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}
Oct 11, 2017, 4:04 pm
#2821
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 451
Sorry. One more question. I am trying to change from a TLV-EWR-LAX flight to TLV-SFO-LAX flight. My original flight is scheduled to leave at 11:10 pm. The new one at 12:55am, almost two hours later. I am within 24 hours of both. I am Platinum and it is quoting me a $300 change fee. I read this: "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." Aren't I good to go or do I need to be within 24 hours of the second segment? Thanks!
Oct 11, 2017, 4:23 pm
#2822
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
Sorry. One more question. I am trying to change from a TLV-EWR-LAX flight to TLV-SFO-LAX flight. My original flight is scheduled to leave at 11:10 pm. The new one at 12:55am, almost two hours later. I am within 24 hours of both. I am Platinum and it is quoting me a $300 change fee. I read this: "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." Aren't I good to go or do I need to be within 24 hours of the second segment? Thanks!
Alternatively, call United and an agent can take care of it for you.
The cost is $75 for SDC, plus any fare difference if your original fare class is unavailable. The $75 -- but not the fare difference -- is waived for UA Gold and above.
Oct 11, 2017, 4:30 pm
#2823
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 451
Within 24 hours of the departure from TLV, so you should be OK. Look for a link to change flights from within the check-in process, or inside an already checked-in itinerary. The "Change flights" link that you see before you check in often has this kind of issue.
Alternatively, call United and an agent can take care of it for you.
The cost is $75 for SDC, plus any fare difference if your original fare class is unavailable. The $75 -- but not the fare difference -- is waived for UA Gold and above.
Alternatively, call United and an agent can take care of it for you.
The cost is $75 for SDC, plus any fare difference if your original fare class is unavailable. The $75 -- but not the fare difference -- is waived for UA Gold and above.
Oct 12, 2017, 10:49 am
#2824
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: fwp blood diamond, dykwia uranium
Posts: 7,252
is this right?
ua gold
at the ticket counter in nrt
016 ticket
itenerary:
nh:sin-nrt, ua:nrt-den-iah.
wanted to have a day in nrt. went to ticketing and she said same fare class available but it will cost me 11300jpy (100usd) to change. i say i'm ua gold, she says no matter, because "the ticket has to be re-issued". i say "huh, the remaining legs are on ua". her reply: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. i paid, but is this right? i've been able to change remaining ua legs after connecting from oal all the time in lhr, iah, fra, even yyz, never without a fee.
i paid it because i wanted the day but this doesn't seem right: again all remaining legs were on ua so confused why a reissue was needed, let alone charging an elite member to do something because of a past/burnt/used leg. feedback?
at the ticket counter in nrt
016 ticket
itenerary:
nh:sin-nrt, ua:nrt-den-iah.
wanted to have a day in nrt. went to ticketing and she said same fare class available but it will cost me 11300jpy (100usd) to change. i say i'm ua gold, she says no matter, because "the ticket has to be re-issued". i say "huh, the remaining legs are on ua". her reply: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. i paid, but is this right? i've been able to change remaining ua legs after connecting from oal all the time in lhr, iah, fra, even yyz, never without a fee.
i paid it because i wanted the day but this doesn't seem right: again all remaining legs were on ua so confused why a reissue was needed, let alone charging an elite member to do something because of a past/burnt/used leg. feedback?
Oct 12, 2017, 10:57 am
#2825
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
When did you make the changes? Between 4:05 pm (departure time of NRT-IAH) and 5:10 pm (NRT-DEN)? Did you change NRT-DEN-IAH to nonstop NRT-IAH? If the answer is yes to the second question and you made the change between 4:05 pm and 5:10 pm, you should not be charged. This also assumes that you were rebooked to the same fare class.
Oct 12, 2017, 11:17 am
#2826
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: fwp blood diamond, dykwia uranium
Posts: 7,252
When did you make the changes? Between 4:05 pm (departure time of NRT-IAH) and 5:10 pm (NRT-DEN)? Did you change NRT-DEN-IAH to nonstop NRT-IAH? If the answer is yes to the second question and you made the change between 4:05 pm and 5:10 pm, you should not be charged. This also assumes that you were rebooked to the same fare class.
so what should i have done, told tix agent i am no-showing to the present day nrt-den flight then hope same fare class available 23h59m before?
Oct 12, 2017, 11:38 am
#2827
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
OHHHHHHHHHHHHH RIIIIIIGHHHT that's where i screwed up. it was 25hrs before nrt-den and obviously further before den-iah. damnit wish agent could have laid it out obviously for me.
so what should i have done, told tix agent i am no-showing to the present day nrt-den flight then hope same fare class available 23h59m before?
so what should i have done, told tix agent i am no-showing to the present day nrt-den flight then hope same fare class available 23h59m before?
For what its worth, only $100 seems like an okay deal to make an almost last minute change and get an extra day in a city you wanted to visit.
Oct 12, 2017, 7:24 pm
#2828
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
My bet would be that the fare rules have a $100 surcharge associated with having a stopover in TYO.
SDC is a waiver of the change fee in a specific situation, but it does not waive the fare difference.
SDC is a waiver of the change fee in a specific situation, but it does not waive the fare difference.
Oct 12, 2017, 10:53 pm
#2829
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
There's nothing quite like this in the wiki, but I'm curious...
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Oct 12, 2017, 11:21 pm
#2830
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
There's nothing quite like this in the wiki, but I'm curious...
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Oct 12, 2017, 11:33 pm
#2831
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
Oct 13, 2017, 7:12 am
#2833
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
There's nothing quite like this in the wiki, but I'm curious...
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Let's say I book SFO-LAX-SFO on one PNR, departing 8pm one day and returning 8am the next day.
Can I SDC the SFO-LAX so that I end up with LAX-SFO-LAX? For example, move SFO-LAX to noon the next day, such that it's after LAX-SFO?
Good luck.
Oct 14, 2017, 7:17 pm
#2834
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
First time with UA status that allows no-fee SDC, and I won't be able to play with it for another week. Generally speaking, how is SDC availability with K and L fares? The waived SDC fee sounds great, but not sure how much utility there is with cheaper fares. Thanks.
Oct 14, 2017, 9:00 pm
#2835
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
Generally speaking, I would say it is decent. They are pretty good about leveling out the fare classes near departure; if there are more than ~4 seats left I would expect to see day-of K and L space.