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}
May 25, 2011, 12:27 pm
#106
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Call reservations and ask for refunds. If that fails, you can probably get a goodwill voucher out of *Voice.
May 25, 2011, 3:28 pm
#107
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: The Windy City
Programs: UA: 1K, CO: Plat, DL: Elite
Posts: 49
Not sure I understand what a SDC
Okay I admit I am confused -- happens more often now that my few hairs have turned gray.
How does this whole thing work? Is the SDC mean a change that day? What if I want to change a flight some time in the future but within a 3 hour window? Is that free for 1Ps or does UA still gouge us for $150 per ..
Thanks
How does this whole thing work? Is the SDC mean a change that day? What if I want to change a flight some time in the future but within a 3 hour window? Is that free for 1Ps or does UA still gouge us for $150 per ..
Thanks
May 25, 2011, 9:02 pm
#108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,237
Okay I admit I am confused -- happens more often now that my few hairs have turned gray.
How does this whole thing work? Is the SDC mean a change that day? What if I want to change a flight some time in the future but within a 3 hour window? Is that free for 1Ps or does UA still gouge us for $150 per ..
Thanks
How does this whole thing work? Is the SDC mean a change that day? What if I want to change a flight some time in the future but within a 3 hour window? Is that free for 1Ps or does UA still gouge us for $150 per ..
Thanks
May 31, 2011, 4:17 am
#109
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Takoma Park, MD
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, UA Premier Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 515
==================================================
United Airlines permits customers to confirm seating on an alternate
flight on their non-refundable ticket within 3 hours of original flight
for $75.00. This fee is non-refundable. In order to offer this
flexibility, refunds are not given after the fee has been assessed.
We appreciate you choosing United Airlines and hope that we can welcome
you onboard again soon.
Regards,
================================================== ====
what are my options?
May 31, 2011, 11:48 am
#110
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
Programs: Former UA 1P
Posts: 3,725
May 31, 2011, 2:11 pm
#111
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Plat, IHG Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,933
Also provide a link to the page that says that 1P are now exempted from the fee. Even this past weekend at ORD, when I wanted to standby for an earlier flight, the gate agent tried to charge me $75 before I insisted that there was a recent policy change and asked them to look it up. Not everyone is completely aware of this change yet.
May 31, 2011, 10:08 pm
#112
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Diego
Programs: UA: Premier 1K AA: Executive Platinum
Posts: 354
Especially bc someone in the US will receive and work on that letter, so you MAY get a non-genericized response.
May 31, 2011, 11:03 pm
#113
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton GLD, Marriott Plat, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 2,872
As a heads up, most of the CO GAs I encountered this past weekend at IAH and EWR were not aware of the new fee structure. In fact, one GA at IAH tried to charge me for a nonconfirmed standby on an earlier flight.
Jun 1, 2011, 1:11 pm
#114
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: MileagePlus
Posts: 412
At PMUA there is a programing glitch (that has been reported) where the system doesn't recognize ticket purchase date. If you are a 2P and below you'll be charged $75 regardless of when you purchased your ticket. If you are subject to the fee and purchased your ticket prior to May 16th 2011 be sure to tell the agent when you purchased your ticket.
I've been told that the initial problem of the system charging 1P and OnePass Gold has been fixed.
Just recently (last 3 or 4 days) the PMUA profile used by employees for unconfirmed same-day standby and confirmed same-day travel fees was changed to reflect the fee exemptions that are on united.com.
I've been told that the initial problem of the system charging 1P and OnePass Gold has been fixed.
Just recently (last 3 or 4 days) the PMUA profile used by employees for unconfirmed same-day standby and confirmed same-day travel fees was changed to reflect the fee exemptions that are on united.com.
Jun 2, 2011, 6:57 am
#115
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Takoma Park, MD
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, UA Premier Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 515
Finally on the 3rd attempt, having asked for a response from a supervisor, I got an email confirming a $75 refund. So looks like all ends well. Thanks.
Jun 2, 2011, 8:39 am
#116
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NJ
Programs: UA MM, HH Gold, SPG LT Gold
Posts: 263
Does the fee waiver apply to my wife (a CO Silver) travelling with me (CO PLT) in the same itinerary but not the same reservation?
Jun 2, 2011, 4:02 pm
#117
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Upstate NY or FL or inbetween
Programs: US former CP Looking for a new airline to love me
Posts: 1,674
At PMUA there is a programing glitch (that has been reported) where the system doesn't recognize ticket purchase date. If you are a 2P and below you'll be charged $75 regardless of when you purchased your ticket. If you are subject to the fee and purchased your ticket prior to May 16th 2011 be sure to tell the agent when you purchased your ticket.
I've been told that the initial problem of the system charging 1P and OnePass Gold has been fixed.
Just recently (last 3 or 4 days) the PMUA profile used by employees for unconfirmed same-day standby and confirmed same-day travel fees was changed to reflect the fee exemptions that are on united.com.
I've been told that the initial problem of the system charging 1P and OnePass Gold has been fixed.
Just recently (last 3 or 4 days) the PMUA profile used by employees for unconfirmed same-day standby and confirmed same-day travel fees was changed to reflect the fee exemptions that are on united.com.
Jun 2, 2011, 6:56 pm
#118
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
Hello, I got few questions here.
1. Is this rule revision effective right now?
2. If I were to do a confirmed change, would I have to be booked in the original fare class? In the past, H class is allowed as I read here. If H class is still allowed, that is nice.
3. Would I be able to have a stopover longer than four hours with same-day travel change?
4. For confirmed changes, connection city can be changed. Would the new travel routing still have to satisfy the permitted travel routing published in the fare rule?
5. Most important of all, are they going to allow adding additional connection cities with confirmed change?
Thanks for your response in advance.
1. Is this rule revision effective right now?
2. If I were to do a confirmed change, would I have to be booked in the original fare class? In the past, H class is allowed as I read here. If H class is still allowed, that is nice.
3. Would I be able to have a stopover longer than four hours with same-day travel change?
4. For confirmed changes, connection city can be changed. Would the new travel routing still have to satisfy the permitted travel routing published in the fare rule?
5. Most important of all, are they going to allow adding additional connection cities with confirmed change?
Thanks for your response in advance.
Jun 2, 2011, 9:10 pm
#119
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
My take:
Yes, if you get an informed agent.
On PM UA flights, it does not have to be original fare class, as the rules stand for now.
No, but you would probably get away with it doing unconfirmed stanby (or simply standing by on a much earlier flight to city you are confirmed to connect through).
Yes, however don't expect many agents to have a complete understanding of UA routing fare rules. Many will not take the time to explore out of the way rotuings.
If the agent feels like it, they will allow it for you. 
Yes, if you get an informed agent.
Jun 3, 2011, 4:49 pm
#120
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
Thank you for the response. Sounds like a huge improvement for 1P members. Glad to see UA valuing 1P members more than before.
Then what should I do if I encounter an uninformed agent and am asked to pay for the change?
So is H class only permitted or can I go up to B or even Y class?
So there is a loophole.
As usual.
Nice.
Then what should I do if I encounter an uninformed agent and am asked to pay for the change?
So is H class only permitted or can I go up to B or even Y class?
So there is a loophole.
As usual.
Nice.