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
May 16, 2019, 12:02 pm
#3961
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
What is the upgrade priority for SDS? I'm traveling with my non-status daughter on the same PNR. Will we be next to each other on the list or would we appear at the top and bottom?
And how can I make the SDS all-or-nothing? My daughter is 2.5 so splitting up isn't an option if we don't both clear.
Flight is on a CRJ so I'm not worried about switching seats with someone (to sit together) if we both clear.
And how can I make the SDS all-or-nothing? My daughter is 2.5 so splitting up isn't an option if we don't both clear.
Flight is on a CRJ so I'm not worried about switching seats with someone (to sit together) if we both clear.
As to whether you'll be able to sit together, that will generally depend on what seats are available. If you speak with the GA I'm sure they'll try to accommodate you. If they're unable to, an FA will surely help with a 2.5 year old.
May 16, 2019, 12:30 pm
#3962
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
If you're on the same PNR they won't separate you without explicit permission.
As to whether you'll be able to sit together, that will generally depend on what seats are available. If you speak with the GA I'm sure they'll try to accommodate you. If they're unable to, an FA will surely help with a 2.5 year old.
As to whether you'll be able to sit together, that will generally depend on what seats are available. If you speak with the GA I'm sure they'll try to accommodate you. If they're unable to, an FA will surely help with a 2.5 year old.
May 16, 2019, 1:12 pm
#3963
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
oh I see, I read "will we be next to each other" as "seated next to each other"
I haven't done a SDS with a companion before, so I'm not sure what happens here but logistically it seems impossible for the two of you to be at different positions on the list without splitting the PNR. So it's really a question of whether you both are treated as the higher or lower ranked priority level for this purpose. I would guess the answer is lower since they generally do a decent job of publicizing anything where companions inherit the higher level as a competitive feature.
I haven't done a SDS with a companion before, so I'm not sure what happens here but logistically it seems impossible for the two of you to be at different positions on the list without splitting the PNR. So it's really a question of whether you both are treated as the higher or lower ranked priority level for this purpose. I would guess the answer is lower since they generally do a decent job of publicizing anything where companions inherit the higher level as a competitive feature.
May 18, 2019, 12:10 am
#3964
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,118
Just want to give a data point:
Just went from SEA-JFK (Domestic F) to SEA-SFO-JFK (Domestic First; DeltaOne) without any issue.
I told the agent I was booked on DL123 and wanted to SDC onto DL456 and connect on DL789.
Even though SFO is not a legal connection point between SEA and JFK, and even though I went from F to J, the Platinum Desk agent had no trouble and I didn't need to do any convincing.
Just went from SEA-JFK (Domestic F) to SEA-SFO-JFK (Domestic First; DeltaOne) without any issue.
I told the agent I was booked on DL123 and wanted to SDC onto DL456 and connect on DL789.
Even though SFO is not a legal connection point between SEA and JFK, and even though I went from F to J, the Platinum Desk agent had no trouble and I didn't need to do any convincing.
May 18, 2019, 6:05 am
#3965
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Delta Platinum & MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, National Car Executive
Posts: 400
Just want to give a data point:
Just went from SEA-JFK (Domestic F) to SEA-SFO-JFK (Domestic First; DeltaOne) without any issue.
I told the agent I was booked on DL123 and wanted to SDC onto DL456 and connect on DL789.
Even though SFO is not a legal connection point between SEA and JFK, and even though I went from F to J, the Platinum Desk agent had no trouble and I didn't need to do any convincing.
Just went from SEA-JFK (Domestic F) to SEA-SFO-JFK (Domestic First; DeltaOne) without any issue.
I told the agent I was booked on DL123 and wanted to SDC onto DL456 and connect on DL789.
Even though SFO is not a legal connection point between SEA and JFK, and even though I went from F to J, the Platinum Desk agent had no trouble and I didn't need to do any convincing.
If you have a premium cabin fare like Delta One®, Delta Premium Select or First Class you may make a Same-Day Confirmed change as long as a seat is available in the cabin purchased or a lower cabin
Wiki shows prior text:* 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.
The new text seems ambiguous to me and depends on if First Class is considered a lower cabin than Delta One. However, removing the prior express language could be viewed as changing the policy.
So did the quoted poster luck out with the agent or has the policy been changed to now allow same day confirmed changes from First Class to Delta One?
* 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.
The new text seems ambiguous to me and depends on if First Class is considered a lower cabin than Delta One. However, removing the prior express language could be viewed as changing the policy.
So did the quoted poster luck out with the agent or has the policy been changed to now allow same day confirmed changes from First Class to Delta One?
May 18, 2019, 9:35 pm
#3968
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
May 23, 2019, 1:32 pm
#3972
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 355
https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...ess-class.html
Clearly identifies Delta One as Business Class.
https://pro.delta.com/content/agency...structure.html
This identifies First Class above Delta One for domestic segments.
We all know that Delta One is a more luxury experience than Delta domestic First. I'm arguing that for SDS/SDC purposes, perhaps it's possible to logically prove that Delta One is a "lower cabin" than First Class.
Long shot, perhaps.
Clearly identifies Delta One as Business Class.
https://pro.delta.com/content/agency...structure.html
This identifies First Class above Delta One for domestic segments.
We all know that Delta One is a more luxury experience than Delta domestic First. I'm arguing that for SDS/SDC purposes, perhaps it's possible to logically prove that Delta One is a "lower cabin" than First Class.
Long shot, perhaps.
May 23, 2019, 2:39 pm
#3973
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
On Delta, Business Class (D1) is higher than First Class. Some policies (e.g. SDC) explicitly reference this fact. The confusing names don't override reality.
May 23, 2019, 3:04 pm
#3974
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
May 24, 2019, 6:10 am
#3975
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
https://pro.delta.com/content/agency...structure.html
This identifies First Class above Delta One for domestic segments.
We all know that Delta One is a more luxury experience than Delta domestic First. I'm arguing that for SDS/SDC purposes, perhaps it's possible to logically prove that Delta One is a "lower cabin" than First Class.
Long shot, perhaps.
Long shot, perhaps.