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 25, 2017, 1:04 pm
#2881
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: 1K
Posts: 220
On the first, bummer! I’m on a MR and 1.5x for this leg won’t cut it. Trying to stby because scheduled flight is delayed, which could create new issues down the line.
Oct 25, 2017, 1:23 pm
#2882
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
Thanks for the prompt response. On the latter, I’ll just keep an eye on it. First time I’ve seen it on my routes, so was surprised.
On the first, bummer! I’m on a MR and 1.5x for this leg won’t cut it. Trying to stby because scheduled flight is delayed, which could create new issues down the line.
On the first, bummer! I’m on a MR and 1.5x for this leg won’t cut it. Trying to stby because scheduled flight is delayed, which could create new issues down the line.
Plus, if there's F but not P upfront, an agent can force you into the front cabin and if you're lucky you might get 3x PQM
Oct 25, 2017, 3:01 pm
#2883
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: 1K
Posts: 220
If sked flight is delayed, you can call in / go to a club and ask them to confirm you on earlier (doesn't have to be P). At that point, they should endorse your ticket as INVOL, meaning that you can call in to UA and request Original Routing Credit for the segments you "should have" flown in the class of service you should have been in.
Plus, if there's F but not P upfront, an agent can force you into the front cabin and if you're lucky you might get 3x PQM
Plus, if there's F but not P upfront, an agent can force you into the front cabin and if you're lucky you might get 3x PQM
Oct 25, 2017, 6:52 pm
#2884
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
Pretty sure emailing UA explaining situation would grant you ORC with little problem, esp. if your original flight did in fact end up getting delayed such that you would have misconnected on your planned itinerary. Good luck!
Oct 26, 2017, 12:21 pm
#2885
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,220
Just tried to do a SDC on-ljne for the first time. My flight was at 8.30am on 10/26 so checked-in at. T-24 and was offered a flight at 10.45am which suited me so much better, all in P, so did the change.
I arrive home close to midnight on 10/25 and wanted to double check the actual departure so I had time to pack when I woke up. Check Flight status to find the flight was already departed and arrived as scheduled. Panic stations as I then look more closely at the BP to see the flight left on 10/25.
I immediately call UA and the first person tells me I was a no-show (obviously!) so the whole ticket was canceled and it is going to cost me double to get back on my original flights. Her computer freezes and she tells me to call back. Second agent understands my situation and says she will call the service desk to get the original ticket reinstated and then the line drops. Get a third agent who manages to get me back on flights although my RPU got lost in the system for the return and he needs to route me differently for the return and he gets me the RPU back.
Amazing service by UA and this was completely my fault. Third agent did recommend that in future I call them to do the SDC - excellent advice!
I arrive home close to midnight on 10/25 and wanted to double check the actual departure so I had time to pack when I woke up. Check Flight status to find the flight was already departed and arrived as scheduled. Panic stations as I then look more closely at the BP to see the flight left on 10/25.
I immediately call UA and the first person tells me I was a no-show (obviously!) so the whole ticket was canceled and it is going to cost me double to get back on my original flights. Her computer freezes and she tells me to call back. Second agent understands my situation and says she will call the service desk to get the original ticket reinstated and then the line drops. Get a third agent who manages to get me back on flights although my RPU got lost in the system for the return and he needs to route me differently for the return and he gets me the RPU back.
Amazing service by UA and this was completely my fault. Third agent did recommend that in future I call them to do the SDC - excellent advice!
Oct 26, 2017, 12:30 pm
#2886
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
Just tried to do a SDC on-ljne for the first time. My flight was at 8.30am on 10/26 so checked-in at. T-24 and was offered a flight at 10.45am which suited me so much better, all in P, so did the change.
...
Amazing service by UA and this was completely my fault. Third agent did recommend that in future I call them to do the SDC - excellent advice!
...
Amazing service by UA and this was completely my fault. Third agent did recommend that in future I call them to do the SDC - excellent advice!
Oct 26, 2017, 4:02 pm
#2887
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,319
On an itinerary EWR-NRT (on UA) NRT-KUL (on NH) can the first UA flight be SDCed (to an earlier one, for example)?
