Jun 12, 2015, 7:09 pm
Last edit by: audidudi
This wiki covers basic info and common FAQs. For full terms and conditions, see the relevant DL web page: Same Day Travel Changes
Same-Day Confirmed
To request an SDC, you can
Online SDC does not seem to present all the options available to you, especially when you are SDCing a GAP fare and there is no inventory in your fare bucket. Calling in is best. People have had success with Twitter but that may depend on how "involved" the SDC is.
You can SDC starting 24 hours before your initial departure. You can SDC to any flight leaving the same calendar day. There is a $75 fee for SDC ($50 for tickets issued before March 15th, 2017), waived for GM and higher. This fee, and the waiver, applies for each person, although for GM+ traveling with companion the companion fee is sometimes waived.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (main cabin)?
A. Yes (whether revenue or award ticket). Note there is sometimes inventory in a fare bucket even though it may not be offered for sale on the web site. SDC on V or N (low award) fare is not unheard of.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (Comfort+)?
If booked into W (not WU) there only needs to be an available seat in Comfort+ regardless of fare class.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (First/Business/DeltaOne)?
Q. What about SDC with RUC/GUC/mileage upgrades (that have already cleared)?
As of November 2017:
It is unclear how this affects SDC if you are confirmed in RY/OY.
Q. I have a premium cabin fare, can I SDC to an itinerary with a single-cabin aircraft?
Written reply received from Delta, Dec. 2015:
Q. What about Medallion complimentary upgrades?
A. These do *not* count as premium cabin fares even if you already cleared. The main cabin rules for SDC regarding fare inventory will apply, and if it goes through you will SDC into a main cabin seat (but you are eligible to be upgraded again -- make sure you appear on the upgrade list on your new itinerary)
Q. Can I change the routing/connections?
A. You cannot SDC from a connecting itinerary to a non-stop itinerary. In all other cases the answer is unclear. The SDC rules do not explicitly prohibit routing changes. However ticket fare rules usually contain a clause that additions/changes to connections must be permitted by the fare rules. These are apparently in conflict, and practically speaking it depends on the agent/supervisor you speak with. Some refuse, some allow anything reasonable.
Q. Can I change the origin/destination?
A. Technically no, but there is an unwritten rule that DMs can make co-terminal changes. (There are some unintuitive gaps in what DL considers co-terminal, e.g. DAL and DFW do not count.)
Q. How are SDC flights credited?
A. You will earn MQMs for the route you actually fly.
Q. Can I SDC onto a red-eye later the same day, that connects to a flight the following morning?
A. Yes (though the agent may need to process it manually)
Q. I have a red-eye flight or a flight leaving shortly after midnight; can I SDC to a flight the next day/day before?
A. Officially, no. In practice, some people have reported success (with no real pattern to status). Can't hurt to ask.
Q. Can I SDC on an international itinerary?
A. Officially, no. In practice, you can SDC remaining domestic flights after all international flights have been flown; if you have onward checked bags it is best to do this before you re-check them. There are non-zero reports of SDC of domestic flights before connecting to an international flight but this should not be counted on.
Q. Can I SDC an Alaska Airlines codeshare?
Same-Day Standby
"Same-day standby is only offered if same-day confirmed is not available."
"You can use the same-day standby option for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights."
SDS can be requested 24 hours before your initial departure. GM+ can SDS to any flight departing the same calendar day; others can only SDS for an earlier flight. No routing changes are permitted.
SDS costs$75 ($50 for tickets issued before 15 MAR 2017) but only if you clear the standby list (waived for GM+) SDS is now free for all passengers as of August 4th, 2021
Upgrades are not preserved -- if you already cleared the upgrade on your original flight you must still standby for the main cabin.
Q. Is it possible to get upgraded after a standby?
A. Almost always no, whether because it is explicitly forbidden or because the standby list is processed after the UG list and it is rare for any F seats to be leftover after that happens. So, maybe sometimes?
Same-Day Standby Upgrades
"The same-day standby upgrade option allows you to upgrade your flight for a small fee, provided space is available and your ticket is eligible. This option applies to specific flights and routings [...]"
This is not the same as upgrading after successfully standing by for a main cabin seat (see above).
