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}
Jan 12, 2015, 12:22 pm
#91
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UA does not directly prohibit the practice, so unlikely that an agent does much beyond look at it all. The problem here is that at some point you've gone through all of this and can't find availability so you get stuck with the change fee anyway. And on top of that, if there's a fare difference close in, you pay that too. Can work out much much more expensive and there's no way to tell in advance.
Jan 12, 2015, 1:15 pm
#92
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
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Posts: 804
My wife's mother was very sick a few years back, she used SDC for about 3.5 weeks with no issues. It was the return portion of her flight though
Jan 12, 2015, 1:20 pm
#93
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 36
I am booked into V inventory and so far plenty of options. Infact now that I just booked tuesdays flights, I got upgraded immediately into F on LAX-ORD segment. I will keep on pushing forward till I cant do it and at that time will cancel my flights for airline credit minus change fee.
Jan 12, 2015, 1:27 pm
#94
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But then how will you get to ORD when you're finally able to go? Tickets could be very expensive close to your departure date. Or have you booked an award ticket that you can use if needed and otherwise cancel for free?
Jan 12, 2015, 1:35 pm
#95
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It's gross abuse of the SDC privilege like this that will result in its being removed as an option for all of us.
Please don't do this, OP.
Please don't do this, OP.
Jan 12, 2015, 1:41 pm
#96
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 36
I dont think so. Once the new flights are selected that becomes the new itinerary. Thats the contract of carriage UA has with the pax. My practice is all legal till I hit a heavy travel date like friday and there is no inventory and even that isnt so bad on a route like SAN-ORD that has so many connecting points.
Jan 12, 2015, 1:55 pm
#97
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That wasn't the point, as you are quite correct -- there is presently no limitation on the number times / days this can be used as long as all the other conditions are met.
The concern is if the intent was to allow such a multi-day use of SDC, and if not, if UA will react to limit its use.
The concern is if the intent was to allow such a multi-day use of SDC, and if not, if UA will react to limit its use.
Jan 12, 2015, 2:00 pm
#98
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,511
I doubt that this will be an issue with UA. Most people have neither the time nor the inclination to bird-dog a SDC through multiple changes/days/weeks.
Jan 12, 2015, 2:55 pm
#99
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of course if you try to SDC on any flight that departs LAS on any sunday, goodluck finding any inventory. So many times I've seen like F1Y0 beyond T-6.
Jan 12, 2015, 3:00 pm
#100
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T-3 is too late to shift to the next day unless there are flights every few hours 24/7. This would seem to require some sleepless nights. At some point, is the time worth it in order to save perhaps only $200 and perhaps not save money at all if the OP ultimately must pay the change fee and a big fare difference to rebook on the desired date. OTOH, maybe the OP will get lucky soon and a flight will be cancelled or delayed enough to get a refund.
Jan 12, 2015, 3:02 pm
#101
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Avis First, Hertz PC
Posts: 575
SDC works out in UA's favor a lot.
If a flight has at least a few seats available at T-12 or T-3, those are unlikely to sell.
There is a good possibility the flight you are changing FROM has tight inventory, perhaps an oversell. There is also a good chance you will pay a few dollars with every SDC, using the mentality that it is less than the change fee.
So basically limited downside for UA, but potential for extra $$$ and solving overbooking issues. Missed connections may make it more complicated, but I doubt SDC has much impact on those.
If a flight has at least a few seats available at T-12 or T-3, those are unlikely to sell.
There is a good possibility the flight you are changing FROM has tight inventory, perhaps an oversell. There is also a good chance you will pay a few dollars with every SDC, using the mentality that it is less than the change fee.
So basically limited downside for UA, but potential for extra $$$ and solving overbooking issues. Missed connections may make it more complicated, but I doubt SDC has much impact on those.
Jan 12, 2015, 5:02 pm
#102
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Location: DCA
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Repeated scamming SDC is a clear violation of Rule 5(h) of the COC. It is a fictitious booking which the passenger does not intend to fly. If UA cared about it, UA could: 1) limit SDC to 1x per segment or or using its monitoring capability to locate people doing this and voiding there tickets under the COC.
But, UA doesn't. This suggests that UA makes money off the practice. Few likely have the time to engage in this stuff in the first place. Of those who do, some louse up and the flight departs and the ticket has $0 value. Or there is no availability and the pax can't SDC at all. Or there is no space in the fare bucket and the pax has to then pay $200 + substantial fare difference.
So, UA likely figures out that the House wins on this one, so it lets a few slide.
But, UA doesn't. This suggests that UA makes money off the practice. Few likely have the time to engage in this stuff in the first place. Of those who do, some louse up and the flight departs and the ticket has $0 value. Or there is no availability and the pax can't SDC at all. Or there is no space in the fare bucket and the pax has to then pay $200 + substantial fare difference.
So, UA likely figures out that the House wins on this one, so it lets a few slide.
Jan 13, 2015, 9:37 am
#103
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: DC
Programs: UA, SPG, Amtrak
Posts: 145
A few questions:
A) does it help or hurt to have checked in?
B) does it hurt (it likely doesn't help) to have an upgrade applied?
I recall seeing that website was offering > 24 hour change flight options for no charge, but I guess that must have been during a weather incident although I can't specifically recall. It must have been a IRROP for the website to allow > 24 hour changes? Or perhaps I was imagining it. I think it was to fly into SFO just ahead of one of their recent monsoons.
Generally to try to get a > 24 hour SDC is it better to try
a) website
b) phone app
c) phone agent
d) counter agent
other tips and tricks?
In case it matters, specifically, I have a IAD to SFO on Friday evening and would like to change to one of the Thursday afternoon flts. Tempted to just show up at airport on Thursday afternoon with fingers crossed. Should at least make the 24hour Thursday night flight.
Thanks for any help.
A) does it help or hurt to have checked in?
B) does it hurt (it likely doesn't help) to have an upgrade applied?
I recall seeing that website was offering > 24 hour change flight options for no charge, but I guess that must have been during a weather incident although I can't specifically recall. It must have been a IRROP for the website to allow > 24 hour changes? Or perhaps I was imagining it. I think it was to fly into SFO just ahead of one of their recent monsoons.
Generally to try to get a > 24 hour SDC is it better to try
a) website
b) phone app
c) phone agent
d) counter agent
other tips and tricks?
In case it matters, specifically, I have a IAD to SFO on Friday evening and would like to change to one of the Thursday afternoon flts. Tempted to just show up at airport on Thursday afternoon with fingers crossed. Should at least make the 24hour Thursday night flight.
Thanks for any help.
Jan 13, 2015, 11:21 am
#104
Join Date: Jul 2010
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Posts: 2,123
It's also as others have pointed out ethically dubious. If just one person does this, then UA probably won't care. If this practice becomes widespread, you can bit they'll kill it either by restricting SDC or becoming more restrictive with opening fare buckets closer in. I find SDC really quite a valuable benefit, so I would hate to see it go.
Jan 13, 2015, 10:37 pm
#105
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
I have an upcoming flight booked into A fare, AAA-BBB-CCC. However, the first segment AAA-BBB is single cabin equipment so books into Y fare. Can I SDC into a later flight that does have F cabin using A availability?
I am also curious how in general UA treats tickets that combine multiple fare class on a single ticket? What fare class rules?
I am also curious how in general UA treats tickets that combine multiple fare class on a single ticket? What fare class rules?