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
Feb 19, 2017, 11:37 am
#2911
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but HOW does one request same-day confirmed, same-day standby, or same-day upgrade? Can you do it on the DL App at T-24, or do you have to call reservations or see a ticket agent? It would be useful if the answer was added to the Wiki.
Feb 19, 2017, 1:46 pm
#2912
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: 18,946
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but HOW does one request same-day confirmed, same-day standby, or same-day upgrade? Can you do it on the DL App at T-24, or do you have to call reservations or see a ticket agent? It would be useful if the answer was added to the Wiki.
Also FWIW anyone with 90 days and 90 posts on FT can edit wikis -- you're well over on both counts
Feb 19, 2017, 2:43 pm
#2914
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: 27,047
Just needs to be DL operated. However if you have a connection with another carrier thone flights can't be changed. (Exception currently for AS flights if changing to DL)
Mar 2, 2017, 9:49 pm
#2915
Join Date: May 2013
Location: LHR
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,033
Has the policy regarding RUCs/GUCs changed recently? I just got major pushback from three agents (HUCAed twice), a supervisor, and a manager (in SLC) on an RUC-upgraded SFO-JFK when I tried to SDC. All of them insisted that the original class of service HAD to be available and that we'd have to re-waitlist. One of them said that the document she was looking at was updated on February 21, 2017. As far as I can tell, nothing is different on delta.com.
I ultimately made the change and am now in coach, because my first priority was getting on the new flights. I then tweeted DL about it to see if they could fix it (i.e., put me in F on the new flights, since that's what I should be entitled to per the wiki), and here's the response I got:
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
I ultimately made the change and am now in coach, because my first priority was getting on the new flights. I then tweeted DL about it to see if they could fix it (i.e., put me in F on the new flights, since that's what I should be entitled to per the wiki), and here's the response I got:
Hello [taxicabnumber]. The Same Day Confirmed policy applies to your original class of service. If the upgrade class is available on the new flight, you can choose to apply the certificate to that flight. In the event that an upgrade has cleared and you voluntarily move to another flight, your Certificate is automatically redeposited into your wallet and will not be shown as used. *PF
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
Mar 2, 2017, 11:10 pm
#2916
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond 1MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 503
Has the policy regarding RUCs/GUCs changed recently? I just got major pushback from three agents (HUCAed twice), a supervisor, and a manager (in SLC) on an RUC-upgraded SFO-JFK when I tried to SDC. All of them insisted that the original class of service HAD to be available and that we'd have to re-waitlist. One of them said that the document she was looking at was updated on February 21, 2017. As far as I can tell, nothing is different on delta.com.
I ultimately made the change and am now in coach, because my first priority was getting on the new flights. I then tweeted DL about it to see if they could fix it (i.e., put me in F on the new flights, since that's what I should be entitled to per the wiki), and here's the response I got:
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
I ultimately made the change and am now in coach, because my first priority was getting on the new flights. I then tweeted DL about it to see if they could fix it (i.e., put me in F on the new flights, since that's what I should be entitled to per the wiki), and here's the response I got:
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
If you buy a ticket and upgrade with cert...same day change is still coach-based, and you can only do it if PAID class is still available....and you can only stay upgraded if upgraded availability exists on new flight - otherwise you can be waitlisted and that's it.
PAID premium cabin tix can switch to any open seat on the day, regardless of fare class.
Mar 2, 2017, 11:17 pm
#2917
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
This rule sucks but is consistent with my recent experiences, not a new change.
If you buy a ticket and upgrade with cert...same day change is still coach-based, and you can only do it if PAID class is still available....and you can only stay upgraded if upgraded availability exists on new flight - otherwise you can be waitlisted and that's it.
PAID premium cabin tix can switch to any open seat on the day, regardless of fare class.
If you buy a ticket and upgrade with cert...same day change is still coach-based, and you can only do it if PAID class is still available....and you can only stay upgraded if upgraded availability exists on new flight - otherwise you can be waitlisted and that's it.
PAID premium cabin tix can switch to any open seat on the day, regardless of fare class.
Mar 2, 2017, 11:21 pm
#2918
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond 1MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 503
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
Mar 3, 2017, 12:36 am
#2919
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
it's the same as if you had tried to apply a cert to your originally booked flight but there was no availability. you'd be on the list above all comp upgraders.
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
Last edited by synergistic; Mar 3, 2017 at 12:37 am Reason: wording
Mar 3, 2017, 12:56 am
#2920
Join Date: May 2013
Location: LHR
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,033
This rule sucks but is consistent with my recent experiences, not a new change.
If you buy a ticket and upgrade with cert...same day change is still coach-based, and you can only do it if PAID class is still available....and you can only stay upgraded if upgraded availability exists on new flight - otherwise you can be waitlisted and that's it.
PAID premium cabin tix can switch to any open seat on the day, regardless of fare class.
If you buy a ticket and upgrade with cert...same day change is still coach-based, and you can only do it if PAID class is still available....and you can only stay upgraded if upgraded availability exists on new flight - otherwise you can be waitlisted and that's it.
PAID premium cabin tix can switch to any open seat on the day, regardless of fare class.
Mar 3, 2017, 5:13 am
#2921
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
it's the same as if you had tried to apply a cert to your originally booked flight but there was no availability. you'd be on the list above all comp upgraders.
