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
Dec 19, 2013, 8:30 pm
#1426
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta Skymile DM, Marriott Platinum, PC Gold, Avis Chairman's Club, National EE
Posts: 728
While you can request SDC beginning at T-24 before your original flight, the flight must be the same day (except for flights departing between midnight and 2AM). Same for SDS. Just because you've gotten them to change days before doesn't mean it's allowed in the rules. I think the rules are pretty clearly stated. For SDC -- "You may request a change up to 24 hours prior to the departure time of your original flight. All requests must be made prior to your originally scheduled departure time. Your new departure time must still be on the same day as your originally scheduled departure. " And for SDS -- "Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight any time on the same day as their original flight."
I think the OP stated both flights were on the same calendar day.
Dec 19, 2013, 8:30 pm
#1427
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
This is clearly a situation where you hang up and talk to another agent. What time did you actually call? Totally anecdotal comment, but it seems that between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern I usually get very knowledgeable agents. Off hours and weekends it's a crap shoot.
While you can request SDC beginning at T-24 before your original flight, the flight must be the same day (except for flights departing between midnight and 2AM). Same for SDS. Just because you've gotten them to change days before doesn't mean it's allowed in the rules. I think the rules are pretty clearly stated. For SDC -- "You may request a change up to 24 hours prior to the departure time of your original flight. All requests must be made prior to your originally scheduled departure time. Your new departure time must still be on the same day as your originally scheduled departure. " And for SDS -- "Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight any time on the same day as their original flight."
Reading back, I realize that the middle paragraph of my OP was worded poorly and could be interpreted as I was trying to switch departure days, but that was not the case at all. I don't think agent could have been confused about what I was requesting, either, since the Thursday version of the Friday flight I was trying to SDC to had landed at its destination several hours before I called.
Dec 28, 2013, 6:08 pm
#1428
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: ATL/TPA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis President's Club
Posts: 362
While you can request SDC beginning at T-24 before your original flight, the flight must be the same day (except for flights departing between midnight and 2AM). Same for SDS. Just because you've gotten them to change days before doesn't mean it's allowed in the rules. I think the rules are pretty clearly stated. For SDC -- "You may request a change up to 24 hours prior to the departure time of your original flight. All requests must be made prior to your originally scheduled departure time. Your new departure time must still be on the same day as your originally scheduled departure. " And for SDS -- "Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight any time on the same day as their original flight."
Flight tomorrow morning, if, as a GM, I know that want to SDS to a later flight, should that be done by phone (to advise that I will miss the scheduled flight), or, can it be done thru DL.com with no notification required.
Last edited by nycatl; Dec 28, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Dec 28, 2013, 6:29 pm
#1429
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Platinum 100, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,687
New same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Can be done via dl.com. Just select your new flights. Just be careful. On a peak travel day like tomorrow, seats fill fast and all it takes is one cancelled flight to make the fare buckets go to F0Y0
Dec 28, 2013, 6:31 pm
#1430
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
Also, isn't it true that you hafto do it from the check-in sequence, and not from the regular "change flights" button?
Dec 28, 2013, 7:18 pm
#1431
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Platinum 100, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,687
Correct. And it's not the best piece of IT so often flight combinations don't show up even when they exist.
Quote:
Originally Posted by suvayanr
Can be done via dl.com. Just select your new flights. Just be careful. On a peak travel day like tomorrow, seats fill fast and all it takes is one cancelled flight to make the fare buckets go to F0Y0
Also, isn't it true that you hafto do it from the check-in sequence, and not from the regular "change flights" button?
Originally Posted by suvayanr
Can be done via dl.com. Just select your new flights. Just be careful. On a peak travel day like tomorrow, seats fill fast and all it takes is one cancelled flight to make the fare buckets go to F0Y0
Also, isn't it true that you hafto do it from the check-in sequence, and not from the regular "change flights" button?
Dec 28, 2013, 7:51 pm
#1432
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: ATL/TPA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis President's Club
Posts: 362
Thanks for the clarification and heads up - last question, when completing the process thru website, I clicked Next and the Volunteers are Needed page appeared. That is to volunteer for my original morning flight, correct?
Dec 28, 2013, 9:27 pm
#1433
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,062
Jan 13, 2014, 2:05 pm
#1434
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Odd experience.
FO flying on an X-Fare BWI-RDU, no delay to my flight. Checked in for the 6:10 PM flight at the kiosk at 4:30 PM. Hit Change Flights and was told no other options available. Went through security, then looked at a kiosk in the gate area at 5 PM. I was offered to be confirmed for free on BWI-CVG-RDU leaving at 5:30 PM. I've never seen an option like that unless my flight is delayed or I pay. Any thoughts?