SDSU fee chart (may be out of date):
All flights within and between the Domestic 48 States and Alaska
All flights to and from Hawaii
All eligible other flights
Same-Day Confirmed
To request an SDC, you can
- Use the Same Day Change function on the Today screen in the Delta app (recommended, but with some peculiarities -- may not show all routings, and if changing to an earlier or later flight will only show the option within 24 hours of the target flight)
- Click the "Change" button during OLCI (after you click "Check in" on the first screen)
- Call a phone agent (recommended if app does not work)
- Use Delta's chat functions via the app (hit or miss)
Online SDC does not seem to present all the options available to you, especially when you are SDCing a GAP fare and there is no inventory in your fare bucket. Calling in is best. People have had success with Twitter but that may depend on how "involved" the SDC is.
You can SDC starting 24 hours before your initial departure. You can SDC to any flight leaving the same calendar day. There is a $75 fee for SDC ($50 for tickets issued before March 15th, 2017), waived for GM and higher. This fee, and the waiver, applies for each person, although for GM+ traveling with companion the companion fee is sometimes waived.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (main cabin)?
A. Yes (whether revenue or award ticket). Note there is sometimes inventory in a fare bucket even though it may not be offered for sale on the web site. SDC on V or N (low award) fare is not unheard of.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (Comfort+)?
If booked into W (not WU) there only needs to be an available seat in Comfort+ regardless of fare class.
Q. Does the same fare class need to be available (First/Business/DeltaOne)?
Q. What about SDC with RUC/GUC/mileage upgrades (that have already cleared)?
As of November 2017:
* If your original ticket is a Delta OneTM ticket, you may move to any other flight with a premium cabin seat available
* If your original ticket is a First Class ticket, you may move only to other flights with a First Class seat available; you may not move to a flight with a Delta One experience, even if seats are available.
* If your original ticket is a First Class ticket, you may move only to other flights with a First Class seat available; you may not move to a flight with a Delta One experience, even if seats are available.
Q. I have a premium cabin fare, can I SDC to an itinerary with a single-cabin aircraft?
Written reply received from Delta, Dec. 2015:
f the aircraft does not support a First/Business/Delta One cabin you are still eligible to change to the flight as long we are still selling seats on the flight.
Q. What about Medallion complimentary upgrades?
A. These do *not* count as premium cabin fares even if you already cleared. The main cabin rules for SDC regarding fare inventory will apply, and if it goes through you will SDC into a main cabin seat (but you are eligible to be upgraded again -- make sure you appear on the upgrade list on your new itinerary)
Q. Can I change the routing/connections?
A. You cannot SDC from a connecting itinerary to a non-stop itinerary. In all other cases the answer is unclear. The SDC rules do not explicitly prohibit routing changes. However ticket fare rules usually contain a clause that additions/changes to connections must be permitted by the fare rules. These are apparently in conflict, and practically speaking it depends on the agent/supervisor you speak with. Some refuse, some allow anything reasonable.
Q. Can I change the origin/destination?
A. Technically no, but there is an unwritten rule that DMs can make co-terminal changes. (There are some unintuitive gaps in what DL considers co-terminal, e.g. DAL and DFW do not count.)
Q. How are SDC flights credited?
A. You will earn MQMs for the route you actually fly.
Q. Can I SDC onto a red-eye later the same day, that connects to a flight the following morning?
A. Yes (though the agent may need to process it manually)
Q. I have a red-eye flight or a flight leaving shortly after midnight; can I SDC to a flight the next day/day before?
A. Officially, no. In practice, some people have reported success (with no real pattern to status). Can't hurt to ask.
Q. Can I SDC on an international itinerary?
A. Officially, no. In practice, you can SDC remaining domestic flights after all international flights have been flown; if you have onward checked bags it is best to do this before you re-check them. There are non-zero reports of SDC of domestic flights before connecting to an international flight but this should not be counted on.
Q. Can I SDC an Alaska Airlines codeshare?
"Same-day standby is only offered if same-day confirmed is not available."
"You can use the same-day standby option for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights."
SDS can be requested 24 hours before your initial departure. GM+ can SDS to any flight departing the same calendar day; others can only SDS for an earlier flight. No routing changes are permitted.
SDS costs
Upgrades are not preserved -- if you already cleared the upgrade on your original flight you must still standby for the main cabin.
Q. Is it possible to get upgraded after a standby?
A. Almost always no, whether because it is explicitly forbidden or because the standby list is processed after the UG list and it is rare for any F seats to be leftover after that happens. So, maybe sometimes?
