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}
Mar 9, 2019, 12:00 am
#5041
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,916
Hmmmm.. yes you can. Although I didn’t try to click through it did offer a good 10 different options.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 9, 2019 at 1:28 am Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Mar 9, 2019, 12:01 am
#5042
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,466
Just because it was offered doesn't mean it would ticket.
Mar 9, 2019, 12:24 am
#5043
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,916
Merging consecutive posts by same member after move
apparently its a no no but has anyone experienced it.
i had a ticket from SFO to FRA to DEL last month with UA-metal from SFO to FRA connecting to a UA-coded LH flight from FRA to DEL on a 016 ticket.
upon app check-in, i was offered a list of choices at $0 to change to SFO to ORD/IAD/EWR to FRA connecting to my original FRA to DEL flight.
I did not go ahead with the change so don't know if it actually will process. There were some comments that it will not process which might be true.
Wanted to see if anyone else had this option and went through with the change with a downline partner flight. Posted here since this thread is SDC specific.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 9, 2019 at 1:38 am
Mar 9, 2019, 1:25 am
#5044
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,464
from another thread the topic of SDC to another flight with a downline partner flight.
apparently its a no no but has anyone experienced it.
i had a ticket from SFO to FRA to DEL last month with UA-metal from SFO to FRA connecting to a UA-coded LH flight from FRA to DEL on a 016 ticket.
upon app check-in, i was offered a list of choices at $0 to change to SFO to ORD/IAD/EWR to FRA connecting to my original FRA to DEL flight.
I did not go ahead with the change so don't know if it actually will process. There were some comments that it will not process which might be true.
Wanted to see if anyone else had this option and went through with the change with a downline partner flight. Posted here since this thread is SDC specific.
apparently its a no no but has anyone experienced it.
i had a ticket from SFO to FRA to DEL last month with UA-metal from SFO to FRA connecting to a UA-coded LH flight from FRA to DEL on a 016 ticket.
upon app check-in, i was offered a list of choices at $0 to change to SFO to ORD/IAD/EWR to FRA connecting to my original FRA to DEL flight.
I did not go ahead with the change so don't know if it actually will process. There were some comments that it will not process which might be true.
Wanted to see if anyone else had this option and went through with the change with a downline partner flight. Posted here since this thread is SDC specific.
In either case, you likely would have gotten a reservation without a ticket. In other words, you would have hit the 'confirm' button, and then it would say, problem! see an agent. Thereafter you'd be able to view the reservation with all the segments you think you have after the change, but you would be unable to check in until an agent found a way to force a ticket.
However, let's see if anyone has experience with your exact scenario.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 9, 2019 at 1:40 am Reason: cleanup after move
Mar 9, 2019, 5:59 am
#5045
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
As long as the number of connections doesn't change, I don't actually think it would be a problem - UA is happy to accept its own revalidated coupons, and LH wouldn't see any change.
I've had success doing this type of SDC with an agent before, but I also haven't seen it from the app.
I've had success doing this type of SDC with an agent before, but I also haven't seen it from the app.
Mar 9, 2019, 7:42 am
#5046
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,916
{W}hen it was offering you $0 choices, were those choices 'SFO-ORD-FRA-DEL' or just 'SFO-ORD-FRA'? If the former (including -DEL), that is new behaviour for the SDC function.
In either case, you likely would have gotten a reservation without a ticket. In other words, you would have hit the 'confirm' button, and then it would say, problem! see an agent. Thereafter you'd be able to view the reservation with all the segments you think you have after the change, but you would be unable to check in until an agent found a way to force a ticket.
However, let's see if anyone has experience with your exact scenario.
In either case, you likely would have gotten a reservation without a ticket. In other words, you would have hit the 'confirm' button, and then it would say, problem! see an agent. Thereafter you'd be able to view the reservation with all the segments you think you have after the change, but you would be unable to check in until an agent found a way to force a ticket.
However, let's see if anyone has experience with your exact scenario.
Again, I did not click through so the possibility of erroring out is good as well.
Mar 9, 2019, 2:20 pm
#5047
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: FLL
Programs: United Premier 1K; Alaska MVP 75K; Hilton Honors Diamond; Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 667
I noticed there's a post in this thread wherein someone reported being offered UA codeshare options via SDC. What do you think are the chances I could do a SDC, assuming my fare class is available, from XXX-YYY (UA) to XXX-ZZZ-YYY, with just the one hour ZZZ-YYY leg on LH metal with a UA flight number? I'm not feeling too good about my upgrade clearing on XXX-YYY but it will definitely clear on XXX-ZZZ so that's why this is a compelling option.
Mar 10, 2019, 11:37 pm
#5048
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 72
Can anyone confirm that it's still possible to SDC after having ordered a special meal?
I'm aware this most certainly results in forfeiture of the meal, which is why I'm concerned that UA may have disabled the SDC function for bookings with a special meal...?
I'm aware this most certainly results in forfeiture of the meal, which is why I'm concerned that UA may have disabled the SDC function for bookings with a special meal...?
Mar 11, 2019, 9:45 am
#5049
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Just wanted to comment on a recent positive experience. I don't really like the principle of praising someone for doing their job, but it seems harder to find agents that really listen to you.
