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}
Aug 10, 2018, 10:53 am
#4216
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Will App give options for three segments? Otherwise, one has to get an agent to do it.
Aug 10, 2018, 12:47 pm
#4217
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Apologize if this is common knowledge.
if you are on standby, you lose the ability to SDC, even if availability opens (for either another flight or the same).
i had to cancel my standby and was then able to SDC onto the flight I was standing by for.
if you are on standby, you lose the ability to SDC, even if availability opens (for either another flight or the same).
i had to cancel my standby and was then able to SDC onto the flight I was standing by for.
Aug 10, 2018, 2:17 pm
#4218
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: East Coast, USA
Posts: 1,032
Thanks. Did not know that.
Aug 10, 2018, 4:26 pm
#4219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,423
I'm not speaking from experience, but provided there's W availability on GUM-(hopper)-HNL-hub-YYC, it shouldn't be any different than any other flight, except that your fare rules will include a surcharge for traveling on it. The app would almost definitely ignore that surcharge, and an agent probably would also, but UA would be within their rights to ask for it. You'd have to check your fare rules, but the last time I looked, it was US$500.
Aug 10, 2018, 4:45 pm
#4220
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
It's been a while, but when UA stranded me (and dozens of other pax) despite assuring us they will hold the plane for us in HNL during an IT meltdown I was offered the hopper instead of nonstop for same price. I did not feel like waking up for (IIRC) 7 a.m. departure and having to get to the airport on my own from Waikiki, but to this day I am thinking that maybe I should have done just that.
Aug 10, 2018, 5:03 pm
#4221
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,416
Fare differences, including surcharges, are never collected during IRROPS.
Regarding an SDC -- I wouldn't be surprised if an agent made this change without a second thought; many fare rules go out the window during SDC, and most agents likely don't even realize that discount Asia fares have a surcharge for flying on the Hopper anyway. If a first agent refused, a little bit of agent shopping (HUCA) might well do the trick.
Regarding an SDC -- I wouldn't be surprised if an agent made this change without a second thought; many fare rules go out the window during SDC, and most agents likely don't even realize that discount Asia fares have a surcharge for flying on the Hopper anyway. If a first agent refused, a little bit of agent shopping (HUCA) might well do the trick.
Aug 10, 2018, 7:23 pm
#4222
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Fare differences, including surcharges, are never collected during IRROPS.
Regarding an SDC -- I wouldn't be surprised if an agent made this change without a second thought; many fare rules go out the window during SDC, and most agents likely don't even realize that discount Asia fares have a surcharge for flying on the Hopper anyway. If a first agent refused, a little bit of agent shopping (HUCA) might well do the trick.
Regarding an SDC -- I wouldn't be surprised if an agent made this change without a second thought; many fare rules go out the window during SDC, and most agents likely don't even realize that discount Asia fares have a surcharge for flying on the Hopper anyway. If a first agent refused, a little bit of agent shopping (HUCA) might well do the trick.
Aug 13, 2018, 10:59 am
#4223
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,660
About the time I think I have everything figured out, I don't. I'm willing to part ways with miles to confirm upgrades to this Sunday's flights, however, I wouldn't mind SDC to better options if it happens. As of now I have such a long layover in IAH it would be great to change things if offered, and frankly my seats in E+ are good enough. My question is if I upgrade via miles, will my SDC options go away, even if back to E?
Aug 13, 2018, 11:05 am
#4224
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
About the time I think I have everything figured out, I don't. I'm willing to part ways with miles to confirm upgrades to this Sunday's flights, however, I wouldn't mind SDC to better options if it happens. As of now I have such a long layover in IAH it would be great to change things if offered, and frankly my seats in E+ are good enough. My question is if I upgrade via miles, will my SDC options go away, even if back to E?
