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 15, 2019, 8:34 am
#5206
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,471
Currently, the wiki is definitely out of date, so I don't think I'd go by anything in that list for the time being.
So far, RobOnLI's summary (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30958992-post846.html) seems pretty close to an outline of the rules as they are working now. I had been hoping this is temporary, but I'm getting less optimistic by the day.
So far, RobOnLI's summary (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30958992-post846.html) seems pretty close to an outline of the rules as they are working now. I had been hoping this is temporary, but I'm getting less optimistic by the day.
Apr 18, 2019, 11:00 pm
#5207
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 24
I've been reading the thread(s) and there seems to be some success with my scenario but I see that some people are saying it's impossible. Just want to get some clarification.
I have a 016 issued ticket: HND (Tokyo) --ANA--> PEK (Beijing) --UA--> EWR (Newark).
I'd like to fly all UA. Ideally HND -> SFO -> EWR (or similar).
My ticket class is P and I am UA Gold. Would this SDC be possible? By website? By App? By phonecall?
TIA
I have a 016 issued ticket: HND (Tokyo) --ANA--> PEK (Beijing) --UA--> EWR (Newark).
I'd like to fly all UA. Ideally HND -> SFO -> EWR (or similar).
My ticket class is P and I am UA Gold. Would this SDC be possible? By website? By App? By phonecall?
TIA
Apr 19, 2019, 12:19 am
#5208
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
Only an agent can do this and if will require P availability on HND-SFO and SFO-EWR, the latter could be the block, not unusual for SFO-EWR is be sold out or J/C only available a day out.
Apr 19, 2019, 12:41 am
#5209
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 24
Apr 19, 2019, 2:19 pm
#5210
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Up In The Cloud
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA S, AA G; AS G; DL | SPG P50, M G, CC G, IHG P, HLT S | Hertz PC, Avis F
Posts: 682
I have a 016 INTL ticket ***-HNL-OGG-SFO, where HNL-OGG is operated by HA and OGG-SFO is operated by UA the next day. I'd like to SDC to OGG-SFO the day before, around 2 hours after the arrival of HNL-OGG.
Is that possible? If so, may I SDC via app/website without calling? How early may I SDC, upon boarding at HNL, landing at OGG or sometime in between?
Is that possible? If so, may I SDC via app/website without calling? How early may I SDC, upon boarding at HNL, landing at OGG or sometime in between?
Apr 19, 2019, 2:38 pm
#5211
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: UA1K MM, JL JMB SAPPHIRE, Marriott Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,267
A friend of mine was trying to push his flight to the next day, 1st SDC without any problem, when trying to SDC again, the phone agent stated he can only SDC to flights within 24 hours of original booked flight, not sure this is the new rule or just the agent made it up.
Last edited by gokeeper; Apr 19, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Apr 19, 2019, 3:06 pm
#5212
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 127
A friend of mine was trying to push his flight to the next day, 1st SDC without any problem, when trying to SDC again, the phone agent stated he can only SDC to flights within 24 hours of original booked flight, not sure this is the new rule or just the agent made it up.
Apr 19, 2019, 3:07 pm
#5213
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
I have a 016 INTL ticket ***-HNL-OGG-SFO, where HNL-OGG is operated by HA and OGG-SFO is operated by UA the next day. I'd like to SDC to OGG-SFO the day before, around 2 hours after the arrival of HNL-OGG.
Is that possible? If so, may I SDC via app/website without calling? How early may I SDC, upon boarding at HNL, landing at OGG or sometime in between?
Is that possible? If so, may I SDC via app/website without calling? How early may I SDC, upon boarding at HNL, landing at OGG or sometime in between?
A friend of mine was trying to push his flight to the next day, 1st SDC without any problem, when trying to SDC again, the phone agent stated he can only SDC to flights within 24 hours of original booked flight, not sure this is the new rule or just the agent made it up.
Apr 19, 2019, 5:29 pm
#5214
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,098
Data point: Booked LAX-DEN-DFW on 4/20 CPU cleared, had no options. Called in to switch with no problems to LAX-ORD-DFW leaving 4/19 (redeye, no more CPU back to K) no problems; app/online then gave me loads of 4/19 options and absolutely nothing on 4/20.
