Jan 4, 2015, 2:01 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This wiki was created to distill SDC (and related standby) down to a set of rules in the hopes of benefiting others.
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
Please note that the United.com change flight link before checking in within T-24, is broken. The website may not show all available options and will often attempt to collect the change fee rather than the SDC fee (if any).
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Standby
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply, and some are more flexible.
Note there have been reports of SDC to one segment removing confirmed CPU upgrades on downline segments. If maintaining the confirmed upgrade is important then these changes should be handled with care.
Most Frequently Asked Question: When do I call/go online to make the change?
Follow this flowchart:
Question 1: Are you within 24 hours of your currently scheduled UA(*) operated flight that you're trying to change off of? If yes, continue to Question 2. If no, continue to answer 1.
Question 2: Are you within 24 hours of the first UA operated flight you're trying to change on to? If yes, continue to to Answer 2. If no, continue to Answer 1.
Answer 1: No, you cannot call/go online yet to make an SDC.
Answer 2: Yes, then you can call/go online to make an SDC.
General Baseline Rules
These are the general rules that usually apply to SDC's; falling outside these rules usually requires payment of a full change fee and the fare difference:
- The departure time of the first segment of the old itinerary and the departure time of the first segment of the new itinerary must both be within 24 hours of the moment that the change is made.
- Only applies to UA/UX operated flights, domestic or international. Changing from a non-UA operated to UA operated may be possible.
- The ultimate origin and destination airports must remain the same.
- Routing can be changed (addition, deletion, or change of connection points) but the routing rules of the original fare usually apply.
- All remaining unflown segments in single fared itinerary are considered together (i.e., if you're flying WWW-XXX-YYY-ZZZ, you can go to a kiosk at XXX and potentially fly XXX-AAA-ZZZ or XXX-ZZZ direct).
- SDC can be done an unlimited number of times, and can therefore be used to extend a trip indefinitely (pending availability).
- SDC costs $75 for Members and Silvers - the fee is waived for Golds and up (plus any applicable fare difference, see below). *G's may also get free SDC, although there is no mention of this in the official rules. Once in-route, fees for an earlier connecting flight may be waived per GG SDC Line 118.
- Non-elites on the same PNR benefit from any waived fees for SDC.
- No fare difference is charged so long as there is availability on all of the new segments in the originally ticketed fare class. Fare class availability in all classes often opens up after T-24 and almost always opens up at T-3 unless the plane is very full.
- SDC on bulk tickets, including United Specials, is not permitted.
- SDC is permitted on both domestic and international itineraries.
How to SDC
SDC can be accomplished in a few different places (in rough order of likelihood of being able to get the rules bent):
- United mobile app
- Kiosk
- Phone
- On united.com, right now only the "Search Other Flight Options" button during On-Line Check-In (OLCI) works. This has spotty availability, particularly if the change would involve paying an additional fare due to fare bucket non-availability.
- Counter/Gate (although reports are that most airport agents are not familiar with the SDC policy and may not allow you to SDC to a valid itinerary--you can try to direct them to look up GG SDC, but they often won't understand that what you're trying to do is permitted by those rules)
NB: An SDC where the original itinerary (in one direction) has three or more segments cannot be done online.
Nuances and Loose Rules
Now for the hard part: figuring out where the flexibility is in the rules. This list is compiled from the responses to people saying "Can I do X?" where X is something that is not clearly permitted by the rules. One's likelihood of success here depends a bit on the method used for the SDC.
For each item, the following codes apply:
Y = officially permitted and possible using any method
A = not permitted but perhaps possible using an agent (phone/counter), perhaps having to HUACA
A* = mixed reports of success with an agent (phone/counter),
N* = possible only if you find a very accommodating agent
N = little or no reported success.
