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}
Oct 29, 2014, 8:51 am
#4171
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA EXP, UA MP 1K, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 76
Quick question for the experts. I am looking to fly from EWR - IAH on 11/13. I get in at approx 8 AM and would ideally like to return after 1 PM. Problem is all flights after 1 PM are in the $800-$900 price range. Can i just buy the cheapest ticket at $375 and hope to get on any one of the return flights after 1 PM using SDC? I realize i won't have a choice in flights, but considering they have about 8 different flight options I believe i should be able to get something. I've never done this before and your opinions are appreciated.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:01 am
#4172
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
Cannot change to flight next day
I have a seat in G fare for 2:00pm flight today SFO-FLL. It is now 8:00am local time (Pacific). There is G9 availability on a flight (2 segments, both G9) at 6:30am tomorrow. But nothing shows up in flight options except today's flights. When I try "change flights", I can see the flight, but it wants to charge me change fees and additional ticket fees for ANY change (even those that should be free).
Any work arounds? I guess I could call, but will that create a $25 call center fee??
Any work arounds? I guess I could call, but will that create a $25 call center fee??
Oct 29, 2014, 9:04 am
#4173
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
I have a seat in G fare for 2:00pm flight today SFO-FLL. It is now 8:00am local time (Pacific). There is G9 availability on a flight (2 segments, both G9) at 6:30am tomorrow. But nothing shows up in flight options except today's flights. When I try "change flights", I can see the flight, but it wants to charge me change fees and additional ticket fees for ANY change (even those that should be free).
Any work arounds? I guess I could call, but will that create a $25 call center fee??
Any work arounds? I guess I could call, but will that create a $25 call center fee??
IME -- usually the change flights tool requires all segments to be within 24 hours to make the change.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:10 am
#4174
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
Change flights tool has been dead for SDC for more that's a year. Call, use OLCI, or use the app. See the wiki.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:18 am
#4175
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: UA S, Marriott Gold (UA), Hertz PC (UA), HH Gold (cc), Avis PP, National EC Executive
Posts: 280
I thought only SFO-JFK had lie-flats? Or is this a special route repositioning a 767? Is there a way to see what planes fly which routes in general?
Oct 29, 2014, 9:19 am
#4176
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: UA S, Marriott Gold (UA), Hertz PC (UA), HH Gold (cc), Avis PP, National EC Executive
Posts: 280
Quick question for the experts. I am looking to fly from EWR - IAH on 11/13. I get in at approx 8 AM and would ideally like to return after 1 PM. Problem is all flights after 1 PM are in the $800-$900 price range. Can i just buy the cheapest ticket at $375 and hope to get on any one of the return flights after 1 PM using SDC? I realize i won't have a choice in flights, but considering they have about 8 different flight options I believe i should be able to get something. I've never done this before and your opinions are appreciated.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:30 am
#4177
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
It's an International 752. Those birds show up on various domestic routes; not sure if they are typically regularly scheduled on LAX--EWR.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:31 am
#4178
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
Oct 29, 2014, 9:40 am
#4179
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: COS when I'm home...
Programs: UA Million Miler; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Titanium; Priority Club Platinum; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 79
But, as always, they can swap out equipment at the last minute--speaking from personal experience on the EWR-LAX route. Fortunately, I caught it in time and could move us out of row 1--which is not a good place to be on a non-lie flat 757!
Oct 29, 2014, 9:43 am
#4180
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Flying (well at least for now, you never know with UA's schedule changes) SFO-IAH in late January. Believe that's the one that continues to LIM.
Oct 29, 2014, 9:49 am
#4181
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
Also seeing the 788 IAH-SFO right now on the first flight of the day. Great for those early morning int'l connections at either end.
You see increased int'l 752's on the domestic routes in the winter b/c they're flying fewer TATL's ex-EWR.
Yes there is always a risk of an aircraft swap on any route. What's your point?
Oct 29, 2014, 9:59 am
#4182
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
Thanks, guys. OLCI and Android/IOS apps no joy. But calling worked perfectly.
Oct 29, 2014, 12:28 pm
#4185
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: COS when I'm home...
Programs: UA Million Miler; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Titanium; Priority Club Platinum; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 79
Definitely a domestic turn between int'l routes. SFO-CDG uses the 763.
Also seeing the 788 IAH-SFO right now on the first flight of the day. Great for those early morning int'l connections at either end.
You see increased int'l 752's on the domestic routes in the winter b/c they're flying fewer TATL's ex-EWR.
Yes there is always a risk of an aircraft swap on any route. What's your point?
Also seeing the 788 IAH-SFO right now on the first flight of the day. Great for those early morning int'l connections at either end.
You see increased int'l 752's on the domestic routes in the winter b/c they're flying fewer TATL's ex-EWR.
Yes there is always a risk of an aircraft swap on any route. What's your point?
Last edited by itrvl; Oct 29, 2014 at 12:32 pm Reason: Deleted my snarky response.