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}
Apr 20, 2018, 4:10 pm
#3601
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: IAD, DEL, IXC, BWI, DCA, YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Amex Plat, UA Club Card, National EE, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 275
I have SFO - IAH - BOS (F-fare tomorrow). I was hoping to SDC to SFO-BOS nonstop. However, SFO-BOS doesn't show any availability for F-fare class, it does have J, C, D available. Per my understanding 'F' should trump all fare classes, but that doesn't seem to be the case. SDC is only showing me connections via Houston and Chicago. Therefore, is it correct to assume you can't SDC to inferior class either? Perhaps system is thinking I'm in First class and I shouldn't be dropped to Business Class?
Apr 20, 2018, 4:19 pm
#3602
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Bay Area - East Bay
Programs: UA 1k, AS 75k, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 641
I have SFO - IAH - BOS (F-fare tomorrow). I was hoping to SDC to SFO-BOS nonstop. However, SFO-BOS doesn't show any availability for F-fare class, it does have J, C, D available. Per my understanding 'F' should trump all fare classes, but that doesn't seem to be the case. SDC is only showing me connections via Houston and Chicago. Therefore, is it correct to assume you can't SDC to inferior class either? Perhaps system is thinking I'm in First class and I shouldn't be dropped to Business Class?
Apr 20, 2018, 4:21 pm
#3603
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
The system is strictly looking for the same booking class and so won't pull it up because there is no F space. Depending on your fare construction, you may or may not be able to SDC via agent, but most things with an F booking code are full fare so you should be able to just do a normal change.
Apr 20, 2018, 7:31 pm
#3604
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,861
While in the past this may have been true, I have recent history of EWR-XXX-SFO routing & P fare being offered EWR-SFO ( 6AM! - the rest of the day was sold out) via the app.
Apr 22, 2018, 9:15 am
#3605
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: IAD, DEL, IXC, BWI, DCA, YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Amex Plat, UA Club Card, National EE, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 275
fare class series 1) J, C, D, Z, P
fare class series 2) F, A, P
Apr 22, 2018, 5:37 pm
#3606
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Not a question just a comment/reminder:
Make sure you check the flight status if you’re SDC’ing before sdc’ing!
flying lax-sfo-mex today, changed to lax-ord-mex. lax-ord was delayed 4 hours (unbeknownst to me), which I found out after the change. That flight today ended up leaving 7.75 hours late today!
I probably could have called or just asked to revert, but decided to ride it out and lounge hop. The app did not show the delay during the actual SDC.
also, fwiw, I thought with those delays you could freely change flights without the same fare bucket as long as F or Y was available due to the long (mech) delay. The app did not let me, nor did it ever show (or the kiosk) an “important information about your reservation/red warning” to change it.
i did have to eventually switch though once the 4hr delay turned to 6, which was no issue at the lax CS desk.
Just some observations from a crazy Sunday for me.
Make sure you check the flight status if you’re SDC’ing before sdc’ing!
flying lax-sfo-mex today, changed to lax-ord-mex. lax-ord was delayed 4 hours (unbeknownst to me), which I found out after the change. That flight today ended up leaving 7.75 hours late today!
I probably could have called or just asked to revert, but decided to ride it out and lounge hop. The app did not show the delay during the actual SDC.
also, fwiw, I thought with those delays you could freely change flights without the same fare bucket as long as F or Y was available due to the long (mech) delay. The app did not let me, nor did it ever show (or the kiosk) an “important information about your reservation/red warning” to change it.
i did have to eventually switch though once the 4hr delay turned to 6, which was no issue at the lax CS desk.
Just some observations from a crazy Sunday for me.
Last edited by BThumme; Apr 22, 2018 at 5:46 pm
Apr 22, 2018, 6:15 pm
#3607
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,421
also, fwiw, I thought with those delays you could freely change flights without the same fare bucket as long as F or Y was available due to the long (mech) delay. The app did not let me, nor did it ever show (or the kiosk) an “important information about your reservation/red warning” to change it.
Apr 22, 2018, 6:27 pm
#3608
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Apr 22, 2018, 6:32 pm
#3609
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,852
I always use the flight status tool before changing (especially to see what the seating looks like) however in your case you just tipped me off to look at the flight status as well. Sorry that you had issues but thanks for posting the public-service notice. Safe travels!
Apr 22, 2018, 6:41 pm
#3610
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I always use the flight status tool before changing (especially to see what the seating looks like) however in your case you just tipped me off to look at the flight status as well. Sorry that you had issues but thanks for posting the public-service notice. Safe travels!
Apr 23, 2018, 12:06 am
#3611
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 532
How To Ensure Best CPU Chance When Doing Same Day Flight Change
As UA Gold, when doing a complimentary same day flight change, what do I need to do to maximize my chances of a CPU?
I can only do a complimentary same day flight change after check-in right?
In order to try to get the CPU, do I just need to just check in as early as possible and then do same day flight change immediately?
Do I need to call call UA after I change my flight in order to ensure me and my companion are on the CPU list for the new flight?
I can only do a complimentary same day flight change after check-in right?
In order to try to get the CPU, do I just need to just check in as early as possible and then do same day flight change immediately?
Do I need to call call UA after I change my flight in order to ensure me and my companion are on the CPU list for the new flight?
