 9:37 am
#2851
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: Delta DM, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,021
However, using the can-I-book-the-fare-online rationale is a subset of that, and may not show all options due to fare rules/advance purchase.
Jan 12, 2017, 7:39 am
#2852
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,089
So the net here (I think) is that using EF would give you all SDC options, and you should be fine with those results (except possibly full Y only).
However, using the can-I-book-the-fare-online rationale is a subset of that, and may not show all options due to fare rules/advance purchase.
However, using the can-I-book-the-fare-online rationale is a subset of that, and may not show all options due to fare rules/advance purchase.
only way I know for sure what my SDC options are is to call in and ask. (With that said, if EF shows my fare class as available, I have had 100% success SDCing to that flight).
Jan 12, 2017, 8:45 am
#2853
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: 100,417
I've had the opposite experience in trying to SDC at the airport. Several times now I've been told SDS only on a FC fare when EF shows not just full F seats but also G A P classes being available. The last time this happened, the redcoat tried to tell me that the rules have changed. The time before that, the SkyPriority agent tried to convince me that I would be standing by for a FC seat.
Jan 12, 2017, 9:01 am
#2854
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,089
I've had the opposite experience in trying to SDC at the airport. Several times now I've been told SDS only on a FC fare when EF shows not just full F seats but also G A P classes being available. The last time this happened, the redcoat tried to tell me that the rules have changed. The time before that, the SkyPriority agent tried to convince me that I would be standing by for a FC seat.
last time I had this happen, I asked for a red coat, who backed up the agent checking me in... so I called the DM line, who SDC'd me immediately to the flight I wanted.
when I informed the agents that the DM line was able to do it, they still held firm in their (wrong) position on the SDC rules requiring same fare class (even for paid FC), and went on a rant about "waivers and favors" *shrug*
Jan 12, 2017, 9:08 am
#2855
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: 100,417
i have also had this experience at a couple of airports on various FC fares... find a lot of agents don't know the correct SDC rules.
last time I had this happen, I asked for a red coat, who backed up the agent checking me in... so I called the DM line, who SDC'd me immediately to the flight I wanted.
when I informed the agents that the DM line was able to do it, they still held firm in their (wrong) position on the SDC rules requiring same fare class (even for paid FC), and went on a rant about "waivers and favors" *shrug*
last time I had this happen, I asked for a red coat, who backed up the agent checking me in... so I called the DM line, who SDC'd me immediately to the flight I wanted.
when I informed the agents that the DM line was able to do it, they still held firm in their (wrong) position on the SDC rules requiring same fare class (even for paid FC), and went on a rant about "waivers and favors" *shrug*
Jan 13, 2017, 7:08 am
#2856
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
I agree that calling in will usually give the most options, but for simple nonstop domestic itineraries, I've also found the SDC function during OLCI to work reasonably well at listing options if you're switching to an earlier flight.
Jan 15, 2017, 11:40 pm
#2858
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
Jan 15, 2017, 11:41 pm
#2859
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
That's ridiculously awesome. I never even considered it since I figured award tickets would be treated differently. Bye bye crappy three hour MSP connection.
Normally I wouldn't use miles on a domestic FC award, but my brother and I are both flying to SEA in May, and economy awards aren't upgradeable. I'm not mean enough to split the reservation.
Normally I wouldn't use miles on a domestic FC award, but my brother and I are both flying to SEA in May, and economy awards aren't upgradeable. I'm not mean enough to split the reservation.
Jan 16, 2017, 6:18 am
#2860
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond 1MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 503
Jan 19, 2017, 2:21 am
#2861
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 71
Today I made the following SDC change:
Original routing: LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT
New routing: LAX-CMH-LGA-MHT
The agent informed me they were making an exception to the normal rules by making this change, and that due to the long layover in DTW (4 hours) the fare was broken at DTW and it was really not normal that they would let me make an SDC change like that without charging the change fee.
Did they in fact make an exception? Why does the long layover cause a broken fare / prevent me from switching my connection city?
I was told "we've noted that we made an exception, and won't make this exception for you again". Is this something Delta actually does? Like note how much leeway they've given someone, or was she just discouraging me from asking for unusual routing changes again in the future?
Original routing: LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT
New routing: LAX-CMH-LGA-MHT
The agent informed me they were making an exception to the normal rules by making this change, and that due to the long layover in DTW (4 hours) the fare was broken at DTW and it was really not normal that they would let me make an SDC change like that without charging the change fee.
Did they in fact make an exception? Why does the long layover cause a broken fare / prevent me from switching my connection city?