Same-Day Standby Upgrades
"The same-day standby upgrade option allows you to upgrade your flight for a small fee, provided space is available and your ticket is eligible. This option applies to specific flights and routings [...]"
This is not the same as upgrading after successfully standing by for a main cabin seat (see above).
SDSU fee chart (may be out of date):
All flights within and between the Domestic 48 States and Alaska
Code:
Traveling Y/B/M Fares S/H/Q/K/L Fares U/T/X/V Fares 0 to 500 miles $49 $119 $169 501 to 1,000 miles $79 $149 $199 1,001 to 1,500 miles $99 $209 $259 1,501 to 2,000 miles $149 $249 $319 2,001 to 3,000 miles $239 $269 $359 3,001 miles and up $329 $369 $399
Code:
Traveling Y/B/M Fares S/H/Q/K/L Fares U/T/X/V Fares 2,001 to 3,000 miles $239 $269 $359 3,001 miles and up $329 $369 $399
Code:
Traveling Y / B / M / H / Q / K Fares 0 to 500 miles $50 501 to 1,000 miles $75 1,001 to 1,500 miles $100 1,501 to 2,000 miles $150 2,001 to 3,000 miles $225 3,001 miles and up $350
Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Apr 11, 2013, 12:48 pm
#106
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CHI
Programs: SPG LIfetime Plat, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Wannabe, Hilton Silver, UA Gold
Posts: 392
Apr 11, 2013, 1:00 pm
#107
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Singapore
Programs: Show me the points!
Posts: 1,224
This quote from the web site "Silver Medallion members, general SkyMiles members and non-members:" really pisses me off.
I'm truly sorry that when I fly it's ATL-Northeast or near-Midwest. I'm sorry that I don't fly EVERY SINGLE week and it's a challenge to even get Gold even at a 60% travel percentage.
Thanks Delta, for making Silver nearly worthless. Why not just kill it outright?
I'm truly sorry that when I fly it's ATL-Northeast or near-Midwest. I'm sorry that I don't fly EVERY SINGLE week and it's a challenge to even get Gold even at a 60% travel percentage.
Thanks Delta, for making Silver nearly worthless. Why not just kill it outright?
Apr 11, 2013, 1:07 pm
#108
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 647
I know I am stating the obvious. But let's look back at the history:
- Originally, and for years, one could standby for free. This was seen as "win-win" for everyone. Traveler got to leave earlier, airline used what would have otherwise been stale inventory and potentially avoided IROPs later in the day.
- Then, standby switches to SDC. Billed as a positive to the traveler: "You can have a confirmed! seat".
- Now, with SDC so limited by its terms, we are effectively moving back to standby. DL in fact promotes this with "of course you can still standby", with regular members paying $50 for the privilege.
- So, the way I see this is: (1) we have gone back to pre-SDC rules and (2) DL is monetizing standby for non-elites.
- Instances where SDC will work out (3 hrs+bucket) and doesn't generate the $50 fee will be limited, which means that either SDC is dead or generates the same $50 fee as standby, except that (I think I have the complicated rules right!) sometimes a GM/DM/PM will have to pay the fee.
- Upshot: $50 standby for everyone; elites back to pre-SDC rules.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:12 pm
#109
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MKE
Programs: DL-MM-Diamond HH-Diamond
Posts: 3,218
Official Email:
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:15 pm
#110
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MKE
Programs: DL-MM-Diamond HH-Diamond
Posts: 3,218
So if you think you might want to SDC then no buying the cheapest fares (T, E and all the other codes they recently changed to confuse us)
So buy a more expensive fare because maybe you might want to change for a $50 charge later on, if it is available at that Time, what BS
So buy a more expensive fare because maybe you might want to change for a $50 charge later on, if it is available at that Time, what BS
Apr 11, 2013, 1:21 pm
#112
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM 1MM, Marriott Platinum,Avis First
Posts: 185
Official Email:
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:26 pm
#113
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 74
I can't seem to find a good category on dl.dumb to file my complaint. In addition, does anyone have a good physical address to send letters to?
I can handle to decrease in benefits. I think this change is a very real decrease in my flexibility in travel but Delta is a business and can run their business how they see fit.
However, part of the reason I went for GM and have focused flying on DL this year to reach PM later this year was the SDC benefits. For me, it was the second most useful benefit behind Sky Priority and accompanying PreCheck. This is to me an implied agreement where I would receive the same benefits during a Medallion year as when I earned my status. I flew the miles but now I feel DL is not going to honor the benefits.
