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}
Jul 25, 2016, 9:38 am
#1516
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
One of my strategies is to first let the agent use their own ideas to help before being specific, as sometimes they do me favors I wouldn't have imagined asking for @:-)
* * * *
I would definitely sell the agent a line about being confused what a fare break is, and "I just bought a ticket from A to B" - should engender sympathy with a good agent.
* * * *
I would definitely sell the agent a line about being confused what a fare break is, and "I just bought a ticket from A to B" - should engender sympathy with a good agent.
If you allow the agent to discover the issue, a good one will then view it as a problem to be solved. By contrast, if you come in with a very specific request, the agent may reject it immediately b/c it's not consistent with the agent's view of how things should be done. And once you get a "no" it's extremely difficult to turn things around.
Jul 25, 2016, 11:25 am
#1517
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,019
An agent basically got me a flight(S) which were a couple hours outside the SDC window (USA Domestic flights). These flights had better connections, etc; Saved me couple of hours of heartache..hoping the flights will still have correct fare buckets, etc
And then said, "Thank you for being a loyal customer".
That was amazing for me!
Jul 27, 2016, 11:42 pm
#1518
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 175
SDC options different on app and website
I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I can't seem to find the thread:
Does the UA app show different flight options for SDC than the website? I wanted to take an earlier flight today and the app only showed flights with connections. I checked the website and saw that a nonstop flight was available. Checked the app again, no nonstop. Went back to the website and selected the nonstop. Unless availability kept changing as I went from one device to the other, it sure looked like I was seeing different things. If so, is there a logic to what is shown where?
Does the UA app show different flight options for SDC than the website? I wanted to take an earlier flight today and the app only showed flights with connections. I checked the website and saw that a nonstop flight was available. Checked the app again, no nonstop. Went back to the website and selected the nonstop. Unless availability kept changing as I went from one device to the other, it sure looked like I was seeing different things. If so, is there a logic to what is shown where?
Last edited by nobodyherebutme; Jul 27, 2016 at 11:43 pm Reason: typo
Jul 28, 2016, 9:07 am
#1519
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
While certainly possible, I know I've had the app show me options even when I've already been CPUd. I've also had the app not show me all options that I know to be available in my original fare class (and are still simple connections that don't backtrack, do follow rules, etc.).
I'd guess it's the app being wonky. Also note that if you have bags checked, app will never show alternate options, and while some agents will tell you you can't switch because of it, you can - done that a few times before, but sometimes it takes a couple of agents.
I'd guess it's the app being wonky. Also note that if you have bags checked, app will never show alternate options, and while some agents will tell you you can't switch because of it, you can - done that a few times before, but sometimes it takes a couple of agents.
However yesterday I got the CPU after a SDC, in other words the CPU happened after checkin. On the previous itinerary I got CPU'd before checkin. The previous itinerary was a multi-city trip (AAA-BBB + BBB-CCC, with BBB-CCC being via AAA, but fared as a BBB-CCC), yesterday was a one-way. Maybe one of those factors confuses the app, or maybe it's just random wonkiness.
Aug 1, 2016, 11:49 am
#1520
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
SDC to ps flights
In the past, I have never been able to SDC from a non-ps to a ps flight/segment on the app, but have had rare success by HUCA. But on my last 2 trips, I was able to do it on the United App, not even having to call in! For example, I was SFO-BOS direct, but when I looked at options, I was offered SFO-EWR-BOS, which I took. I much prefer the long ps segment over a terrible 737-900 for the SFO-BOS direct. I was in P fare in both cases where I was able to do this online.
Is this a new change? Anyone else done online non-ps to ps SDC??
Is this a new change? Anyone else done online non-ps to ps SDC??
Aug 1, 2016, 8:08 pm
#1521
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: if it's Thursday, this must be Belgium
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 6,484
what are the chances of being able to SDC an SFO-EWR flight day-by-day, for a week?
I am deleting this original post as some below have already repeated/referenced it, and to reduce the number of mentions of what I acknowledge is a questionable practice. Thanks.
Last edited by TA; Aug 2, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Aug 1, 2016, 8:17 pm
#1522
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
if they have high enough status so they can SDC for free along with a reasonably high fare class, its certainly possibly.
see the SDC thread for more details,, and more detailed advice.
see the SDC thread for more details,, and more detailed advice.
Aug 1, 2016, 8:25 pm
#1523
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: if it's Thursday, this must be Belgium
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 6,484
Ah, thanks for the prompt for more info. L fare, Platinum...
Aug 1, 2016, 8:25 pm
#1524
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,454
This type of abuse (though I doubt it is widespread) is why I fear for the SDC benefit to be "enhanced" away. You're attempting to subvert fare rules and violate the contract of carriage by using SDC to create a stopover where the fare either does not permit one, or would force into a more expensive fare. It's pretty clearly against the spirit and intent of the SDC benefit although it may be technically possible. Tread carefully, I guess.
I wouldn't bank on a low-fare SDC on EWRSFO, anyway. IME the flights are regularly full and often discount fare buckets don't open for SDC until very close to departure. Of course YMMV.
I wouldn't bank on a low-fare SDC on EWRSFO, anyway. IME the flights are regularly full and often discount fare buckets don't open for SDC until very close to departure. Of course YMMV.
Aug 1, 2016, 9:15 pm
#1525
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
IMO, this isn't really "clever", I'd call it more of a stunt that's likely not to work, especially on an L fare. Think of the recent east coast weather...that happens once and this plan is toast, even if it was a higher fare.