FO flying on an X-Fare BWI-RDU, no delay to my flight. Checked in for the 6:10 PM flight at the kiosk at 4:30 PM. Hit Change Flights and was told no other options available. Went through security, then looked at a kiosk in the gate area at 5 PM. I was offered to be confirmed for free on BWI-CVG-RDU leaving at 5:30 PM. I've never seen an option like that unless my flight is delayed or I pay. Any thoughts?
Jan 13, 2014, 9:00 pm
#1435
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SLC
Programs: DL FO, KM, & 1.7MM; UA nothing; HH♦; National EE
Posts: 6,344
Odd experience.
FO flying on an X-Fare BWI-RDU, no delay to my flight. Checked in for the 6:10 PM flight at the kiosk at 4:30 PM. Hit Change Flights and was told no other options available. Went through security, then looked at a kiosk in the gate area at 5 PM. I was offered to be confirmed for free on BWI-CVG-RDU leaving at 5:30 PM. I've never seen an option like that unless my flight is delayed or I pay. Any thoughts?
FO flying on an X-Fare BWI-RDU, no delay to my flight. Checked in for the 6:10 PM flight at the kiosk at 4:30 PM. Hit Change Flights and was told no other options available. Went through security, then looked at a kiosk in the gate area at 5 PM. I was offered to be confirmed for free on BWI-CVG-RDU leaving at 5:30 PM. I've never seen an option like that unless my flight is delayed or I pay. Any thoughts?
Jan 13, 2014, 10:37 pm
#1436
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Trust me it wasn't, I ended up taking my original flight as I couldn't get a ride if I arrived later and my original flight had at the most 20 people on it (CRJ-200).
Jan 13, 2014, 10:59 pm
#1438
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Jan 28, 2014, 3:35 pm
#1439
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DTW, LAX, MBJ
Programs: AA, Delta Kryptonium (DM) Hyatt Diamond IHG Fake Plat (Ambassador), HH Gold
Posts: 832
Redeye to redeye?
I need some help
I have a redeye flight on a X fare from the West Coast to DTW On a Monday around 11:00 PM.
I now need to get back for an event with my 5 year old Monday night. I would like to SDC -There is a Monday 12:30 AM flight.
A few questions.
Do I have to wait until 11:00 PM Sunday to call ? That will cut it very close. It seems as if i need to call from the airport...
If the fare class isn't available, should I just ask for SDS? Does the same 24hr in advance rule hold?
Can I expect waiver of charge or some additional flexibility as a DM?
I have tried to work through the thread but I am getting conflicting information.
Thanks in advance.
Maps
I have a redeye flight on a X fare from the West Coast to DTW On a Monday around 11:00 PM.
I now need to get back for an event with my 5 year old Monday night. I would like to SDC -There is a Monday 12:30 AM flight.
A few questions.
Do I have to wait until 11:00 PM Sunday to call ? That will cut it very close. It seems as if i need to call from the airport...
If the fare class isn't available, should I just ask for SDS? Does the same 24hr in advance rule hold?
Can I expect waiver of charge or some additional flexibility as a DM?
I have tried to work through the thread but I am getting conflicting information.
Thanks in advance.
Maps
Jan 29, 2014, 6:18 am
#1440
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 15,202
I have a redeye flight on a X fare from the West Coast to DTW On a Monday around 11:00 PM.
I now need to get back for an event with my 5 year old Monday night. I would like to SDC -There is a Monday 12:30 AM flight.
Do I have to wait until 11:00 PM Sunday to call ? That will cut it very close. It seems as if i need to call from the airport...
If the fare class isn't available, should I just ask for SDS? Does the same 24hr in advance rule hold?
Can I expect waiver of charge or some additional flexibility as a DM?
I now need to get back for an event with my 5 year old Monday night. I would like to SDC -There is a Monday 12:30 AM flight.
Do I have to wait until 11:00 PM Sunday to call ? That will cut it very close. It seems as if i need to call from the airport...
If the fare class isn't available, should I just ask for SDS? Does the same 24hr in advance rule hold?
Can I expect waiver of charge or some additional flexibility as a DM?
I'd call some time during the day before you're allowed to check in (but within T-24 of the new flight) and see if there is anything they can do due to the early departure. Yes as a DM they can provide some wiggle room. Main problem I see is X not being available and so you'd be stuck doing standby, not get on the upgrade list and end up in a crap seat.