- Violating various non-routing fare rules (day/time, minimum stay, etc.): Y
- Change destination to ultra-close airport (see the old S*FAR/STANDBY): A
- Change destination to a co-terminal: N*
- Change destination to an entirely different place: N
- Change itinerary at the beginning to include illegal layovers (> 4 hours): N*
- Change itinerary at the layover point (using kiosk, app, or agent) to create an otherwise illegal layover: Y
- Change itinerary at the beginning to add a layover point not permitted by the routing rules: N*
- Change itinerary at a layover point to add another layover not permitted (either in terms of number of segments or routing rules) by the routing rules: Y
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before or after the original flight: N*
- Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before the original flight, if the previous day's flight has been delayed: Y (based on one report)
- Combining separately-fared segments to do SDC (e.g. XXX-YYY+YYY-ZZZ -> XXX-ZZZ): A
- Change UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to UA metal: A
- Change from UA metal to UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: N (see post 1813 for one exception)
- Change from UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to a different UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment: ??
- Change on a non-UA ticketed segment: N* (with potential dire consequences)
- Change from an upgraded flight into Y on the new flight: Y
- Change from a GPU-upgraded flight into J/F on the new flight: A
- Change from a CPU-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: N*
- Change from an instrument-upgraded flight and get confirmed into available R space on the new flight: A*
- Non-elite on different PNR benefiting from Elite's waived-fee SDC: A
- Change at origin airport after tendering a checked bag: N
- Change at layover airport when a bag has been checked: N
If you encounter issues with an agent (phone or counter/gate), you can ask the agent to reference GG SDC. Additionally, GG SDC line 61 specifically references that fare classes are supposed to level out 3.5 hours before departure, so you might be able to use that to your advantage if fare classes have not leveled out and you're trying to ask an agent to open up the correct inventory or force you onto the flight.
Note -- as of 11/27/2017: A datapoint indicates that UA may have updated its GG rule regarding leveling out to state the following:
Code:
EVERYDAY AWARD AND REVENUE BUCKETS ARE TO LEVEL OUT WITHIN 2H OF DEPARTURE
You may stand by if seats are not available in the purchased fare class. In these cases, the same-day change fee will apply, but will not be charged unless you are assigned a seat on your alternate flight. Changes in routing are not allowed when standing by. Standby may be requested on the day of departure at an airport kiosk or with a United representative at the airport. Once you are added to the flight standby list, you can check your real-time standby status at united.com/flightstatus or on your mobile device at mobile.united.com/info.
Instead of paying a same-day change discounted fee, can I stand by for my desired flight for free?
No. The only time you may standby for free is when the fare does not have any penalties for making changes, or when standing by involuntarily due to a flight irregularity.
Can I pay the same-day change discount fee with cash?
Cash will only be accepted by a United airport representative when the change is available to be confirmed, not for standby travel.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
Previous threads:
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions (with Wiki) {Archive}
May 26, 2023 | 5:53 pm
#7441
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA: 1K. Hilton: Diamond. Marriot: Gold. AA: Gold
Posts: 70
Thats the thing- it wont even offer the opportunity to standby...that is what is making me scratch my head.
May 26, 2023 | 5:58 pm
#7442
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH LTDiamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA MM LT1P
Posts: 20,935
May 27, 2023 | 12:07 am
#7443
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,548
I suspect its too late now, but for future reference, the best way to get onto the standby list, when there are no IRROPS, is to show up at the airport early and ask. I dont believe that the app allows you to standby voluntarily in the non-IRROPS mode, as a general rule.
May 27, 2023 | 5:23 am
#7444
Join Date: Dec 2022
Programs: UA1K
Posts: 774
Long story short it is an SFO to EWR flight tonight. I am trying to get on the flight that takes off 1 hour before. It is United. Travel is the same day for both flights and both flights take off within 24 hours. I am trying to request through the app, but its not an option.
Last edited by unitedwildcat; May 27, 2023 at 5:24 am Reason: typo
May 27, 2023 | 9:27 am
#7445
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Programs: Statusless and proud
Posts: 7,909
Quick and dirty question. I know that for those with no status, SDC is no longer available for the $75 as it was back in the day. What is offered? Just normal upfaring?
