Feb 27, 2013, 5:45 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This wiki was created to distill SDC (specifically not 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 almost, 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 first originally 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: If the answer to both questions is 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):
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 = possible using any method
A = 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.
The official "rules" can be found here. In practice, some of the rules almost always apply almost, 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 first originally 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: If the answer to both questions is 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.
- 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 GM's and Silvers - the fees 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.
- 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.
- The proposed remaining itinerary must be operated by United or United Express®, and the ticket number must begin with 016. (see nuances below)
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.com “change flight” link before checking in, within T-24. (Many have reported recently that this has problems and attempts to collect the full fare difference and $200 change fee.)
- "Search Other Flight Options" button during OLCI. (This has spotty availability, particularly if the change would involve paying an additional fare due to fare bucket non-availability.)
- United mobile app
- Kiosk
- Phone
- 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)
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 = possible using any method
A = 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 (e.g. JFK-> LGA; see the old S*FAR/STANDBY): A
- Change destination to a co-terminal (e.g. JFK -> EWR): 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: 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
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.
original posting by mgcsinc, initiated by jackal
UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions *now with WikiPost* {pre-2015 Archive}
Jul 20, 2014, 12:17 am
#3736
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,733
On another note, has anyone tried SDC from X/XN recently? There had been reports of people being rebooked into Y which would technically put them on the upgrade list.
So would the mobile ap be more likely show a greater variety of options?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 20, 2014 at 12:36 am Reason: merging consecutive posts
Jul 20, 2014, 12:35 am
#3737
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,868
Chances for upgrade are better for SDC.
Those getting Y are likely in irrops most agents will not skip the fare class requirement for SDC.
Jul 20, 2014, 1:01 am
#3738
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,733
In general the upgrade list is cleared prior to clearing standby. So the chances are poor unless the waitlist is shorter than open seats.
Chances for upgrade are better for SDC.
Those getting Y are likely in irrops most agents will not skip the fare class requirement for SDC.
Chances for upgrade are better for SDC.
Those getting Y are likely in irrops most agents will not skip the fare class requirement for SDC.
Jul 20, 2014, 8:29 am
#3739
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 129
I am mostly an Enhanced Kayaker (anybody but United) now, but the P fare bonanza was irresistible. Wanted to add a few observations on
Coming back to the US, I switched to a flight exactly 24 hours earlier at the check-in counter, and again for my repositioning flight home once Stateside at the United Club. No problem whatsoever. Both agents were great, but they did not act like they were being particularly accommodating. The process was entirely routine.
As a general comment, SDC is a great benefit. Being able to freely move / reschedule plans throughout the week / day is the one thing I definitely miss.
Change to a flight exactly 24 hours before or after the original flight: N*
As a general comment, SDC is a great benefit. Being able to freely move / reschedule plans throughout the week / day is the one thing I definitely miss.
Jul 20, 2014, 9:11 am
#3740
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: UA 1/MM SPG gold, CEO: Grandmother of 4
Posts: 557
You will after your upgrade has cleared, also, your status will be honored.....IME!
Jul 20, 2014, 9:36 am
#3741
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
I am mostly an Enhanced Kayaker (anybody but United) now, but the P fare bonanza was irresistible. Wanted to add a few observations on
Coming back to the US, I switched to a flight exactly 24 hours earlier at the check-in counter, and again for my repositioning flight home once Stateside at the United Club. No problem whatsoever. Both agents were great, but they did not act like they were being particularly accommodating. The process was entirely routine.
As a general comment, SDC is a great benefit. Being able to freely move / reschedule plans throughout the week / day is the one thing I definitely miss.
Coming back to the US, I switched to a flight exactly 24 hours earlier at the check-in counter, and again for my repositioning flight home once Stateside at the United Club. No problem whatsoever. Both agents were great, but they did not act like they were being particularly accommodating. The process was entirely routine.
As a general comment, SDC is a great benefit. Being able to freely move / reschedule plans throughout the week / day is the one thing I definitely miss.
Can you share more details about your changes?
I am assuming you did not change origin or destination?
What metal were you on originally? Did you stay on that metal with your change?
I assume also you knew exactly what you wanted and presented that to the agent? Or did you ask a more general 'what is available?'
We're looking to do the same (SDC) on our upcoming P fare, want to be as prepared as possible!
Thanks!
Jul 20, 2014, 10:23 am
#3742
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 129
Agree with your sentiment on SDC. It is a great feature of UA, with the correct elite status.
Can you share more details about your changes?
I am assuming you did not change origin or destination?
What metal were you on originally? Did you stay on that metal with your change?
I assume also you knew exactly what you wanted and presented that to the agent? Or did you ask a more general 'what is available?'
We're looking to do the same (SDC) on our upcoming P fare, want to be as prepared as possible!
Thanks!
Can you share more details about your changes?
I am assuming you did not change origin or destination?
What metal were you on originally? Did you stay on that metal with your change?
I assume also you knew exactly what you wanted and presented that to the agent? Or did you ask a more general 'what is available?'
We're looking to do the same (SDC) on our upcoming P fare, want to be as prepared as possible!
Thanks!
