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}
Jan 25, 2019, 12:53 pm
#4876
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
It depends on timing. Is the flight you are hoping to SDC to before or after the original EWR-SFO flight? If after, you can wait after check-in and only before EWR-SFO departure if it isn't likely to clear, as long as you don't check bags.
If you do decide to SDC, I believe you can do it on the app even you can't OLCI. Just follow the check-in process (fill in passport info, etc.) and you will be shown an option to SDC, even you can't complete the whole check-in process.
If you do decide to SDC, I believe you can do it on the app even you can't OLCI. Just follow the check-in process (fill in passport info, etc.) and you will be shown an option to SDC, even you can't complete the whole check-in process.
Jan 26, 2019, 1:19 pm
#4877
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
It depends on timing. Is the flight you are hoping to SDC to before or after the original EWR-SFO flight? If after, you can wait after check-in and only before EWR-SFO departure if it isn't likely to clear, as long as you don't check bags.
If you do decide to SDC, I believe you can do it on the app even you can't OLCI. Just follow the check-in process (fill in passport info, etc.) and you will be shown an option to SDC, even you can't complete the whole check-in process.
If you do decide to SDC, I believe you can do it on the app even you can't OLCI. Just follow the check-in process (fill in passport info, etc.) and you will be shown an option to SDC, even you can't complete the whole check-in process.
because this ticket was purchased in foreign currency. SDC not an option
are either of these agents giving current correct information?
Jan 26, 2019, 1:37 pm
#4878
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
Hello. Currently at EWR inquiring about SDC for today. Given conflicting information about SDC agent #1 : cannot change routing even if all segments have same fare basis availability, except during IRROP situation.Agent 2
because this ticket was purchased in foreign currency. SDC not an option
are either of these agents giving current correct information?
because this ticket was purchased in foreign currency. SDC not an option
are either of these agents giving current correct information?
Jan 26, 2019, 2:23 pm
#4879
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
Just as I had thought. I'm wondering if airport agents don't contact 1K desk when calling MP SERVICE number. I'm just going to have to call myself instead of having airport agents doing that. Thanks again.
Jan 26, 2019, 2:23 pm
#4880
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: UA Premier Platinum, Skyteam Elite Plus (KE Morning Calm Premium)
Posts: 819
I did my first SDC last year with help from flyertalk people. Special thanks to jsloan.
I have two questions. I will travel in 5 days with my coworker. I am a Premier Gold and my coworker has no status,
Different PNR - same outbound flight but return flights are different. For the outbound flight, I called UA to change his E- seat to E+ seat close to me.
1. If I do SDC for the outbound flight, can he get SDC free of charge as well? So my question is . just like I can take one person to E+ and lounge (international trip), will he get the companion benefit for SDC (with the same outbound flight) as well?
2. If the answer to No 1 is No.
I have an upcoming flight with my wife. Same PNR. Can I SDC with my wife?
Thanks. Safe Travel.
I have two questions. I will travel in 5 days with my coworker. I am a Premier Gold and my coworker has no status,
Different PNR - same outbound flight but return flights are different. For the outbound flight, I called UA to change his E- seat to E+ seat close to me.
1. If I do SDC for the outbound flight, can he get SDC free of charge as well? So my question is . just like I can take one person to E+ and lounge (international trip), will he get the companion benefit for SDC (with the same outbound flight) as well?
2. If the answer to No 1 is No.
I have an upcoming flight with my wife. Same PNR. Can I SDC with my wife?
Thanks. Safe Travel.
Jan 26, 2019, 3:20 pm
#4881
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: 66,859
Different PNR, up to the agent's sense of generosity, YMMV
Jan 26, 2019, 5:13 pm
#4882
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: UA Premier Platinum, Skyteam Elite Plus (KE Morning Calm Premium)
Posts: 819
Jan 31, 2019, 12:28 pm
#4883
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 10
Long layovers with same-day changes
Hi all!
