Oct 17, 21, 10:32 am
Last edit by: bgriff
Can I SDC and stay in F/D1 after applying an RUC? Maybe. Most recent data points (please update as information changes):
Via phone / chat agents: Some success, but often requires multiple HUCA and many agents believe the answer is no. Details further down this Wiki about how to guide agents to look in their system if you find a friendly agent, but this information may change.
Via airport agents: Few data points but likely to be the same as phone/chat agents.
Via app SDC function: As of mid 2023, app SDC is altogether broken.
Via web SDC function during check-in: Appears that this may work, with at least one successful data point. Likely the best option right now (as of late 2023). See example of what to look for.
Via same-day standby: No. Upgrade list is cleared before standby list so there would generally be no premium seats left by the time you clear. If normal paid premium cabin SDC rules are followed, standby shouldn't be necessary anyway unless you are trying to get onto a flight that is sold out up front at the time you make the request.
If you need to involve an agent (for example if changing from a nonstop to connecting itinerary or taking advantage of the provision to SDC a first class ticket to any lower cabin with last seat availability), the following information may be useful in guiding the agent to the correct policy:
Via phone / chat agents: Some success, but often requires multiple HUCA and many agents believe the answer is no. Details further down this Wiki about how to guide agents to look in their system if you find a friendly agent, but this information may change.
Via airport agents: Few data points but likely to be the same as phone/chat agents.
Via app SDC function: As of mid 2023, app SDC is altogether broken.
Via web SDC function during check-in: Appears that this may work, with at least one successful data point. Likely the best option right now (as of late 2023). See example of what to look for.
Via same-day standby: No. Upgrade list is cleared before standby list so there would generally be no premium seats left by the time you clear. If normal paid premium cabin SDC rules are followed, standby shouldn't be necessary anyway unless you are trying to get onto a flight that is sold out up front at the time you make the request.
If you need to involve an agent (for example if changing from a nonstop to connecting itinerary or taking advantage of the provision to SDC a first class ticket to any lower cabin with last seat availability), the following information may be useful in guiding the agent to the correct policy:
I ended up speaking to a someone at the Rates and Reissues desk. They confirmed that KM (Knowledge Management) VERY clearly delineates the difference between complimentary upgrades and Mileage/Upgrade Certificate upgrades. It clearly states that comp upgrades use OU or RU inventory and DO NOT require ticket reissue and no compensation has been collected by Delta thus the SDC is only eligible for ticketed economy class. But Mileage/Upgrade Certificates involve an exchange of value and SDC is allowed if ANY inventory in the premium CABIN (not class) is available. It notes that this is indicated by OY, RY, or SY class and is reissued.
He said to have any agent look in KM under:
Same-Day Travel Changes (SDT) page and go to the Same Day Confirmed: Program Details section and then scroll down to the Upgrades heading. There is cleary lists the different rules for SDC on comp upgrade and "Upgrade Certificate or Mileage"
He said the wording is so clear there should be absolutely no issue with SDC on GUC/RUC. He did note that the verbage in KM is Upgrade Certificate not GUC or RUC in that particular area.
He also said that KM clearly states that D1 to FC SDC is allowed (requires manual reissue), but FC to D1 is NOT allowed. He indicated though that since the fare bucket alignment across intl and domestic flights a few years ago, its not immediately apparent to agents the difference between a D1 domestic flight and a FC domestic flight without a few extra clicks and that he sees FC to D1 SDC reissues happen frequently where they shouldnt.
He said to have any agent look in KM under:
Same-Day Travel Changes (SDT) page and go to the Same Day Confirmed: Program Details section and then scroll down to the Upgrades heading. There is cleary lists the different rules for SDC on comp upgrade and "Upgrade Certificate or Mileage"
He said the wording is so clear there should be absolutely no issue with SDC on GUC/RUC. He did note that the verbage in KM is Upgrade Certificate not GUC or RUC in that particular area.
He also said that KM clearly states that D1 to FC SDC is allowed (requires manual reissue), but FC to D1 is NOT allowed. He indicated though that since the fare bucket alignment across intl and domestic flights a few years ago, its not immediately apparent to agents the difference between a D1 domestic flight and a FC domestic flight without a few extra clicks and that he sees FC to D1 SDC reissues happen frequently where they shouldnt.
SDC while using Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUC) Definitive Thread
Sep 14, 15, 7:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Socal
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Posts: 17
SDC while using Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUC) Definitive Thread
Had to use my regional upgrade certificate as they expire next month, flight with a departure time that worked best for me(and had upgrade eligibility) was traveling BOS-MSP-LAX, with a 3:07 sit in MSP. There is a MSP-LAX flight that I'd like to SDC into that would only have a 1:16 sit in MSP. The rules for SDC say medallion complimentary upgrades won't be honored, but they don't really say anything about regional upgrade certificates. Does anyone have experience doing a SDC while on a regional certificate and being able to stay in FC?