Last week my fiancee and I were flying DEN-LAX, on the 1015 pm flight. Booked a cheap G fare, and wanted to get out earlier. We both got CPU'ed, which meant no SDC via the app. Had my eye on DEN-PRC-LAX (prescott, az) for a couple weeks - flight always went out very light, only a CRJ200, only one flight a day with a 20 minute layover in PRC (it's the same plane). I also like collecting airline routes.
Called up the agent, told him exactly what I wanted for us, after a minute he wanted to make sure I knew it was DBA Skywest, I said no problem. Took about 3 minutes total, and then that was it. I was worried I'd have to give him what I wanted multiple times, that he would still look for other options, etc. One of the few times I'm glad I picked to request a survey after and made sure to (vote?) appropriately on the followup call. I probably could have just called and asked to move up to an earlier DEN-LAX flight and then made the change on my own, but it still requires agent intervention to downgrade us.
Last week my fiancee and I were flying DEN-LAX, on the 1015 pm flight. Booked a cheap G fare, and wanted to get out earlier. We both got CPU'ed, which meant no SDC via the app. Had my eye on DEN-PRC-LAX (prescott, az) for a couple weeks - flight always went out very light, only a CRJ200, only one flight a day with a 20 minute layover in PRC (it's the same plane). I also like collecting airline routes.
Called up the agent, told him exactly what I wanted for us, after a minute he wanted to make sure I knew it was DBA Skywest, I said no problem. Took about 3 minutes total, and then that was it. I was worried I'd have to give him what I wanted multiple times, that he would still look for other options, etc. One of the few times I'm glad I picked to request a survey after and made sure to (vote?) appropriately on the followup call. I probably could have just called and asked to move up to an earlier DEN-LAX flight and then made the change on my own, but it still requires agent intervention to downgrade us.
Mar 11, 2019, 11:36 am
#5050
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
I had flights this morning which had CPUs applied to both flights. Had checked to see if I could change the flights to last night and it showed $0 for the airfare but a $200 change fee (it was a G fare) and there were a couple of options. As I messed up the first time I did a SDC I called in when it got to the 24 hours and knew my options. The CS agent offered me the two different departures and told me no additional fare but change fee. I pointed out I was within the 24 hour window. She then tried again at which time she agreed no change fee but additional airfare cost of >$160 as no G fares available. I declined the SDC. This morning they were offering $800 to move to a later flight but I needed to be home and was not confident there would not be delays later in the day. They should have put me on a flight last night where there was room!
I certainly understand there can be volatility with available fares but the sudden change of no fares in my class being available when there is no change fee surprised me.
Question 1: Is this unusual?
I ask as I will want to change a flight later this month to a flight the next day and am concerned about there being no fare class available. i have a W fare with a GPU waitlisted but am not that concerned on whether it takes as it is only an 8 hour flight.
Question 2: is it better to check in first and then SDC or not check in and call within the 24 hours of the flight you want to catch?
I have a flight in a few months on 016 ticket that I would like to change from LH to UA and was thinking of using SDC but see some comments that I cannot SDC non UA flights but others say you can.
Question 3: can you SDC LH flights on 016 ticket? The flights involved are LH connecting to LH.
TIA.
I certainly understand there can be volatility with available fares but the sudden change of no fares in my class being available when there is no change fee surprised me.
Question 1: Is this unusual?
I ask as I will want to change a flight later this month to a flight the next day and am concerned about there being no fare class available. i have a W fare with a GPU waitlisted but am not that concerned on whether it takes as it is only an 8 hour flight.
Question 2: is it better to check in first and then SDC or not check in and call within the 24 hours of the flight you want to catch?
I have a flight in a few months on 016 ticket that I would like to change from LH to UA and was thinking of using SDC but see some comments that I cannot SDC non UA flights but others say you can.
Question 3: can you SDC LH flights on 016 ticket? The flights involved are LH connecting to LH.
TIA.
Mar 11, 2019, 11:41 am
#5051
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Platinum Elite, National Executive, United Gold
Posts: 1,181
Anyone care to opine on the likelihood of a successful G fare SDC on LAX-EWR? Currently on a morning flight but would prefer to swap to one of the redeyes (or the afternoon flight) the night before.
Mar 11, 2019, 11:50 am
#5052
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
It is very likely if you try to change to a 787-10 flight, with >300 seats. Good luck.
Mar 11, 2019, 11:51 am
#5053
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
I have a flight in a few months on 016 ticket that I would like to change from LH to UA and was thinking of using SDC but see some comments that I cannot SDC non UA flights but others say you can.
Question 3: can you SDC LH flights on 016 ticket? The flights involved are LH connecting to LH.
TIA.
Question 3: can you SDC LH flights on 016 ticket? The flights involved are LH connecting to LH.
TIA.
Mar 11, 2019, 11:53 am
#5054
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I had LAX-EWR-(DTW) last Thursday. There was at least G2 (because it was me +1) on 4 or 5 EWR flights I noticed I could have moved to.
Mar 11, 2019, 12:05 pm
#5055
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Platinum Elite, National Executive, United Gold
Posts: 1,181