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
Jun 29, 2019, 11:42 pm
#4006
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,057
Anyone who believes that DL's domestic "First Class" is somehow above a D1 cabin/product is truly delusional. Given SDC is domestic only, "First Class" is clearly a reference to DL's domestic product which is nothing like a true IFC and is several steps down from D1. The wording was changed to add PS cabins into the equation, not because it reflects an actual change in policy. Given the presence of super-cheap FCM these days, DL would be crazy to go back to the old rules (which is almost certainly why they dropped them in the first place).
Last edited by xliioper; Jun 30, 2019 at 6:06 am
Jul 3, 2019, 9:14 am
#4008
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: 18,928
After a painful series of HUCAs across both phone and Twitter where I got pushback on SDCing on a confirmed RUC upgrade (and nothing controversial or edgy, just DM coterminal SJC-MSP-BWI to SFO-MSP-BWI) with multiple agents claiming to have checked with supervisors who claimed it was policy, I wrote in requesting re-confirmation, and that they update the web site to make it explicit whether cleared instrument upgrades can SDC into any F seat.
tl;dr:
- the policy remains what the FT consensus thought it was (cleared instruments yes; domestic F to D1 no)
- also at my request I now have a flyerCO-style note on my account
tl;dr:
- the policy remains what the FT consensus thought it was (cleared instruments yes; domestic F to D1 no)
- also at my request I now have a flyerCO-style note on my account
I'm so sorry for the inconsistent information you have received when requesting a same-day travel change while ticketed in our premium cabins. We do permit a change to any available seat in the premium cabin for same-day travel. This is allowed whether you are on a paid First Class fare, or whether your ticket was upgraded on a paid upgrade, with miles or an Upgrade Certificate. As you probably know, the same is not true when on a Complimentary Upgrade. If upgraded with a Complimentary Upgrade, the original ticketed booking class would need to be available, and you would have to requalify for the Complimentary Upgrade on the new flights. I have submitted a feedback form on Delta.com with your excellent suggestion that this information be published explicitly. I have also put a note in your Skymiles account that you can refer our specialists to if you should run into this problem again.
Our policy currently does not allow same-day travel changes from a First Class cabin to a flight in a Delta One cabin, and also does not allow same-day confirmed changes from connecting flights to nonstop flights. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Our policy currently does not allow same-day travel changes from a First Class cabin to a flight in a Delta One cabin, and also does not allow same-day confirmed changes from connecting flights to nonstop flights. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Jul 3, 2019, 12:57 pm
#4009
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,205
After a painful series of HUCAs across both phone and Twitter where I got pushback on SDCing on a confirmed RUC upgrade (and nothing controversial or edgy, just DM coterminal SJC-MSP-BWI to SFO-MSP-BWI) with multiple agents claiming to have checked with supervisors who claimed it was policy, I wrote in requesting re-confirmation, and that they update the web site to make it explicit whether cleared instrument upgrades can SDC into any F seat.
tl;dr:
- the policy remains what the FT consensus thought it was (cleared instruments yes; domestic F to D1 no)
- also at my request I now have a flyerCO-style note on my account
tl;dr:
- the policy remains what the FT consensus thought it was (cleared instruments yes; domestic F to D1 no)
- also at my request I now have a flyerCO-style note on my account
Now if only DL would actually update the site and be clear on this there, and train and educate their phone res agents. It shouldn't be a battle that each customer has to fight one by one, so many times over. One shouldn't have to fight a battle just for a policy to be honored.
Jul 3, 2019, 2:38 pm
#4010
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
I wrote in and got a much less reassuring response but I can hope it’ll work:
The internal policy that we have is so vague, that I can see why some agents do not change your flights from first class to first class. I have forwarded our reference system for updating. In the meantime, I have documented your SkyMiles account. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that my documentation will do the trick. It's the best I can do for the moment. Thank you for your patience.
Please be aware, you are able to move from First class to First class, Delta One to Delta One, Delta One to First class, but you cannot move from First class to Delta One on the new flight.
Please be aware, you are able to move from First class to First class, Delta One to Delta One, Delta One to First class, but you cannot move from First class to Delta One on the new flight.
Jul 6, 2019, 1:08 pm
#4011
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
So if I have KOA-SEA-ATL, with KOA-SEA reticketed in OY but SEA-ATL waitlisted, how does the "confirmed" upgrade on the first segment carry over if I wish to SDC to KOA-LAX-ATL?
Separately, is it impossible to SDC (in economy) to a DL marketed, Hawaiian operated flight? Or is it at agent discretion (obviously they could grab it for IRROPs, but I'm just talking about plain old SDC)
Thanks experts
Separately, is it impossible to SDC (in economy) to a DL marketed, Hawaiian operated flight? Or is it at agent discretion (obviously they could grab it for IRROPs, but I'm just talking about plain old SDC)
Thanks experts
Jul 6, 2019, 1:17 pm
#4012
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: 27,042
So if I have KOA-SEA-ATL, with KOA-SEA reticketed in OY but SEA-ATL waitlisted, how does the "confirmed" upgrade on the first segment carry over if I wish to SDC to KOA-LAX-ATL?