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
Mar 3, 2017, 8:42 am
#2922
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Has the policy regarding RUCs/GUCs changed recently? I just got major pushback from three agents (HUCAed twice), a supervisor, and a manager (in SLC) on an RUC-upgraded SFO-JFK when I tried to SDC. All of them insisted that the original class of service HAD to be available and that we'd have to re-waitlist. One of them said that the document she was looking at was updated on February 21, 2017. As far as I can tell, nothing is different on delta.com.
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
If RUC/GUC upgraded flights are no longer eligible for premium cabin SDC, this significantly devalues RUCs IMO.
I called a little before 24 hours because ATL-JFK kept selling out in F on the website. I have never done this before, but recently (in November) a friend who is Silver SDCed a paid P fare from BOS-SLC-SFO to BOS-JFK-SFO. They let him do it about 6 hours before the 24 hour window opened. No idea what he said or whether it was just holiday generosity.
No DM agent would do the SDC early (well, I tried 3x). Did not escalate any time - just asked the agent, and when declined, thanked them and said I would call back.
Of course, ATL-JFK sold out not only in F but overall, by the 24 hour mark. Called. First agent refused F SDC, said I would have to go back into my Main Cabin fare class. Thanked her and ended the call.
Called back. Super friendly agent. Said I was her last call and she immediately agreed a CONFIRMED RUC was good for F SDC. She moved me to ATL-LGA and JFK-LAX. She advised me to call back if I saw ATL-JFK opened up, or check at the airport.
An hour later, 3 seats in F opened up for ATL-JFK. Called. Friendly agent reticketed without qualms.
I have no idea what this February 21 document is. Maybe Rene or someone with a contact at Delta Corporate could ask them to comment on the validity at this?
Also, I am confused by the Twitter team's response. If a RUC is confirmed on one set of flights - regardless of future changes, I thought that as long as they were VOLUNTARY, the RUC was used even if you were not upgraded on your changed flights. The only time I thought they generally reopen them is when the change is involuntary.
it's the same as if you had tried to apply a cert to your originally booked flight but there was no availability. you'd be on the list above all comp upgraders.
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
certificate upgraders > complimentary upgraders
i don't know about how the group of certificate upgraders are sorted though. not sure if it's the same factors as comp upgraders, or if it's more about timestamp of request. (anybody know?)
I would certificate upgrades use the same criteria as comp for ordering...but this is unconfirmed. Usually, though, if you have two DMs both using RUCs, the one with the higher fare class is higher on the list (in my experience).
Mar 3, 2017, 8:45 am
#2923
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Also taxicabnumber - the advice I heeded from here that has served me well - do not escalate if you can avoid it.
Just keeping calling (not always immediately - sometimes wait a bit if you can) and eventually it works out.
If you escalate and get someone stubborn and they leave notes in your PNR...even if they're wrong...it makes things more difficult to fix before travel commences (which is the goal, and not comp for the error after the fact)
Just keeping calling (not always immediately - sometimes wait a bit if you can) and eventually it works out.
If you escalate and get someone stubborn and they leave notes in your PNR...even if they're wrong...it makes things more difficult to fix before travel commences (which is the goal, and not comp for the error after the fact)
Mar 3, 2017, 1:02 pm
#2924
Join Date: May 2013
Location: LHR
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,033
Also taxicabnumber - the advice I heeded from here that has served me well - do not escalate if you can avoid it.
Just keeping calling (not always immediately - sometimes wait a bit if you can) and eventually it works out.
If you escalate and get someone stubborn and they leave notes in your PNR...even if they're wrong...it makes things more difficult to fix before travel commences (which is the goal, and not comp for the error after the fact)
Just keeping calling (not always immediately - sometimes wait a bit if you can) and eventually it works out.
If you escalate and get someone stubborn and they leave notes in your PNR...even if they're wrong...it makes things more difficult to fix before travel commences (which is the goal, and not comp for the error after the fact)
Twitter team actually sent me a follow up message that the RUC *is* considered used in the case of a voluntary change.
Mar 5, 2017, 6:34 pm
#2925
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BOS
Programs: DL PM, Hertz Gold
Posts: 80
Third time's the charm
My schedule for Monday changed, and I thought it would be good to do a SDC to get into YYZ from BOS sooner than 9:30 at night. Once I was in the 24-hour window, and armed with some options for SDC for the FC cabin on my preferred mainline planes, I called the Platinum line for help. The first agent and the background noise sounded like I got a call center in Mumbai, and the agent proceeded to lecture me about how I was not eligible for SDC for my options because I was "only in the A fare class." When I gently pushed back, I got "I know it's confusing, let me explain it to you." I thanked her for her time. HUCA try 2, this time the Cincinnati call center. Same thing, the focus was on my fare class for First Class. HUCA try 3, I told the agent what I wanted to do and quoted back the relevant wording on the web page. Wendy said, "Of course, that's possible for FC as long as there's room," and she did her magic. Earlier departure, and more time in the air, but :-) earlier arrival on something that was not a CRJ.
Total time expended on the phone: 45 minutes :-(
Fly safely,
waywardflf
.
Total time expended on the phone: 45 minutes :-(
Fly safely,
waywardflf
.