My understanding of how it works is when you get a upgrade with miles/certificate award your fare code changes to R$ where $ represents the original fare basis (i.e. RK if you originally were booked on a K fare). Hence for the purpose of rebooking, and SDCs, UA will look for inventory based on your original fare basis (i.e. K fare) which I suspect will give you options since there's generally more Y than F availability. Once you complete the SDC you'll be back in your original fare class (i.e. K) unless there is upgrade availability at the time of SDC or between SDC and your plane leaving the gate. If the upgrade never clears you should then be given your miles back.
Safe Travels,
James
Aug 13, 2018, 11:28 am
#4225
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,660
Disclaimer : I haven't tried this before but have had some experience with SDCs.
My understanding of how it works is when you get a upgrade with miles/certificate award your fare code changes to R$ where $ represents the original fare basis (i.e. RK if you originally were booked on a K fare). Hence for the purpose of rebooking, and SDCs, UA will look for inventory based on your original fare basis (i.e. K fare) which I suspect will give you options since there's generally more Y than F availability. Once you complete the SDC you'll be back in your original fare class (i.e. K) unless there is upgrade availability at the time of SDC or between SDC and your plane leaving the gate. If the upgrade never clears you should then be given your miles back.
Safe Travels,
James
My understanding of how it works is when you get a upgrade with miles/certificate award your fare code changes to R$ where $ represents the original fare basis (i.e. RK if you originally were booked on a K fare). Hence for the purpose of rebooking, and SDCs, UA will look for inventory based on your original fare basis (i.e. K fare) which I suspect will give you options since there's generally more Y than F availability. Once you complete the SDC you'll be back in your original fare class (i.e. K) unless there is upgrade availability at the time of SDC or between SDC and your plane leaving the gate. If the upgrade never clears you should then be given your miles back.
Safe Travels,
James
Aug 13, 2018, 11:30 am
#4226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,706
Data point from me: Friday, SDC options of DEN-BOS included DEN-SFO-BOS. Were I so inclined, I could have added about 2500 BIS miles.
Aug 13, 2018, 11:39 am
#4227
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,416
If I upgrade with cash, my experience has been P, if I upgrade to with Miles, its R. A quick search for this weeks flights shows P often exceeds R. Not that $139 is a big deal for me for the upgrade, but 15,000 miles for the upgrade with all the miles I have is my preferred option. Fare class as of now is H if it matters. So regardless of how I upgrade, I would need H plus R or P, depending on how I upgraded?
If you upgrade using miles and you SDC, you will lose the upgrade and the miles will be refunded, likely after travel. If there is R availability, you could then upgrade again using miles. If you do this via calling, instead of on the app, it's likely that you can get an agent to do it all in one transaction in order to save time.
Aug 13, 2018, 11:47 am
#4228
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,660
If you upgrade using an offer on the website, and you SDC, you will lose the upgrade and could be out the money, regardless of whether or not P -- or whatever booking class you get put into -- is available. The sticker-type upgrades are non-transferrable, so it really depends upon whether or not you get a sympathetic agent.
If you upgrade using miles and you SDC, you will lose the upgrade and the miles will be refunded, likely after travel. If there is R availability, you could then upgrade again using miles. If you do this via calling, instead of on the app, it's likely that you can get an agent to do it all in one transaction in order to save time.
If you upgrade using miles and you SDC, you will lose the upgrade and the miles will be refunded, likely after travel. If there is R availability, you could then upgrade again using miles. If you do this via calling, instead of on the app, it's likely that you can get an agent to do it all in one transaction in order to save time.
I'm short enough that I can survive just fine in any Economy seat, fwiw.
Aug 13, 2018, 11:56 am
#4229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,416
So I have basically all day Sunday to fly from COS-DFW, currently via IAH. Rather than 3+ hours in IAH, I wouldn't mind flying pretty much anywhere all day Sunday, in fact including Monday. My first meeting is Tuesday morning. It's rare that I have this flexibility in my schedule, but I'm either going to shorten my layover in IAH, or go to the other extreme and find SDC options that rack up additional PQM's. Just don't want to screw up options by upgrading now.
Aug 13, 2018, 9:14 pm
#4230
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
IAD-BOS
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