This is not what SDC is for, for sure, and any agent would be able to see these changes in the history if the travelers need help for any reason - very likely to make them not interested in doing beyond the bare minimum for you. Also, I'd guess in trying this for a week in a row, you're likely going to run into a glitch at some point in the system preventing you from using the automated system.
On the other hand, is there saver award availability for the dates you want (as you talk about 12.5k).
Do yourself and your parents a favor - just cancel the SFO-EWR segment, and use the award, or change the flights to what you really want. It may save $200 in fees, but will eat up more than that in time/effort, IMO, if they really need to be on the flight a week later.
Completely agreed on all counts.
This is not what SDC is for, for sure, and any agent would be able to see these changes in the history if the travelers need help for any reason - very likely to make them not interested in doing beyond the bare minimum for you. Also, I'd guess in trying this for a week in a row, you're likely going to run into a glitch at some point in the system preventing you from using the automated system.
On the other hand, is there saver award availability for the dates you want (as you talk about 12.5k).
Do yourself and your parents a favor - just cancel the SFO-EWR segment, and use the award, or change the flights to what you really want. It may save $200 in fees, but will eat up more than that in time/effort, IMO, if they really need to be on the flight a week later.
This type of abuse (though I doubt it is widespread) is why I fear for the SDC benefit to be "enhanced" away. You're attempting to subvert fare rules and violate the contract of carriage by using SDC to create a stopover where the fare either does not permit one, or would force into a more expensive fare. It's pretty clearly against the spirit and intent of the SDC benefit although it may be technically possible. Tread carefully, I guess.
I wouldn't bank on a low-fare SDC on EWRSFO, anyway. IME the flights are regularly full and often discount fare buckets don't open for SDC until very close to departure. Of course YMMV.
I wouldn't bank on a low-fare SDC on EWRSFO, anyway. IME the flights are regularly full and often discount fare buckets don't open for SDC until very close to departure. Of course YMMV.
Aug 1, 2016, 9:43 pm
#1526
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
My only issue with this is that the stress of not knowing if this will work is probably not worth the cost savings if any. If loads were back to the more normal 75-80% of the past, this might be doable. But these days, you have a pretty low chance of making this work. And in any case, you will be spending of lot of time working to find flights and having to be constantly checking your PC or phone to options.
Not even close to worth it for me. But you may decide your risk and aggravation threshold is much higher than mine!
Not even close to worth it for me. But you may decide your risk and aggravation threshold is much higher than mine!
Aug 1, 2016, 10:13 pm
#1527
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Silver, AA, WN, DL
Posts: 4,091
I echo the sentiments mentioned in the prior posts... this is not in the spirit of the policy, and more to the specific ability, not likely to work in your favor.
Due to a glitch in UA's system (surprise surprise), I once had a left over segment that I didn't need still linger on my reservation. Just for ..... and giggles as a 1K, I tried to push it out another day. Low and behold, I was able to. It was a convoluted routing too. The next day I was able to push it again. However the 3rd attempt was not successful because there were no flights available to SDC for. So your gig would be up if there is no available flights (which may be very likely given the routing and season and number of seats needed).
Due to a glitch in UA's system (surprise surprise), I once had a left over segment that I didn't need still linger on my reservation. Just for ..... and giggles as a 1K, I tried to push it out another day. Low and behold, I was able to. It was a convoluted routing too. The next day I was able to push it again. However the 3rd attempt was not successful because there were no flights available to SDC for. So your gig would be up if there is no available flights (which may be very likely given the routing and season and number of seats needed).
Aug 1, 2016, 10:40 pm
#1528
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,338
How much more if a fare difference it is just a single ticket with a stopover in SFO versus buying two separate tickets XXX-SFO and SFO-EWR or trying the SDC route?
Aug 1, 2016, 10:50 pm
#1529
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
This type of abuse (though I doubt it is widespread) is why I fear for the SDC benefit to be "enhanced" away. You're attempting to subvert fare rules and violate the contract of carriage by using SDC to create a stopover where the fare either does not permit one, or would force into a more expensive fare. It's pretty clearly against the spirit and intent of the SDC benefit although it may be technically possible. Tread carefully, I guess.
Aug 2, 2016, 12:54 am
#1530
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
On an L fare for SFO-EWR I'd give you basically zero chance.
eg, looking at tomorrow (Tuesday) there is exactly one flight that has anything available below M. That one flight does have L available, but it also departs in less than an hour, so if you did have seats on that you'd have nothing to move the reservation to.
And then of course even if you could make this work for 7 days, you'd still need to find last-minute L availability on the flight they actually wanted to take. If you want the 12:30am redeye on a Saturday night that might be possible. For other flights, it's a crap-shoot at best.
This strategy might work on a consistently less busy route (if such things still exist), but it's not going to work on most any hub-hub flights, and especially not on SFO-EWR, and especially not in L.
eg, looking at tomorrow (Tuesday) there is exactly one flight that has anything available below M. That one flight does have L available, but it also departs in less than an hour, so if you did have seats on that you'd have nothing to move the reservation to.
And then of course even if you could make this work for 7 days, you'd still need to find last-minute L availability on the flight they actually wanted to take. If you want the 12:30am redeye on a Saturday night that might be possible. For other flights, it's a crap-shoot at best.
This strategy might work on a consistently less busy route (if such things still exist), but it's not going to work on most any hub-hub flights, and especially not on SFO-EWR, and especially not in L.