May 27, 2023 | 12:07 pm
#7447
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Programs: Statusless and proud
Posts: 7,909
May 27, 2023 | 12:20 pm
#7448
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 72,952
This is a recent change
If you’re a customer or MileagePlus member without Premier status, you may be able to confirm a seat on another flight within 24 hours of your originally scheduled departure time. A fare difference may apply even if the same original fare class is available. And don’t forget — you can always stand by for free.
May 28, 2023 | 2:38 am
#7449
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 13
Curious for your thoughts: currently, fares from LIT-ORD/DEN-SFO/SJC at an ideal time are hovering around $450 for next Sunday (6/4). If I take an early morning flight to SJC, however, I can book W at $285. A more realistically timed, but still early, flight to SFO books into W at $295.
Is it a reasonable strategy to book one of these flights in hopes of the same fare class becoming available for a flight later in the day (closer to the ideal time)? Some nuances that may affect this include:
As of now, I see W availability into SJC at the ideal time and loads of H-adjacent availability into SFO, but I know things could change dramatically in a week. Curious to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance!
Is it a reasonable strategy to book one of these flights in hopes of the same fare class becoming available for a flight later in the day (closer to the ideal time)? Some nuances that may affect this include:
- Destination airport must remain the same, but anyone know of SJC SDCs auto-searching for SFO as well (this happens unprompted with general fare searches)? I know agents can sometimes support with near- but not co-terminal airports, but wondering if the system will automatically expand the search day-of, eliminating that extra step.
- If only higher fare classes are available day-of, do Premier members actually get charged the full fare difference? I've seen on a number of flights before that all changes were near $0, but that might be because I usually fly higher fare classes for work.
As of now, I see W availability into SJC at the ideal time and loads of H-adjacent availability into SFO, but I know things could change dramatically in a week. Curious to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance!
May 28, 2023 | 10:10 am
#7450
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 72,952
There are no fare difference discounts for elites .
Before careful, fares tend to increase once you do not meet the 7 day advance purchase requirement.
Co-terminal does not apply to SDC and don't expect the app to offer it.
Before careful, fares tend to increase once you do not meet the 7 day advance purchase requirement.
Co-terminal does not apply to SDC and don't expect the app to offer it.
May 28, 2023 | 1:01 pm
#7451
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Programs: Statusless and proud
Posts: 7,909
If youre a customer or MileagePlus member without Premier status, you may be able to confirm a seat on another flight within 24 hours of your originally scheduled departure time. A fare difference may apply even if the same original fare class is available. And dont forget you can always stand by for free.
This is a recent change
I'll report back on Thursday what I'm offered, if anything.
May 28, 2023 | 4:51 pm
#7452
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,892
Sorry to ask a query I should know the answer to, but I have not been traveling UA much for a while.
I am still an Elite (Old Flex PQP got me here)
I am due to leave LHR on Friday at 8 AM (60k UA award no longer offered)
My plans have changed and I will have to get up way early at Stroud in Gloucestershire to make it to 8A flight
The current prices are 180k or more in C for same day later flights at noon and 4 pm. I cannot even get an economy ticket for 60k
So I do NOT want to change the award ticket now
Q1
Can I SDC to later flight - 12 noon on Thu for 12n flight on Fri and 4 pm Thu for 4pm flight on Fri?
Of course I know there may not be space but in general at +24h do they care about fare classes for saver awards or is it just a SDC ?
Q2
Is my updated UA app on my phone sufficient ? or do I need my laptop there?
I am trying to go light and not lug too much luggage in the wilds of the Cotswolds.
Q3
Is my best bet to change my trip plans and make it to near LHR the previous night?
Anyone with experience in schlepping to LHR from the western wilds please let me know
Thanks
I am still an Elite (Old Flex PQP got me here)
I am due to leave LHR on Friday at 8 AM (60k UA award no longer offered)
My plans have changed and I will have to get up way early at Stroud in Gloucestershire to make it to 8A flight
The current prices are 180k or more in C for same day later flights at noon and 4 pm. I cannot even get an economy ticket for 60k
So I do NOT want to change the award ticket now
Q1
Can I SDC to later flight - 12 noon on Thu for 12n flight on Fri and 4 pm Thu for 4pm flight on Fri?
