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 30, 2018, 12:36 am
#4156
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,777
I'm UA Gold so SDC is free.
I want to get a SAN-IAD ticket for a couple weeks from now.
Say my scheduled departure is Monday at 4pm. Is the first time SDC opens up for me at $0 at 4pm on Sunday?
So, beginning at 4pm on Sunday, I can look for availability for any flights on Sunday night? ...
I want to get a SAN-IAD ticket for a couple weeks from now.
Say my scheduled departure is Monday at 4pm. Is the first time SDC opens up for me at $0 at 4pm on Sunday?
So, beginning at 4pm on Sunday, I can look for availability for any flights on Sunday night? ...
No, no change of original or destination airport is allowed for SDC.
Jul 30, 2018, 1:24 am
#4157
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,423
No, that's when you can first make a change and have the change fee waived. It's $0 only if your original fare class is available; otherwise, you must pay any fare difference.
Jul 30, 2018, 7:56 am
#4158
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 532
Thanks Kacee and Wine Country. I appreciate it!
Jul 30, 2018, 8:52 am
#4159
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 59
SDC and Mileage Calculation
Random question. Right now I have a direct flight on United Express. If I SDC to a flight that has two segments, both mainline (I believe), will I get 500 PQMS (flights under 500 miles) for two segments for a total of 1k? Or will the original routing credit be applied?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 30, 2018, 8:57 am
#4160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,369
Random question. Right now I have a direct flight on United Express. If I SDC to a flight that has two segments, both mainline (I believe), will I get 500 PQMS (flights under 500 miles) for two segments for a total of 1k? Or will the original routing credit be applied?
Thanks!
Thanks!
The only way you'd get ORC is if you had a cancellation or something and subsequently asked for it, in which case it would truly be original (i.e., the SDC would be ignored). Assuming you do nothing, you'll get the miles as flown.
Jul 30, 2018, 9:00 am
#4161
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 59
Amazing! Thank you!
Jul 30, 2018, 9:17 am
#4162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,451
Only catch is when the two flights have the same number and are treated as part of a direct (but not nonstop) flight. I don't think there are any such with both segments short, though.
Jul 30, 2018, 11:06 am
#4163
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
Total 'First World Problem" - SDC from PN back to M fare bucket?
I am flying hub to hub and have time, and a desire to add miles and maybe a new airport. Perfect, SDC is awesome. I am, apparently, one of the few souls on United who gets upgraded a lot, so all of my options have PN space, tho I have an M fare ticket. Any amazing trick to accomplish seeing the SDC landscape for M, instead of PN?
Thanks all.
T
I am flying hub to hub and have time, and a desire to add miles and maybe a new airport. Perfect, SDC is awesome. I am, apparently, one of the few souls on United who gets upgraded a lot, so all of my options have PN space, tho I have an M fare ticket. Any amazing trick to accomplish seeing the SDC landscape for M, instead of PN?
Thanks all.
T
Jul 30, 2018, 11:50 am
#4164
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,777
Total 'First World Problem" - SDC from PN back to M fare bucket?
I am flying hub to hub and have time, and a desire to add miles and maybe a new airport. Perfect, SDC is awesome. I am, apparently, one of the few souls on United who gets upgraded a lot, so all of my options have PN space, tho I have an M fare ticket. Any amazing trick to accomplish seeing the SDC landscape for M, instead of PN? ....
I am flying hub to hub and have time, and a desire to add miles and maybe a new airport. Perfect, SDC is awesome. I am, apparently, one of the few souls on United who gets upgraded a lot, so all of my options have PN space, tho I have an M fare ticket. Any amazing trick to accomplish seeing the SDC landscape for M, instead of PN? ....
Jul 30, 2018, 12:16 pm
#4165
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
Thanks a lot.
T
T
Aug 1, 2018, 6:48 am
#4166
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 14
Change on an Interesting Same-day Return
Hello I have quite an interesting situation here. I wanted to book a domestic same day return tomorrow from, say, A to B. The price would be ~$500, so total $1000. When I searched on Google Flights, I saw an option for ~$300 total doing A--B--C--A same day (All connections are under 4 hours). Apparently Google somehow managed to let United price A--C roundtrip so it's much cheaper, even cheaper than A--B one way (not my original intention though, but since Google showed me this, why not). I don't mind doing a stopover B--C--A if necessary, but I need to stay longer at B (more than 4 hours). My goal was to change B--C--A to B--A at a later time via either ticket change or same-day change.
Now, the same-day change page shows options substituting A--B--C, so no good. The ticket change page can only select all 3 flights at the same time, effectively makes it a A--A itinerary. Would it be okay to call Reservations and ask them to break and change B--C--A to a later flight, or is it unwise to have human look at this itinerary? Or is it not changeable to my desired situation at all unless reprice it correctly (~$1000)
Thanks for your input.
Now, the same-day change page shows options substituting A--B--C, so no good. The ticket change page can only select all 3 flights at the same time, effectively makes it a A--A itinerary. Would it be okay to call Reservations and ask them to break and change B--C--A to a later flight, or is it unwise to have human look at this itinerary? Or is it not changeable to my desired situation at all unless reprice it correctly (~$1000)
Thanks for your input.
Aug 1, 2018, 6:59 am
#4167
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,944
Well, after you board A-B flight, you will be able to change B-C-A to B-A if the fare class is available. The App will let you do it. There is no need to call UA agent to make the change.
Good luck.
For details, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ions-wiki.html
Good luck.
For details, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ions-wiki.html
Last edited by Kmxu; Aug 1, 2018 at 7:02 am Reason: Add link to SDC thread
Aug 1, 2018, 7:11 am
#4168
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Well, after you board A-B flight, you will be able to change B-C-A to B-A if the fare class is available. The App will let you do it. There is no need to call UA agent to make the change.
Good luck.
For details, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ions-wiki.html
Good luck.
For details, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ions-wiki.html
Originally booked DTW-ORD-SAN on Friday, return SAN-EWR-DTW on saturday. I SDC'ed DTW-ORD-SAN to Saturday morning and checked in. After doing that, I was not allowed to make any SDC changes on the app or kiosk to the phone, despite DTW-IAH-SAN being available.
The app showed me as I was checked in DTW-ORD-SAN-EWR. My app said "Detroit to Newark." Once I boarded DTW-ORD, I was still unable to make changes on the app for ORD-SAN (and also ORD-EWR, not that I wanted to, I was going to SAN).
This also, for some reason still unknown to me, did not automatically put me on the UG list for EWR-DTW, and it checked me in automatically, which I've never had happen or opted in to.
It wasn't until I boarded ORD-SAN that my reservation went back to "San Diego to Detroit" (my original return) that SDC appeared again.
I don't think the app likes same day return flights for the purpose of sorting out these things. It gets jumbled. A CS agent may have been able to help, but I didn't try as I was content with what I had.
Last edited by BThumme; Aug 1, 2018 at 7:17 am
Aug 1, 2018, 7:23 am
#4169
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 14
hmm why would the system change the grouping of flights after your SDCed (from DTW-ORD-SAN, SAN-EWR-DTW to DTW-ORD-SAN-EWR, EWR-DTW)?
Aug 1, 2018, 7:29 am
#4170
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
My only thought is because it was the same day.It even showed the "connect time at SAN 8 hrs 30 minutes." I don't know if it was because I SDC'ed into the same day, or if it would have been the same if I had just booked it all on one day.