Sep 14, 15, 7:33 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: DM, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 125
My personal experience is that if you are confirmed into 1st for your journey you should be able to SDC to another flight into 1st (assuming space is available). Normal SDC rules apply. Might need to make multiple calls to get the right agent.
Sep 14, 15, 8:08 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
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Had to use my regional upgrade certificate as they expire next month, flight with a departure time that worked best for me(and had upgrade eligibility) was traveling BOS-MSP-LAX, with a 3:07 sit in MSP. There is a MSP-LAX flight that I'd like to SDC into that would only have a 1:16 sit in MSP. The rules for SDC say medallion complimentary upgrades won't be honored, but they don't really say anything about regional upgrade certificates. Does anyone have experience doing a SDC while on a regional certificate and being able to stay in FC?
But I imagine it will take multiple calls to accomplish.
David
Sep 14, 15, 8:28 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2008
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It takes insistence on the rules that's for sure. I think many agents see "Upgrade" and dont make the distinction whether it was by instrument or complimentary. Often the first time they start down the "same fare class" road I have to remind them this isnt a complimentary upgrade but an instrument sponsored upgrade. From that point, half still insist they are right then I have to hang up and call back.
Sep 14, 15, 8:59 am
#5
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The only time you don't get the SDC First policy is with Medallion upgrades. Anything else gives it, however the agent sometimes needs to have it pointed out that you're not in First because of a medallion upgrade. Search for same day confirmed on the Delta website and one of their own pages will have the info.
Sep 14, 15, 1:02 pm
#6
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It takes insistence on the rules that's for sure. I think many agents see "Upgrade" and dont make the distinction whether it was by instrument or complimentary. Often the first time they start down the "same fare class" road I have to remind them this isnt a complimentary upgrade but an instrument sponsored upgrade. From that point, half still insist they are right then I have to hang up and call back.
Sep 14, 15, 1:15 pm
#7
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The manager of T4 JFK Skyclub insisted that seat availability means fare class. It took calling the DM line and having them call the Skyclub to get him to understand they're different things. They told him to try it doing it, as the system wouldn't confirm without additional payment if it doesn't comply with SDC rules. He did it and was quite shocked, but never apologized and acted like he did me a favor.
Sep 14, 15, 8:24 pm
#8
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Had to use my regional upgrade certificate as they expire next month, flight with a departure time that worked best for me(and had upgrade eligibility) was traveling BOS-MSP-LAX, with a 3:07 sit in MSP. There is a MSP-LAX flight that I'd like to SDC into that would only have a 1:16 sit in MSP. The rules for SDC say medallion complimentary upgrades won't be honored, but they don't really say anything about regional upgrade certificates. Does anyone have experience doing a SDC while on a regional certificate and being able to stay in FC?
Sep 15, 15, 3:30 am
#9
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Sep 16, 15, 2:36 am
#10
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The only time you don't get the SDC First policy is with Medallion upgrades. Anything else gives it, however the agent sometimes needs to have it pointed out that you're not in First because of a medallion upgrade. Search for same day confirmed on the Delta website and one of their own pages will have the info.
See this thread (& Wiki): http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...y-options.html
Note the following posted on July 24th, 2015:
...
Thank you for your email to Delta inquiring about same-day travel
changes.
Although the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) still needs to be
available for same-day confirmed changes on the Main Cabin tickets, the
following updates have been implemented:
Thank you for your email to Delta inquiring about same-day travel
changes.
Although the same booking class (e.g. Q, K, L or U) still needs to be
available for same-day confirmed changes on the Main Cabin tickets, the
following updates have been implemented:
- The $50 same-day confirmed fee will be waived for Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members.
- In addition, you are able to request a same-day change up to 24 hours before your original flight departure time, rather than only on your day of departure.
- Effective March 18, 2014, when flying in our premium cabins -- including Delta One, First and Business Class -- you may make a same-day confirmed change as long as a seat is available in the premium cabin, regardless of whether your exact booking class is available. This includes paid upgrade, mileage upgrade, Global and Regional Upgrade, and Systemwide Upgrade tickets.
Last edited by serfty; Sep 16, 15 at 2:42 am
Aug 22, 19, 9:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 993
Any update to this? If you are confirmed using a regional upgrade can you SDC to any first class flight using cabin to cabin?
I've called and two agents said no, but wanted to double check official rules if you're confirmed into OY.
I've called and two agents said no, but wanted to double check official rules if you're confirmed into OY.
Aug 22, 19, 9:20 pm
#12
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The rules say yes, but in practice it helps a lot if the ticket has already been reissued in FC. In practical terms, this means that if the RUC cleared very recently or if your ticket is stuck in some queue to be reissued, you will experience problems.
Aug 22, 19, 9:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posts: 993
Does it say anywhere online that this can be done? I keep getting shut down from the front line agents
Aug 22, 19, 10:20 pm
#14
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Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