I was told "we've noted that we made an exception, and won't make this exception for you again". Is this something Delta actually does? Like note how much leeway they've given someone, or was she just discouraging me from asking for unusual routing changes again in the future?
Jan 19, 2017, 4:25 am
#2862
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
Today I made the following SDC change:
Original routing: LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT
New routing: LAX-CMH-LGA-MHT
The agent informed me they were making an exception to the normal rules by making this change, and that due to the long layover in DTW (4 hours) the fare was broken at DTW and it was really not normal that they would let me make an SDC change like that without charging the change fee.
Did they in fact make an exception? Why does the long layover cause a broken fare / prevent me from switching my connection city?
I was told "we've noted that we made an exception, and won't make this exception for you again". Is this something Delta actually does? Like note how much leeway they've given someone, or was she just discouraging me from asking for unusual routing changes again in the future?
Original routing: LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT
New routing: LAX-CMH-LGA-MHT
The agent informed me they were making an exception to the normal rules by making this change, and that due to the long layover in DTW (4 hours) the fare was broken at DTW and it was really not normal that they would let me make an SDC change like that without charging the change fee.
Did they in fact make an exception? Why does the long layover cause a broken fare / prevent me from switching my connection city?
I was told "we've noted that we made an exception, and won't make this exception for you again". Is this something Delta actually does? Like note how much leeway they've given someone, or was she just discouraging me from asking for unusual routing changes again in the future?
DL can note these exceptions but mostly it just bluster to keep you from doing it again and again.
Jan 19, 2017, 4:42 am
#2863
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
Since when?
With DL, you can't go from a connecting routing to a non stop, but while keeping the same O/D, connecting ports can be changed.
Twice I have changed from AAA-BBB-CCC to AAA-DDD-CCC on GAP fares.
Both times were online - I did not need to speak to an agent.
(Or are you confusing with AA's rules which, indeed, do not allow routing changes with SDC?)
With DL, you can't go from a connecting routing to a non stop, but while keeping the same O/D, connecting ports can be changed.
Twice I have changed from AAA-BBB-CCC to AAA-DDD-CCC on GAP fares.
Both times were online - I did not need to speak to an agent.
(Or are you confusing with AA's rules which, indeed, do not allow routing changes with SDC?)
Jan 19, 2017, 5:03 am
#2864
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
I think he just mis-typed, pretty sure flyerCO knows the rules 
RE: OP's situation, just to clarify, it's not that a 4+ hr layover creates a broken fare, it's more that, the only way to create a 4+ hr layover on a domestic ticket is with a broken fare. You can also have a broken fare even with connections less than 4 hours and you'd have to look at your fare construction to know, but given the 4+ hr layover we know without looking.
Given the fare break, for SDC purposes you didn't really have one ticket from LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT; you had two tickets, one from LAX-DTW and a second one from DTW-LGA-MHT. SDC does not let you change origin and destination, or change a connection into a nonstop. So strictly by the rules you could SDC to a different LAX-DTW flight, or add a connection LAX-XXX-DTW. And on the second "half" you could SDC DTW-LGA-MHT into DTW-YYY-MHT.
RE: OP's situation, just to clarify, it's not that a 4+ hr layover creates a broken fare, it's more that, the only way to create a 4+ hr layover on a domestic ticket is with a broken fare. You can also have a broken fare even with connections less than 4 hours and you'd have to look at your fare construction to know, but given the 4+ hr layover we know without looking.
Given the fare break, for SDC purposes you didn't really have one ticket from LAX-DTW-LGA-MHT; you had two tickets, one from LAX-DTW and a second one from DTW-LGA-MHT. SDC does not let you change origin and destination, or change a connection into a nonstop. So strictly by the rules you could SDC to a different LAX-DTW flight, or add a connection LAX-XXX-DTW. And on the second "half" you could SDC DTW-LGA-MHT into DTW-YYY-MHT.
Jan 19, 2017, 9:19 am
#2865
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 71
Thanks for the info! Interesting that EF shows a couple fare basis(s) in my fare class (T) for LAX-DTT-BOS/NYC-MHT, yet I was on a broken one. I suppose the first DTW-LGA after the LAX-DTW leg was out of T at time of booking, thus generating the broken fare? Or is there just a maximum connection time on a single fare regardless of when the next connecting flight is?
Is there a good way to determine my fare construction aside from screenshotting ITA that matches the price and route at time of booking?
Is there a good way to determine my fare construction aside from screenshotting ITA that matches the price and route at time of booking?