Separately, is it impossible to SDC (in economy) to a DL marketed, Hawaiian operated flight? Or is it at agent discretion (obviously they could grab it for IRROPs, but I'm just talking about plain old SDC)
Thanks experts
Separately, is it impossible to SDC (in economy) to a DL marketed, Hawaiian operated flight? Or is it at agent discretion (obviously they could grab it for IRROPs, but I'm just talking about plain old SDC)
Thanks experts
Technically you'd need same inventory for the non-upgraded leg. Regardless SDC even when all flights are upgraded using an UC can be difficult. Lots of agents insist it needs to reclear and need some economy inventory.
Jul 6, 2019, 1:32 pm
#4013
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
And when you say non-upgraded leg do you mean by leg #? I just am not sure how it ports over when the connection point is changing
Jul 6, 2019, 2:07 pm
#4014
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: 27,042
What's best is if theres a route you can clear on right away. Switch to it, get upgraded fully, and now SDC to what you want.
Aug 23, 2019, 9:20 am
#4015
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
So I have two choices to book now:
LIM-ATL-SLC-LAX
LAX-BOS
or
LIM-ATL-LAX
LAX-BOS
Both price as a through fare, LIM-BOS. The first one in Z class, second one in I class. The ATL-LAX on the 2nd itinerary can be confirmed now on a 763 flat bed, but trying to confirm the 777 Suites flight now bumps it to a D fare.
The LAX-BOS on both is the same Delta One LAX-BOS flight.
My SDC question: If my goal is to SDC to the 777 Suites ATL-LAX, will they allow me to SDC to that from ATL-SLC-LAX, given it is a through fare to Boston and it is not ATL-BOS nonstop?
Or will I have to book the ATL-LAX // LAX-BOS[next day] now for them to allow the same day confirm to a nonstop ATL-LAX? I'm just wondering if the connection in SLC is more hassle than its worth to get it down to a Z fare (although, there could be IROPs or a schedule change that allows me to swap)...thoughts? Thanks.
LIM-ATL-SLC-LAX
LAX-BOS
or
LIM-ATL-LAX
LAX-BOS
Both price as a through fare, LIM-BOS. The first one in Z class, second one in I class. The ATL-LAX on the 2nd itinerary can be confirmed now on a 763 flat bed, but trying to confirm the 777 Suites flight now bumps it to a D fare.
The LAX-BOS on both is the same Delta One LAX-BOS flight.
My SDC question: If my goal is to SDC to the 777 Suites ATL-LAX, will they allow me to SDC to that from ATL-SLC-LAX, given it is a through fare to Boston and it is not ATL-BOS nonstop?
Or will I have to book the ATL-LAX // LAX-BOS[next day] now for them to allow the same day confirm to a nonstop ATL-LAX? I'm just wondering if the connection in SLC is more hassle than its worth to get it down to a Z fare (although, there could be IROPs or a schedule change that allows me to swap)...thoughts? Thanks.
Aug 23, 2019, 9:36 am
#4016
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: 27,042
Is this OW or RT? You cant SDC on international tickets until all international flights have been flown.
Aug 23, 2019, 9:39 am
#4017
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: 21,371
I think btonkid12345 as a DM has been around (and around this thread) enough to know that detail ...
Aug 23, 2019, 9:43 am
#4018
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: 18,928
I think the conventional wisdom is that you can go from two connections down to one connection (just not from connection to a non-stop) but between that and the domestic-after-international thing (which I think is like DM coterminal in being official but unwritten?) I kinda suspect that success is going to be highly agent-dependent.
I think I'd go with the "hope for schedule change" strategy...
Aug 23, 2019, 9:46 am
#4019
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: 27,042
Time and again we see posts about SDC from frequent flyers that dont understand DL SDC policy. Given that he's a DM he should know that nonstop means just that, itd mean switching to LIM-BOS (which isn't flown by DL) Right?
Aug 23, 2019, 10:22 am
#4020
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Thank you all for your quick replies! This is for the return, where all international segments have been flown. I have SDC-ed domestic flights before international segments have been flown, but rarely, and it won't affect me in this case.
What I ultimately want to fly, after LIM-ATL, is ATL-LAX-JFK-BOS. This is only because the day I am flying, there is no redeye LAX-BOS, so the latest flight leaves at 11 a.m. The only other way to get there without losing the day in LA, is on a redeye connection, which is fine because LAX-BOS will be in Delta One on the original ticket [would have loved a LAX-BOS redeye nonstop Delta One].
So, will it be easier to get that, from ATL-SLC-LAX-BOS, or ATL-LAX-BOS? It seems people are coming down on buying the cheapest, and given only domestic segments will be left for what I want to SDC, I can just ask at the airport/in the SkyClub, within 24 hours of each "part" (one for ATL-[SLC]-LAX, another for LAX-[JFK]-BOS).
This is for the return, where all international segments have been flown. I have SDC-ed domestic flights before international segments have been flown, but rarely, and it won't affect me in this case.What I ultimately want to fly, after LIM-ATL, is ATL-LAX-JFK-BOS. This is only because the day I am flying, there is no redeye LAX-BOS, so the latest flight leaves at 11 a.m. The only other way to get there without losing the day in LA, is on a redeye connection, which is fine because LAX-BOS will be in Delta One on the original ticket [would have loved a LAX-BOS redeye nonstop Delta One].
So, will it be easier to get that, from ATL-SLC-LAX-BOS, or ATL-LAX-BOS? It seems people are coming down on buying the cheapest, and given only domestic segments will be left for what I want to SDC, I can just ask at the airport/in the SkyClub, within 24 hours of each "part" (one for ATL-[SLC]-LAX, another for LAX-[JFK]-BOS).