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 21, 2021, 2:23 pm
#6526
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
United no longer does this by most measures. They stopped leveling before Covid even hit. Still a chance L will open but the three hour rule of dumping the remaining "Y" class to the rest of the buckets is by-and-large a thing of the past.
-RM
-RM
Oct 22, 2021, 9:52 am
#6527
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 148
Is it possible to add yourself standby on more than one flight at a time?
Oct 22, 2021, 2:52 pm
#6528
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 35
Any DP of successful SDC recently? My last several flights have all shown (app, web, agent) zero options for SDC which seems unbelievable.. Is this a perk of the past?
Oct 22, 2021, 3:18 pm
#6529
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 347
In the last week or so I haven't been able to get any change options to show up period, even a month out where I know there's numerous options available around the same price. It just gives me an error saying "No flight schedule could be retrieved using your search criteria. Please use the form below to start a new search." with no form actually showing. I can always just cancel and rebook with the flight credit but have been wondering if something is wrong.
Oct 22, 2021, 8:23 pm
#6530
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Confirmed in PZ but flights being rebooked in my low base class of K.
Oddly enough though I can only standby for one single earlier non-stop flight - you'd think I should be able to add myself to any of the nonstop standby lists.
Nov 2, 2021, 10:59 am
#6531
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,925
Looking to change PIT-IAH-SFO in Z tomorrow to PIT-EWR-SFO. There’s Z on both legs, but it looks like the married inventory only shows J. Worth it to try calling in, or does the married segments need space open? Can’t seem to pull it up on the website because I’ve got an onward flight from SFO so more than 3 segments.
Nov 2, 2021, 11:16 am
#6532
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
Looking to change PIT-IAH-SFO in Z tomorrow to PIT-EWR-SFO. There’s Z on both legs, but it looks like the married inventory only shows J. Worth it to try calling in, or does the married segments need space open? Can’t seem to pull it up on the website because I’ve got an onward flight from SFO so more than 3 segments.
It's definitely worth a try by calling but be prepared for a 'no'. Also, since you have further connections from SFO you may need inventory on those flights too.
-RM
Nov 2, 2021, 1:01 pm
#6533
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,422
Looking to change PIT-IAH-SFO in Z tomorrow to PIT-EWR-SFO. There’s Z on both legs, but it looks like the married inventory only shows J. Worth it to try calling in, or does the married segments need space open? Can’t seem to pull it up on the website because I’ve got an onward flight from SFO so more than 3 segments.
Nov 2, 2021, 1:21 pm
#6534
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,925
Nov 8, 2021, 1:19 pm
#6535
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Plat, HH Diamond, Supersonic (BA1Y, BA1223)
Posts: 221
I read the wiki, but still have a bit of a quandry...Lets see if I can keep it simple!
Maybe someone has ideas on this...
I am headed to Guam Friday (IAD-IAH-HNL-GUM) on a DOD TA purchased ticket (016), so I can't get online flight changes to work.
Instead of leaving at the crack of dawn (6:15am), I'd like to change to fly to IAH Thurs nigth from either IAD or DCA (tons of space, BTW).
I read I cant do SDC because that would create a long layover? (the long layover is the intent)
I likely wouldnt be able to standby because its not the same calendar day?
I assume it would be problematic to do something crazy like award travel on thurs night and abandon the IAD-IAH leg friday AM.
The big problem is its such a pain to go back through all the approvals for changes and since I am doing this for my convenience, I'm ok paying for it.
And I suppose to add a little complexity, I have already applied PPs and cleared the final leg, so I'l kinda like to hold on to those...
Thanks!
Maybe someone has ideas on this...
I am headed to Guam Friday (IAD-IAH-HNL-GUM) on a DOD TA purchased ticket (016), so I can't get online flight changes to work.
Instead of leaving at the crack of dawn (6:15am), I'd like to change to fly to IAH Thurs nigth from either IAD or DCA (tons of space, BTW).
I read I cant do SDC because that would create a long layover? (the long layover is the intent)
I likely wouldnt be able to standby because its not the same calendar day?