Oct 26, 2017, 6:36 pm
#2889
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
SDC is for 016 tickets only. Do not even try it with a non-UA issued ticket. You can end up with no seat at all.
Oct 26, 2017, 7:46 pm
#2890
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: BOS/SIN
Programs: DL PM, OZ Diamond Plus, BA Silver
Posts: 1,803
Typically, the existence of a non-UA flight later on the itinerary will make it difficult, if not impossible, to get an SDC. If it is possible, you'd have to keep the same NRT-KUL, and you'd need to add a connection, because you can't SDC to a flight that's 24 hours earlier than your original flight. By adding a connection, you're requiring a ticket reissue (vs. a revalidation, using the same ticket number), which adds to the complexity and thus the difficulty to get it done.
SDC is for 016 tickets only. Do not even try it with a non-UA issued ticket. You can end up with no seat at all.
SDC is for 016 tickets only. Do not even try it with a non-UA issued ticket. You can end up with no seat at all.
Oct 26, 2017, 8:27 pm
#2891
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,319
I was in the past successful with SDC on NH-issued tickets, including adding a connection. But this was usually for the last flight on the reservation, from Japan to US.
I guess we'll wait and see.
I guess we'll wait and see.
Oct 31, 2017, 8:50 am
#2892
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 451
Hi. I am not yet within the 24 hour window of my flight but went to check the options for changing my flight tomorrow. I am in a pretty low fare class (G) but the flight I am interested in has seats in G per expert flyer. That is, I checked by trying to book the same flight and it showed G9. Anyway, when I look at change flight, it is showing two fees $76 plus $200 change fee. Why would there be the $76 fee? I guess it is trying to book me into V. I am confused. I do this a lot and usually it shows $0 and then the $200 fee so long as my fare class is available.
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
Oct 31, 2017, 9:06 am
#2893
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,419
Hi. I am not yet within the 24 hour window of my flight but went to check the options for changing my flight tomorrow. I am in a pretty low fare class (G) but the flight I am interested in has seats in G per expert flyer. That is, I checked by trying to book the same flight and it showed G9. Anyway, when I look at change flight, it is showing two fees $76 plus $200 change fee. Why would there be the $76 fee? I guess it is trying to book me into V. I am confused. I do this a lot and usually it shows $0 and then the $200 fee so long as my fare class is available.
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
If G is still available tomorrow, you should be able to change to it without a fare difference -- just the SDC fee ($75; waived for Gold and above). If G is not available tomorrow, you'll need to upfare to the lowest available fare with no advance purchase requirement, which may still be V or may be something higher.
Oct 31, 2017, 9:08 am
#2894
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Hi. I am not yet within the 24 hour window of my flight but went to check the options for changing my flight tomorrow. I am in a pretty low fare class (G) but the flight I am interested in has seats in G per expert flyer. That is, I checked by trying to book the same flight and it showed G9. Anyway, when I look at change flight, it is showing two fees $76 plus $200 change fee. Why would there be the $76 fee? I guess it is trying to book me into V. I am confused. I do this a lot and usually it shows $0 and then the $200 fee so long as my fare class is available.
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
Has something changed as of November 1? Or am I just confused?
Thanks!
So while there is inventory in the "G" bucket, there is no fare to take advantage of it for your particular travel.
Oct 31, 2017, 9:11 am
#2895
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 451
I'm guessing this is an outbound and/or a one-way flight, and not a return flight. When you change an outbound or one-way, it will normally recalculate the advance purchase requirement from the current date. There likely isn't a G fare available with no advance purchase.
If G is still available tomorrow, you should be able to change to it without a fare difference -- just the SDC fee ($75; waived for Gold and above). If G is not available tomorrow, you'll need to upfare to the lowest available fare with no advance purchase requirement, which may still be V or may be something higher.
If G is still available tomorrow, you should be able to change to it without a fare difference -- just the SDC fee ($75; waived for Gold and above). If G is not available tomorrow, you'll need to upfare to the lowest available fare with no advance purchase requirement, which may still be V or may be something higher.
The flight is wide open so I don't see an issue. I could probably standby but have never done that. I prefer a SDC.