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 7, 2019, 10:06 pm
#5641
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
You might be able to talk a GA into putting you on the standby list if you offer to return to the airport to pick up your bag. The reason for the rules isn't security, it's that UA doesn't want to be on the hook for baggage delivery.
Aug 8, 2019, 1:14 am
#5642
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: California
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 107
Just as a data point, I did an SDC (the first in years). I called in late afternoon to change from an am to a pm flight the next day. It was a little more than 24 hours before the PM flight. I'd been upgraded on the AM flight already and the agent kept my upgrade (The PM flight had PZ=2 before I called (PZ=0 after).
So ... 1k benefits were helpful for me this week.
So ... 1k benefits were helpful for me this week.
Aug 8, 2019, 11:32 am
#5643
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
I assume that hour must be before both flights...
Aug 8, 2019, 11:38 am
#5644
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
Aug 8, 2019, 3:09 pm
#5645
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
Updated the Wiki on the SDC after bag change.
Aug 8, 2019, 5:20 pm
#5646
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
My booking is
SMF-IAH-IAD. First segment SMF-IAH I upgraded to F for $220.
If I SDC to SMF-SFO-IAD both segments Economy, would I be refunded the $220 I paid for that, now unused, upgrade.
SMF-IAH-IAD. First segment SMF-IAH I upgraded to F for $220.
If I SDC to SMF-SFO-IAD both segments Economy, would I be refunded the $220 I paid for that, now unused, upgrade.
Aug 8, 2019, 5:46 pm
#5647
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
If this was an upfare, you probably will not be able to SDC, due to the split fares.
Aug 8, 2019, 6:29 pm
#5648
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
But is it true that in some cases, the upgrade may carry over to the new booking? I thought I saw that on some bookings a while back that I didn't change, but I might be wrong.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 8, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Aug 8, 2019, 6:48 pm
#5649
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
However, you are changing routing and the PZ carry over is gone.
Aug 8, 2019, 7:21 pm
#5650
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
If the fee upgrade booked into PN or higher, it will generally move over when changing within the app, and when doing an even exchange with most agents. However, this is against the T&C (which say fly the upgrade as booked or the fee is forfeit) so anything that gets into forcing a reissue is going to be a problem.
Aug 8, 2019, 9:38 pm
#5651
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
Thanks. So my lesson learned is, for flights that I think have a high chance of me doing a SDC, I should probably not upgrade them since the risk of losing that money is too high.
Aug 10, 2019, 3:05 pm
#5652
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH, YYC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 753
Tomorrow I’m traveling XXX-YYY-ZZZ with a 4 hour layover in YYY. I’m traveling in a high fare class so I have quite a few SDC options available, including several which get me back to ZZZ a couple of hours earlier than my booked flight.
However, my XXX-YYY flight is probably overbooked. It’s hub to hub, zero inventory in any fare class, and the app is asking for volunteers. I’d like to pick up a certificate because I’m almost out of them, but I’m not super excited about flying my original route when there are other better ones available, especially not in someone else’s seat rather than my nice E+ window seat I already selected.
How late can I make a SDC on this? If I volunteer and I’m not needed to be kicked off the flight, can I just tell the GA don’t worry about it I’m going to change my flight anyway through the app? It seems like a bit of a scumbag move, and I don’t want to upset people like the GA who are just doing their jobs. Other XXX-ZZZ flights are available with plenty of seats through other UA hubs. Thoughts?
However, my XXX-YYY flight is probably overbooked. It’s hub to hub, zero inventory in any fare class, and the app is asking for volunteers. I’d like to pick up a certificate because I’m almost out of them, but I’m not super excited about flying my original route when there are other better ones available, especially not in someone else’s seat rather than my nice E+ window seat I already selected.
How late can I make a SDC on this? If I volunteer and I’m not needed to be kicked off the flight, can I just tell the GA don’t worry about it I’m going to change my flight anyway through the app? It seems like a bit of a scumbag move, and I don’t want to upset people like the GA who are just doing their jobs. Other XXX-ZZZ flights are available with plenty of seats through other UA hubs. Thoughts?
Aug 10, 2019, 5:19 pm
#5653
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,528
Tomorrow I’m traveling XXX-YYY-ZZZ with a 4 hour layover in YYY. I’m traveling in a high fare class so I have quite a few SDC options available, including several which get me back to ZZZ a couple of hours earlier than my booked flight.
However, my XXX-YYY flight is probably overbooked. It’s hub to hub, zero inventory in any fare class, and the app is asking for volunteers. I’d like to pick up a certificate because I’m almost out of them, but I’m not super excited about flying my original route when there are other better ones available, especially not in someone else’s seat rather than my nice E+ window seat I already selected.
How late can I make a SDC on this? If I volunteer and I’m not needed to be kicked off the flight, can I just tell the GA don’t worry about it I’m going to change my flight anyway through the app? It seems like a bit of a scumbag move, and I don’t want to upset people like the GA who are just doing their jobs. Other XXX-ZZZ flights are available with plenty of seats through other UA hubs. Thoughts?
However, my XXX-YYY flight is probably overbooked. It’s hub to hub, zero inventory in any fare class, and the app is asking for volunteers. I’d like to pick up a certificate because I’m almost out of them, but I’m not super excited about flying my original route when there are other better ones available, especially not in someone else’s seat rather than my nice E+ window seat I already selected.
How late can I make a SDC on this? If I volunteer and I’m not needed to be kicked off the flight, can I just tell the GA don’t worry about it I’m going to change my flight anyway through the app? It seems like a bit of a scumbag move, and I don’t want to upset people like the GA who are just doing their jobs. Other XXX-ZZZ flights are available with plenty of seats through other UA hubs. Thoughts?
I’m also curious what others think since I’ve been in situations where I’ve wanted to do the same thing. What I‘ve done in the past is ask the gate agent around T-40 min if they are going to need volunteers. I figure they should have a good idea of the oversell situation by then. If they say no (which is the response I typically get from them), say thanks, walk away, and then you should be able to SDC on the app.
If they say they yes, problem is that they may make you wait until right before boarding ends (T-15 min or so). At least that’s what I’ve had to do in the rare cases I’ve been in that situation. And if they end up not needing you after all (due to other no-shows or misconnects, for example), then it will be an awkward situation since they’ll probably want you to board then and there to get the flight out, and I’m not sure what functionality the app will have to do a quick SDC in that timeframe (T<15 min).
Aug 11, 2019, 4:19 am
#5654
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH, YYC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 753
I think I have the answer to this question. I spoke to the gate agent and volunteered. They may or may not need my seat, but when I go into the app I can’t access my reservation to make the same day change. It appears to be locked.
Security at EWR is an absolute mess this morning, so I don’t like my chances unfortunately. I’m sure somebody is going to miss this flight.
Security at EWR is an absolute mess this morning, so I don’t like my chances unfortunately. I’m sure somebody is going to miss this flight.
-----------
as predicted. Got onto the flight and one standby also cleared. Unfortunately that’s 3 potential VDB opportunities missed in the last month for me 😐
as predicted. Got onto the flight and one standby also cleared. Unfortunately that’s 3 potential VDB opportunities missed in the last month for me 😐
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 11, 2019 at 2:20 pm Reason: merged update / consecutive posts by same member
Aug 11, 2019, 7:31 am
#5655
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,212