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}
Oct 19, 2019, 2:02 am
#5866
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
If I want to buy a FC saver award (eg 25K OW) but the only one that UA offers has a horrible routing and duration, is one strategy to buy that and then SDC?
Can a non elite get free SDC on an award ticket purchased from a 1K’s account?
Can a non elite get free SDC on an award ticket purchased from a 1K’s account?
Oct 19, 2019, 2:21 am
#5867
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
good luck!
Oct 19, 2019, 11:35 am
#5868
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
1K can cancel/rebook award tickets without any charge. So, when XN bucket for a better route/time opens up at the last minutes (or the last few days before trip; typically check in the early morning), you ask your friend to change the ticket. Otherwise, you have to change the trip date or stick with the original ticket.
good luck!
good luck!
OP: It’s not really a viable strategy, no, because the likelihood of UA ever opening up saver award space on the flight you want is generally pretty small. If you were thinking that you’d be able to SDC into any open seat — that’s incorrect. You’d need availability in the Saver Award fare class.
Oct 21, 2019, 2:45 pm
#5869
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 178
Just follow the rules posted on the website, pay the fee, and it's yours (if the fare basis is available). Note that this is an actual change. For standby, you can't change the routing. All covered on the website.
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...ay-change.html
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...ay-change.html
Oct 22, 2019, 2:31 pm
#5870
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Socal
Programs: UA Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Amex Plat, CSR
Posts: 207
The Mrs and I are booked DEN-SFO-FRA, the DEN-SFO leg in PN (from B) and the SFO-FRA leg in PZ (from R). I just noticed that the nonstop DEN-FRA flight has PZ inventory open, however, that flight does not have a PE cabin (and hence no R inventory at all). Would an SDC to the nonstop still be possible or up to the phone agent on the 1K line?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Oct 22, 2019, 3:01 pm
#5871
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
Oct 23, 2019, 3:16 pm
#5872
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Florida
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 276
I have an booking on UA with a very tight connection in EWR. I suspect the nonstop will still have plenty of seats open right before departure.
The one problem is that my ticket is issued by AC (return is on AC) for premier qualification purposes.
So is the 016 requirement ridged or can I possibly get it SDC.
The one problem is that my ticket is issued by AC (return is on AC) for premier qualification purposes.
So is the 016 requirement ridged or can I possibly get it SDC.
Oct 24, 2019, 2:34 am
#5873
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
Yes being on 016 ticket stock is requirement and there have been bad results for those that have convinced an agent to do something. AC does not have visibility of the change. see wiki
You can go to the gate and try to do standby but some agents will not do standby after T-30 or do standby to a non-stop.
You can go to the gate and try to do standby but some agents will not do standby after T-30 or do standby to a non-stop.
Oct 24, 2019, 7:54 am
#5874
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Florida
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 276
Oct 24, 2019, 10:28 am
#5875
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
Oct 25, 2019, 10:02 am
#5876
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 10
Hi, I’m currently on a flight from LHR to EWR and will be arriving early. My connection is to IAH, but now that I’m arriving early I want to do SDC to the earlier flight (10pm to 8:05pm).
My question is about PQM earnings. I’m booked in first class on my original 10pm flight, but if I SDC to the earlier flight, only economy seats are available. If I switched, would I still get the 2x PQMs or just 1x given I’ll be in economy? Would United true me up after the fact if I called in?
Thanks!
My question is about PQM earnings. I’m booked in first class on my original 10pm flight, but if I SDC to the earlier flight, only economy seats are available. If I switched, would I still get the 2x PQMs or just 1x given I’ll be in economy? Would United true me up after the fact if I called in?
Thanks!
Oct 25, 2019, 11:10 am
#5877
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
....
My question is about PQM earnings. I’m booked in first class on my original 10pm flight, but if I SDC to the earlier flight, only economy seats are available. If I switched, would I still get the 2x PQMs or just 1x given I’ll be in economy? Would United true me up after the fact if I called in? ...
My question is about PQM earnings. I’m booked in first class on my original 10pm flight, but if I SDC to the earlier flight, only economy seats are available. If I switched, would I still get the 2x PQMs or just 1x given I’ll be in economy? Would United true me up after the fact if I called in? ...
If you voluntarily downgrade yourself, your mileage accrual will be based on the new ticket you chose. So if you agree to economy, you will get economy mileage.
Oct 25, 2019, 11:21 am
#5878
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 10
Thanks for the quick response. Is that true even if there is no refund? I paid a crazy expensive roundtrip biz fare to LHR and back!
Oct 25, 2019, 11:36 am
#5879
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
Yes. Theoretically there is a difference in fare due, but if you are effectively changing classes of service other than at a fare break point, that refund would not be a positive amount.
Oct 25, 2019, 2:40 pm
#5880
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
SDC: 2 segments to 3 segments, but not 3 segments to 2 segments on App
THis is just a data point from a colleague. He changed two segments to three segments using App: from xxx-IAD-PEK to xxx-EWR-ORD-PEK today. But when he tried to reverse back a two-segment itinerary, no options were given. Both were surprising to me, especially, from 2 to 3 segment SDC. Of course, he could call 1K line to change from 3 segments to 2 segments (fare class was available).
Edit: My colleague told tonight that the fare class was bumped up after changing from two segments to three segments. This is very strange indeed!
Edit: My colleague told tonight that the fare class was bumped up after changing from two segments to three segments. This is very strange indeed!
Last edited by Kmxu; Oct 25, 2019 at 8:44 pm Reason: Fare class change