I understand that same day changing to flights with layovers > 4h domestically is not possible. HOWEVER, is the following possible? Note that my original itin is ORD-IAH
- Same day change to ORD-DEN (<4h)-IAH
- Fly the ORD-DEN
- call UA and push back my return trip assuming fare class is available
- Fly a later DEN-IAH (>4h after ORD-DEN lands)
thanks in advance!
I understand that same day changing to flights with layovers > 4h domestically is not possible. HOWEVER, is the following possible? Note that my original itin is ORD-IAH
- Same day change to ORD-DEN (<4h)-IAH
- Fly the ORD-DEN
- call UA and push back my return trip assuming fare class is available
- Fly a later DEN-IAH (>4h after ORD-DEN lands)
thanks in advance!
Jan 31, 2019, 12:31 pm
#4884
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
Hi all!
I understand that same day changing to flights with layovers > 4h domestically is not possible. HOWEVER, is the following possible? Note that my original itin is ORD-IAH
- Same day change to ORD-DEN (<4h)-IAH
- Fly the ORD-DEN
- call UA and push back my return trip assuming fare class is available
- Fly a later DEN-IAH (>4h after ORD-DEN lands)
thanks in advance!
I understand that same day changing to flights with layovers > 4h domestically is not possible. HOWEVER, is the following possible? Note that my original itin is ORD-IAH
- Same day change to ORD-DEN (<4h)-IAH
- Fly the ORD-DEN
- call UA and push back my return trip assuming fare class is available
- Fly a later DEN-IAH (>4h after ORD-DEN lands)
thanks in advance!
If you do it on the app, there should be no problem. If you call, you may get an agent who decides to enforce the rules.
Jan 31, 2019, 12:51 pm
#4885
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
And if the app doesn't offer it, try the website as they seem to act differently at times.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:20 pm
#4887
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tel Aviv (TLV), Chicago (ORD)
Programs: United Premier 1K, Starwood/Marriott Gold
Posts: 248
Has anyone had any experience with making a mileage run out of SDC? Like if I had LAX-EWR for example and I changed it to LAX-SLC-EWR and then again LAX-SLC-DEN-EWR, and then again LAX-SLC-DEN-ORD-EWR.
When changing it on the app using SDC, it searches for your current ticket point and then finds routes to destination. So even though it won't originally give you LAX-SLC-DEN-ORD-EWR, as you fly each segment you could build in the connections.
I have never done this, but based on my experience with using SDC, it is very much possible. Does anyone have any insight on this?
When changing it on the app using SDC, it searches for your current ticket point and then finds routes to destination. So even though it won't originally give you LAX-SLC-DEN-ORD-EWR, as you fly each segment you could build in the connections.
I have never done this, but based on my experience with using SDC, it is very much possible. Does anyone have any insight on this?
Jan 31, 2019, 3:51 pm
#4888
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
The app may offer you those choices, yes. Please don't do it in first class; not only are you taking up upgrade space, you're denying UA TOD revenue. The first, they probably don't care about. The second, they will, and the more people abuse this, the sooner they will get around to making some drastic change to SDC.
Jan 31, 2019, 4:51 pm
#4889
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tel Aviv (TLV), Chicago (ORD)
Programs: United Premier 1K, Starwood/Marriott Gold
Posts: 248
The app may offer you those choices, yes. Please don't do it in first class; not only are you taking up upgrade space, you're denying UA TOD revenue. The first, they probably don't care about. The second, they will, and the more people abuse this, the sooner they will get around to making some drastic change to SDC.
Jan 31, 2019, 5:40 pm
#4890
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I've found since the change in fare classes (R to PZ) that the app never gives me any SDC-able itineraries, even when the fare class is open.
In other words, if one segment is in PZ, the app simply has me check-in, and does not give me the other routing. In addition, the old choices of "change reservation"
or "travel options' is gone, though I know travel options appear on the new interface.
Is it just me?
In other words, if one segment is in PZ, the app simply has me check-in, and does not give me the other routing. In addition, the old choices of "change reservation"
or "travel options' is gone, though I know travel options appear on the new interface.
Is it just me?