Will report back after I board LAX-ORD tonight.
Will report back after I board LAX-ORD tonight.
Apr 19, 2019, 6:12 pm
#5215
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
Hello. 1K scheduled on itinerary YYZ-IAH-LAX-SFO-SIN on 21April leaving YYZ at 07.59. and leaving IAH at 15.15. I see there is a 789-10 leaving IAH for LAX about 1.5 hours later. Many Polaris seats as on now. Is there any strategy as to if and when I can attempt a SDC to switch only the IAH-LAX segment?
Can I attempt this 24 hours in advance of the first flight of this itinerary? Or, must it be 24 hours prior to the departure of the IAH-LAX flight?
If I am successful in changing that single flight, would the RPU I had previously applied to original flight be able to be applied to the changed flight
Thanks
Can I attempt this 24 hours in advance of the first flight of this itinerary? Or, must it be 24 hours prior to the departure of the IAH-LAX flight?
If I am successful in changing that single flight, would the RPU I had previously applied to original flight be able to be applied to the changed flight
Thanks
Apr 19, 2019, 7:05 pm
#5216
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
Hello. 1K scheduled on itinerary YYZ-IAH-LAX-SFO-SIN on 21April leaving YYZ at 07.59. and leaving IAH at 15.15. I see there is a 789-10 leaving IAH for LAX about 1.5 hours later. Many Polaris seats as on now. Is there any strategy as to if and when I can attempt a SDC to switch only the IAH-LAX segment?
Can I attempt this 24 hours in advance of the first flight of this itinerary? Or, must it be 24 hours prior to the departure of the IAH-LAX flight? ...
Can I attempt this 24 hours in advance of the first flight of this itinerary? Or, must it be 24 hours prior to the departure of the IAH-LAX flight? ...
If not UA, then you can not SDC until you have only UA remaining flights.
When you do SDC, new space must be available for all flights to the destination. In a strict sense, you can not SDC a single segment but you can SDC and potentially remain on the some of the same flights (if space is available).You have too many segments to do sDC with the app, so you will have to call
You can ask an agent to do this (occasionally some will not but most will)
Apr 19, 2019, 7:16 pm
#5217
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
Is YYZ-IAH UA operated? If all UA, then yes you can attempt SDC T-24 of the first flight.
If not UA, then you can not SDC until you have only UA remaining flights.
When you do SDC, new space must be available for all flights to the destination. In a strict sense, you can not SDC a single segment but you can SDC and potentially remain on the some of the same flights (if space is available).You have too many segments to do sDC with the app, so you will have to call
You can ask an agent to do this (occasionally some will not but most will)
If not UA, then you can not SDC until you have only UA remaining flights.
When you do SDC, new space must be available for all flights to the destination. In a strict sense, you can not SDC a single segment but you can SDC and potentially remain on the some of the same flights (if space is available).You have too many segments to do sDC with the app, so you will have to call
You can ask an agent to do this (occasionally some will not but most will)
All flights on UA metal. I will call at T-24 of first flight of itinerary.
Apr 19, 2019, 8:24 pm
#5218
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: UA 1K (Million Miler). AA Gold (lifetime 1 Million). TK Elite Gold
Posts: 895
Apr 19, 2019, 8:48 pm
#5219
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: UA1K MM, JL JMB SAPPHIRE, Marriott Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,267
Apr 20, 2019, 1:41 am
#5220
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 24
I've been reading the thread(s) and there seems to be some success with my scenario but I see that some people are saying it's impossible. Just want to get some clarification.
I have a 016 issued ticket: HND (Tokyo) --ANA--> PEK (Beijing) --UA--> EWR (Newark).
I'd like to fly all UA. Ideally HND -> SFO -> EWR (or similar).
My ticket class is P and I am UA Gold. Would this SDC be possible? By website? By App? By phonecall?
TIA
I have a 016 issued ticket: HND (Tokyo) --ANA--> PEK (Beijing) --UA--> EWR (Newark).
I'd like to fly all UA. Ideally HND -> SFO -> EWR (or similar).
My ticket class is P and I am UA Gold. Would this SDC be possible? By website? By App? By phonecall?
TIA