Of course I know there may not be space but in general at +24h do they care about fare classes for saver awards or is it just a SDC ?
Q2
Is my updated UA app on my phone sufficient ? or do I need my laptop there?
I am trying to go light and not lug too much luggage in the wilds of the Cotswolds.
Q3
Is my best bet to change my trip plans and make it to near LHR the previous night?
Anyone with experience in schlepping to LHR from the western wilds please let me know
Thanks
May 28, 2023 | 4:58 pm
#7453
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 302
Sorry to ask a query I should know the answer to, but I have not been traveling UA much for a while.
I am still an Elite (Old Flex PQP got me here)
I am due to leave LHR on Friday at 8 AM (60k UA award no longer offered)
My plans have changed and I will have to get up way early at Stroud in Gloucestershire to make it to 8A flight
The current prices are 180k or more in C for same day later flights at noon and 4 pm. I cannot even get an economy ticket for 60k
So I do NOT want to change the award ticket now
Q1
Can I SDC to later flight - 12 noon on Thu for 12n flight on Fri and 4 pm Thu for 4pm flight on Fri?
Of course I know there may not be space but in general at +24h do they care about fare classes for saver awards or is it just a SDC ?
Q2
Is my updated UA app on my phone sufficient ? or do I need my laptop there?
I am trying to go light and not lug too much luggage in the wilds of the Cotswolds.
Q3
Is my best bet to change my trip plans and make it to near LHR the previous night?
Anyone with experience in schlepping to LHR from the western wilds please let me know
Thanks
I am still an Elite (Old Flex PQP got me here)
I am due to leave LHR on Friday at 8 AM (60k UA award no longer offered)
My plans have changed and I will have to get up way early at Stroud in Gloucestershire to make it to 8A flight
The current prices are 180k or more in C for same day later flights at noon and 4 pm. I cannot even get an economy ticket for 60k
So I do NOT want to change the award ticket now
Q1
Can I SDC to later flight - 12 noon on Thu for 12n flight on Fri and 4 pm Thu for 4pm flight on Fri?
Of course I know there may not be space but in general at +24h do they care about fare classes for saver awards or is it just a SDC ?
Q2
Is my updated UA app on my phone sufficient ? or do I need my laptop there?
I am trying to go light and not lug too much luggage in the wilds of the Cotswolds.
Q3
Is my best bet to change my trip plans and make it to near LHR the previous night?
Anyone with experience in schlepping to LHR from the western wilds please let me know
Thanks
May 28, 2023 | 5:23 pm
#7454
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 72,952
In general, if proficient with the app, it is just as useful as a laptop. There are some differences and from time to time one will show better availability. It can go either way.
May 29, 2023 | 12:58 pm
#7455
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 100
Bad Experience with Standby
I was booked today on a United flight XXX to DEN
I was unexpectedly able to get to the airport earlier, so I decided to standby for an earlier departure.
I hurried to the airport and arrived at the gate 25 minutes prior to scheduled departure. At that time, the gate agent brusquely informed me that no one could be added to the standby list after T-30 minutes.
I was disappointed with the agents rudeness and with the lack of effort, especially since the flight was fully boarded and had empty seats available well before scheduled departure.
I have read standby terms and conditions at https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...t-changes.html and found nothing referencing a 30 minute cutoff time.
Does this policy actually exists? If so, where is it documented?
I was unexpectedly able to get to the airport earlier, so I decided to standby for an earlier departure.
I hurried to the airport and arrived at the gate 25 minutes prior to scheduled departure. At that time, the gate agent brusquely informed me that no one could be added to the standby list after T-30 minutes.
I was disappointed with the agents rudeness and with the lack of effort, especially since the flight was fully boarded and had empty seats available well before scheduled departure.
I have read standby terms and conditions at https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...t-changes.html and found nothing referencing a 30 minute cutoff time.
Does this policy actually exists? If so, where is it documented?