Apr 23, 2018, 12:13 am
#3612
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,421
As UA Gold, when doing a complimentary same day flight change, what do I need to do to maximize my chances of a CPU?
I can only do a complimentary same day flight change after check-in right?
In order to try to get the CPU, do I just need to just check in as early as possible and then do same day flight change immediately?
Do I need to call call UA after I change my flight in order to ensure me and my companion are on the CPU list for the new flight?
I can only do a complimentary same day flight change after check-in right?
In order to try to get the CPU, do I just need to just check in as early as possible and then do same day flight change immediately?
Do I need to call call UA after I change my flight in order to ensure me and my companion are on the CPU list for the new flight?
The time of check in is the tertiary tiebreaker -- after status and fare class.
You can absolutely SDC without completing check-in. The best way to do so is by calling, as that way you can ensure it happens before your record is split and any of the other scenarios you're worried about could kick in. Tell the agent you don't want to be checked in or have your record split; you just want to change your flight. If your companion doesn't end up on the list after check in, you'll need to get that fixed at the airport, and there's a good cache the companion will end up after all other Gold passengers in this case.
Apr 23, 2018, 8:24 am
#3613
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 532
The best way to get a CPU with SDC as a UA Gold is to look for flights where the number of empty seats in F is greater than the number of occupied seats in E+. There's no foolproof method, but passengers in E+ basically represent your competition for the upgrade seat. However, you're at risk not only to new purchases or SDCs from GS/1K/Plat, but also to other passengers accepting TOD upgrade offers.
The time of check in is the tertiary tiebreaker -- after status and fare class.
You can absolutely SDC without completing check-in. The best way to do so is by calling, as that way you can ensure it happens before your record is split and any of the other scenarios you're worried about could kick in. Tell the agent you don't want to be checked in or have your record split; you just want to change your flight. If your companion doesn't end up on the list after check in, you'll need to get that fixed at the airport, and there's a good cache the companion will end up after all other Gold passengers in this case.
The time of check in is the tertiary tiebreaker -- after status and fare class.
You can absolutely SDC without completing check-in. The best way to do so is by calling, as that way you can ensure it happens before your record is split and any of the other scenarios you're worried about could kick in. Tell the agent you don't want to be checked in or have your record split; you just want to change your flight. If your companion doesn't end up on the list after check in, you'll need to get that fixed at the airport, and there's a good cache the companion will end up after all other Gold passengers in this case.
SO, how early can you do complimentary SDC. For some reason I thought it had to be within 24 hours. I guess that' doesn't make sense.
After the SDC, then I would want to check in with companion ASAP when checkin in period starts, right? Then just double check that we are both on upgrade list.
I guess the only advantage to checking in before I do any SDC is that I can see where I'm at on the upgrade list and decide whether I think I have a better chance there or somewhere else.
Apr 23, 2018, 8:29 am
#3614
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,471
Thanks makes sense that we are competing with E+ seats, more or less.
SO, how early can you do complimentary SDC. For some reason I thought it had to be within 24 hours. I guess that' doesn't make sense.
After the SDC, then I would want to check in with companion ASAP when checkin in period starts, right? Then just double check that we are both on upgrade list.
SO, how early can you do complimentary SDC. For some reason I thought it had to be within 24 hours. I guess that' doesn't make sense.
After the SDC, then I would want to check in with companion ASAP when checkin in period starts, right? Then just double check that we are both on upgrade list.
For maximising CPU chances on a particular flight, yes, check in as soon as you can.
For choosing a flight with good chances, once you've counted E+ seats and checked against remaining F capacity, you can also try monitoring fare buckets. If a flight has stayed PN0 R0 for several days prior to departure, it's possible many upgrade requests are still waitlisted, and they would have higher priority than your CPU would. However, if you've seen PN>0 or especially R>0 on a flight and the F booked count still has space, you would have a pretty good chance.
Apr 23, 2018, 8:46 am
#3615
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,421
SO, how early can you do complimentary SDC. For some reason I thought it had to be within 24 hours. I guess that' doesn't make sense.
After the SDC, then I would want to check in with companion ASAP when checkin in period starts, right? Then just double check that we are both on upgrade list.
I guess the only advantage to checking in before I do any SDC is that I can see where I'm at on the upgrade list and decide whether I think I have a better chance there or somewhere else.
After the SDC, then I would want to check in with companion ASAP when checkin in period starts, right? Then just double check that we are both on upgrade list.
I guess the only advantage to checking in before I do any SDC is that I can see where I'm at on the upgrade list and decide whether I think I have a better chance there or somewhere else.
After making your change, check in immediately if you want to increase your chances of clearing at the gate; however, this will split your record (PNR), making it possible that you will clear while your companion won't. It will also cause you headaches upon checking in for your return flight, if any, due to the PNR split (see the thread about PNR splitting for more information). Otherwise, you can take your time checking in, knowing that it's only the last tiebreaker that you're risking and hoping that you might both clear before check-in. The automated upgrade routine runs until about 3 hours before departure.
Keep in mind that only checked-in passengers will appear on the upgrade list. The position you see when you check-in is the best possible position, but it may not be very realistic. If you check in before you SDC, you will be splitting the PNR at that point, with all of the attendant complications.
Good luck