MQD, for how big of a change it was, was handled how I would expect changes like this to be made. I'm certainly not a HVC and Delta won't notice or care but they will definitely be getting less money from me as a result.
I can handle to decrease in benefits. I think this change is a very real decrease in my flexibility in travel but Delta is a business and can run their business how they see fit.
However, part of the reason I went for GM and have focused flying on DL this year to reach PM later this year was the SDC benefits. For me, it was the second most useful benefit behind Sky Priority and accompanying PreCheck. This is to me an implied agreement where I would receive the same benefits during a Medallion year as when I earned my status. I flew the miles but now I feel DL is not going to honor the benefits.
MQD, for how big of a change it was, was handled how I would expect changes like this to be made. I'm certainly not a HVC and Delta won't notice or care but they will definitely be getting less money from me as a result.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:29 pm
#114
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: KATL
Programs: DL DM/2MM
Posts: 2,034
I know I am stating the obvious. But let's look back at the history:
- Originally, and for years, one could standby for free. This was seen as "win-win" for everyone. Traveler got to leave earlier, airline used what would have otherwise been stale inventory and potentially avoided IROPs later in the day.
- Then, standby switches to SDC. Billed as a positive to the traveler: "You can have a confirmed! seat".
- Now, with SDC so limited by its terms, we are effectively moving back to standby. DL in fact promotes this with "of course you can still standby", with regular members paying $50 for the privilege.
- So, the way I see this is: (1) we have gone back to pre-SDC rules and (2) DL is monetizing standby for non-elites.
- Instances where SDC will work out (3 hrs+bucket) and doesn't generate the $50 fee will be limited, which means that either SDC is dead or generates the same $50 fee as standby, except that (I think I have the complicated rules right!) sometimes a GM/DM/PM will have to pay the fee.
- Upshot: $50 standby for everyone; elites back to pre-SDC rules.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:35 pm
#115
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
Programs: Blogger & Delta Diamond Medallion Million Miler
Posts: 4,174
I can't seem to find a good category on dl.dumb to file my complaint. In addition, does anyone have a good physical address to send letters to?
I can handle to decrease in benefits. I think this change is a very real decrease in my flexibility in travel but Delta is a business and can run their business how they see fit.
However, part of the reason I went for GM and have focused flying on DL this year to reach PM later this year was the SDC benefits. For me, it was the second most useful benefit behind Sky Priority and accompanying PreCheck. This is to me an implied agreement where I would receive the same benefits during a Medallion year as when I earned my status. I flew the miles but now I feel DL is not going to honor the benefits.
MQD, for how big of a change it was, was handled how I would expect changes like this to be made. I'm certainly not a HVC and Delta won't notice or care but they will definitely be getting less money from me as a result.
I can handle to decrease in benefits. I think this change is a very real decrease in my flexibility in travel but Delta is a business and can run their business how they see fit.
However, part of the reason I went for GM and have focused flying on DL this year to reach PM later this year was the SDC benefits. For me, it was the second most useful benefit behind Sky Priority and accompanying PreCheck. This is to me an implied agreement where I would receive the same benefits during a Medallion year as when I earned my status. I flew the miles but now I feel DL is not going to honor the benefits.
MQD, for how big of a change it was, was handled how I would expect changes like this to be made. I'm certainly not a HVC and Delta won't notice or care but they will definitely be getting less money from me as a result.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:42 pm
#118
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ/BUF
Posts: 301
Official Email:
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:43 pm
#119
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 142
Official Email:
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Our same-day travel options offer you greater flexibility, and we want to keep you informed about a few upcoming changes.
Beginning April 23, 2013, you may request a day-of-flight change any time prior to the departure time of your original flight. Previously, this option was only available within three hours of your new departure time. This expanded timeframe will allow you more time to make changes on the day of your departure.
Please also note that the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) as your original ticket must now be available.
As a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® member, you will receive complimentary same-day travel changes for new flight departure times that are three hours before or after your original departure time. For flights departing outside of this window, a $50 fee for each same-day confirmed ticketing change will apply. You also may continue to stand by free of charge for flights outside of the complimentary window or when your booking class is not available.
Please visit delta.com for more information about our same-day travel options, your Medallion benefits and all of your travel needs.
Apr 11, 2013, 1:45 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
And that too.