I was aware of all my other options via ExpertFlyer, and once I was through security I used the app to change to what I really wanted (different routing, and a flight > 24 hours earlier). I wasn't checking bags, so this was not a problem, and all options that I expected to see did appear in the app. It is entirely possible the agent would have put me on those flights; unlike what I have come to expect as United SOP since 3/12 there was absolutely no acrimony or abuse throughout the transaction. I thought about it, but ultimately chose not to ask because I really needed to get home (I was prepared to buy a one-way with miles) and once I knew I was going to get something, I didn't want to risk getting a great agent in trouble.
I also considered asking for
Combining separately-fared segments to do SDC (e.g. XXX-YYY+YYY-ZZZ -> XXX-ZZZ): A
So overall, a fairly by-the-book SDC, with the exception that airport agents were involved since it was more than 24 hours before the flights.
Incidentally, I also did SDC on the outbound P, but I wasn't trying to bring the trip 24 hours forward, so that was 100% routine, done without agent intervention. Worked exactly as you would expect from any other revenue ticket.
Jul 20, 2014, 11:37 am
#3743
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,894
Please have your silver companion look at SDC options on the app/kiosk for the return and report back. If it is how I remember, it will ask for the $75 fee.
Those on the standby list and upgrade list simultaneously are all non-revs. For 3-class flights, they are on three lists at the same time - standby, BF upgrade and GF upgrade.
Jul 20, 2014, 12:21 pm
#3744
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
I believe paid F passengers can end up on both lists.
Jul 20, 2014, 9:34 pm
#3745
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Platinum
Posts: 211
We're now at T-24 for the flight back and we're both showing $0 for a SDC in each of our reservations. My guess is that his reservation still is flagged for this particular benefit inherited from my status on the original PNR.
Jul 20, 2014, 10:53 pm
#3746
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,894
I'm glad to hear this. Perhaps they are now marking split PNRs better. As I said, my previous experience was that they didn't for the return, but I admit, its been a while.
Jul 21, 2014, 7:43 am
#3747
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 816
Question here - I was flying SAN -> SFO -> IAH. Wanted to stay in SFO a day, so I figured I would SDC at SFO when I land.
Flight from SAN ran a bit late, so I only had about 10 minutes before my original flight from SFO was scheduled to depart. I didn't want to get stuck in a weird place where, as an agent was helping me change my flight, I got marked as "missed flight" or something... so I just hopped on the flight and went on my merry way.
Anybody have experience with SDC during or after your original flight takes off?
Flight from SAN ran a bit late, so I only had about 10 minutes before my original flight from SFO was scheduled to depart. I didn't want to get stuck in a weird place where, as an agent was helping me change my flight, I got marked as "missed flight" or something... so I just hopped on the flight and went on my merry way.
Anybody have experience with SDC during or after your original flight takes off?
Jul 21, 2014, 12:56 pm
#3748
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
Was looking to change a P fare business class international ticket today. Usually don't have P, so maybe I did somethign wrong but:
it's under 24 hours from first flight.
select change option on .com (not specifying business class or p fare) and am offered flight in economy in U class, with a big fare increase and a a change fee. I'm 1k so shouldn't have the fee.
Am I doing something wrong other than assuming .bomb might work?
it's under 24 hours from first flight.
select change option on .com (not specifying business class or p fare) and am offered flight in economy in U class, with a big fare increase and a a change fee. I'm 1k so shouldn't have the fee.
Am I doing something wrong other than assuming .bomb might work?
Jul 21, 2014, 12:58 pm
#3749
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
Was looking to change a P fare business class international ticket today. Usually don't have P, so maybe I did somethign wrong but:
it's under 24 hours from first flight.
select change option on .com (not specifying business class or p fare) and am offered flight in economy in U class, with a big fare increase and a a change fee. I'm 1k so shouldn't have the fee.
Am I doing something wrong other than assuming .bomb might work?
it's under 24 hours from first flight.
select change option on .com (not specifying business class or p fare) and am offered flight in economy in U class, with a big fare increase and a a change fee. I'm 1k so shouldn't have the fee.
Am I doing something wrong other than assuming .bomb might work?
Jul 21, 2014, 8:21 pm
#3750
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cypress, TX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Hertz Gold 1 Presidence Circle
Posts: 662
SDC to different city
Hi,
Apologize if this question has been answered previously.
I have enjoyed few SDCs as a 1K on the same route (mostly earlier). Now I might need to make changes to a different city. I have a Y class tix from XXX-XXX-IAH but want to change it to next day from XXX-XXX-ABQ. Dot bomb bombed out on me and I had to call. I was informed that SDC would not work as my final destination will change and I will need to pay extra $350... fare difference and change fee.
Anyone tell me if this is true?
Apologize if this question has been answered previously.
I have enjoyed few SDCs as a 1K on the same route (mostly earlier). Now I might need to make changes to a different city. I have a Y class tix from XXX-XXX-IAH but want to change it to next day from XXX-XXX-ABQ. Dot bomb bombed out on me and I had to call. I was informed that SDC would not work as my final destination will change and I will need to pay extra $350... fare difference and change fee.
Anyone tell me if this is true?