Just turned GOLD, does my companion also have same day change fee waived?
Jul 16, 2019, 2:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: Delta Platinum
Posts: 53
Just turned GOLD, does my companion also have same day change fee waived?
I am new to Gold status, so just learning the perks that go along with it. I am most excited about booking a lower fare (with a routing I am comfortable with) and then if possible, have the ability to change to a new itinerary, 24 hours prior, that might be more convenient.
So, just double checking, if my husband is on the same reservation, he can also have free same day change?
So, just double checking, if my husband is on the same reservation, he can also have free same day change?
Jul 16, 2019, 2:41 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Atlanta,Ga, USA
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 410
It depends on the agent you get. Policy is only the Gold member and higher levels have the SDC/SDS fees waived, but sometimes some agents will waive for non-Gold members in same pnr, but it is not guaranteed or published benefit.
Jul 16, 2019, 2:52 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,461
Don't get too excited. I have found this very hard to actually accomplish. I have been able to get on using standby on a couple of flights, but it's very difficult to change to a different routing if you are buying cheap fares. Worked better when my business travel was booked last minute at higher fare classes.
Jul 16, 2019, 3:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,884
I concur with the "don't get too excited" comment. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to SDC on a coach fare. SDS can be accomplished, but that requires sitting at the gate, hoping there is space available, and willing to take the worst seat left of the a/c. The written rules are a little more generous if you are booked (not upgraded) to the W or F cabin (if you are upgraded you play by the rules of your coach fare), but usually agents make up their own rules and you will do a lot of HUCA. No you will not get the $75 fee waived for companions...there was a thread not too long ago regarding the same subject and that is probably the hardest fee to get waived in the entire system.
Jul 16, 2019, 4:04 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: Delta Platinum
Posts: 53
Well, shoot, thanks for the information. No wonder I couldn't find any details/rules about this on DL.com
I assumed, that a person could just call up 24 hours ahead of time and request the change at lickety split, it would get done.
I assumed, that a person could just call up 24 hours ahead of time and request the change at lickety split, it would get done.
Jul 16, 2019, 4:30 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Jul 16, 2019, 5:28 pm
#7
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
The reason it's challenging in economy is that there needs to be the same fare on your new flight. So buying far in advance on an a 'deep discount economy' fare is going to be hard to find day-of travel. However, when flying in first class, any (non-Delta-One) space is allowed for SDC. There's a helpful wiki page about it on Flyertalk:
Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Same-day confirmed and same-day standby options
Jul 16, 2019, 5:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Jul 16, 2019, 6:03 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,053
"If a seat is available in your originally purchased fare class, you can change your ticket to a confirmed seat on a new flight."
https://www.delta.com/us/en/change-c...-flight-change
Delta fare classes for main cabin are Y/B/M/H/Q/K/L/U/T/X/V. Basic Economy E fares are ineligible for SDC. Your purchased fare class is disclosed in your receipt.
Last edited by xliioper; Jul 16, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Jul 16, 2019, 6:42 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
The rule is that there is a $75 fee charged for same day confirmed. GM/PM/DM/360 get a fee waiver. When benefits apply to companions it is explicitly stated (like with the companion upgrade program), and it's not here. This is not a grey area; companions are not eligible for the fee waiver. If an agent grants it is is either an occasional favor or a mistake.
Jul 16, 2019, 6:48 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
Yes, it's highly route, day, and time dependent. I often have a difficult time trying to SDC when traveling for work because these business-heavy flights are frequently sell last minute tickets and are full, and so Delta heavily restricts fare inventory available. On the other hand, when traveling for leisure, I'm frequently able to SDC because I seek out travel on days/times that are cheaper. So, ironically, it's often most difficult to SDC on tickets with relatively higher fare classes.
Jul 16, 2019, 7:34 pm
#14
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
I concur with the "don't get too excited" comment. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to SDC on a coach fare. SDS can be accomplished, but that requires sitting at the gate, hoping there is space available, and willing to take the worst seat left of the a/c. The written rules are a little more generous if you are booked (not upgraded) to the W or F cabin (if you are upgraded you play by the rules of your coach fare), but usually agents make up their own rules and you will do a lot of HUCA. No you will not get the $75 fee waived for companions...there was a thread not too long ago regarding the same subject and that is probably the hardest fee to get waived in the entire system.
Jul 17, 2019, 8:55 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I concur with the "don't get too excited" comment. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to SDC on a coach fare. SDS can be accomplished, but that requires sitting at the gate, hoping there is space available, and willing to take the worst seat left of the a/c.