I assume it would be problematic to do something crazy like award travel on thurs night and abandon the IAD-IAH leg friday AM.
The big problem is its such a pain to go back through all the approvals for changes and since I am doing this for my convenience, I'm ok paying for it.
And I suppose to add a little complexity, I have already applied PPs and cleared the final leg, so I'l kinda like to hold on to those...
Thanks!
Last edited by huey_driver; Nov 8, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Nov 8, 2021, 1:36 pm
#6536
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
I read the wiki, but still have a bit of a quandry...Lets see if I can keep it simple!
Maybe someone has ideas on this...
I am headed to Guam Friday (IAD-IAH-HNL-GUM) on a DOD TA purchased ticket (016), so I can't get online flight changes to work.
Instead of leaving at the crack of dawn (6:15am), I'd like to change to fly to IAH Thurs nigth from either IAD or DCA (tons of space, BTW).
I read I cant do SDC because that would create a long layover? (the long layover is the intent)
Maybe someone has ideas on this...
I am headed to Guam Friday (IAD-IAH-HNL-GUM) on a DOD TA purchased ticket (016), so I can't get online flight changes to work.
Instead of leaving at the crack of dawn (6:15am), I'd like to change to fly to IAH Thurs nigth from either IAD or DCA (tons of space, BTW).
I read I cant do SDC because that would create a long layover? (the long layover is the intent)
I believe that GUM is treated as an international destination for the purposes of faring, meaning that the long layover should not, in and of itself, be a problem.
The type of SDC you're describing is a bit tricky and will definitely need to be managed manually. Make sure to mention preserving the upgrade.
The policy would call for IAD only. You might conceivably get someone to be more flexible and let you leave from DCA, but you'd be getting a favor.
I'd call and phrase it just like you have, sometime after 6:15 AM Thursday. "I was wondering if I could leave on an IAD-IAH flight tonight and overnight in Houston, so I can get some sleep before my Hawaii flight and shorten my travel day a bit."
Nov 8, 2021, 1:47 pm
#6537
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Plat, HH Diamond, Supersonic (BA1Y, BA1223)
Posts: 221
I believe that GUM is treated as an international destination for the purposes of faring, meaning that the long layover should not, in and of itself, be a problem.
I'd call and phrase it just like you have, sometime after 6:15 AM Thursday. "I was wondering if I could leave on an IAD-IAH flight tonight and overnight in Houston, so I can get some sleep before my Hawaii flight and shorten my travel day a bit."
I'd call and phrase it just like you have, sometime after 6:15 AM Thursday. "I was wondering if I could leave on an IAD-IAH flight tonight and overnight in Houston, so I can get some sleep before my Hawaii flight and shorten my travel day a bit."
I figured to ask, not much to lose. BTW, also have 42 minutes connect time on original itinerary at IAH. Generally it looks like the inbound arrives early so not as much to fear as I first thought.
Nov 8, 2021, 1:58 pm
#6538
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
Thanks for the tips! Yes, GUM is intl, at least when it comes to CPUs, The UA website says no CPUs on HNL-GUM.
I figured to ask, not much to lose. BTW, also have 42 minutes connect time on original itinerary at IAH. Generally it looks like the inbound arrives early so not as much to fear as I first thought.
I figured to ask, not much to lose. BTW, also have 42 minutes connect time on original itinerary at IAH. Generally it looks like the inbound arrives early so not as much to fear as I first thought.
Nov 10, 2021, 3:27 pm
#6539
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA: 1K. Hilton: Diamond. Marriot: Gold. AA: Gold
Posts: 51
Standby Same Day Change
Previously SDC without a change fee was only available to elites. Now SDC without a change fee is available to everyone. However, I have noticed that SDC to an earlier flight (if I make it to the airport early) now frequently has a fare difference when before there would often not be a fare difference. I suspect because the fare class inventory is not opening up. Anyway if I were to standby for an earlier flight (rather than confirming with a SDC), would there still be a fare difference? As a side note, opening up SDC without a change fee to everyone has been a status devaluation because now inventory does not open up.
Nov 10, 2021, 3:42 pm
#6540
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
No