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}
Mar 2, 2016, 12:57 pm
#1036
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
If the fee stays, you may have to try to call. I've had something similar happen on domestic where some flights had fee and others didn't
Mar 2, 2016, 1:28 pm
#1037
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
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Posts: 3,317
Mar 2, 2016, 2:31 pm
#1038
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Mar 3, 2016, 6:39 am
#1039
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
I ended up calling again and the second rep had no problem doing the change. Just goes to show that things are still variable, even at the supposed 1K line.
Mar 3, 2016, 7:43 am
#1040
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
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Mar 3, 2016, 10:53 am
#1041
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Former 1k, Lifetime UA Gold, Starwood Gold; Avis Preferred; Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,732
I managed to use the app yesterday (once I found the link thanks to help from FT). Worked like a charm. The website wasn't very unhelpful, confusing and tried to charge me too!
Mar 4, 2016, 11:32 am
#1042
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2
SDC on Bulk Ticket for UA?
I have a reservation booked via studentuniverse and it is bulk ticket.
can i use same day flight change to change to another flight?
thank you!
If i go to the airport before the flight I want to take, Is it possible to ask stuff to SDC to that flight?
can i use same day flight change to change to another flight?
thank you!
If i go to the airport before the flight I want to take, Is it possible to ask stuff to SDC to that flight?
Mar 4, 2016, 12:07 pm
#1043
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
What do the fare rules say?
Mar 4, 2016, 1:21 pm
#1044
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2
UA SDC said no sdc for bulk.
But is there anyone succeed to sdc for bulk?
But is there anyone succeed to sdc for bulk?
Mar 4, 2016, 1:44 pm
#1045
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
OP - You answered your own question. The SDC rules expressly exclude SDC from bulk tickets. So, why ask here? What difference would it make if 100 people responded saying "yes?" The answer would still be "no."
If you want to try, you can still go to the airport early enough for the flight you want, go to the gate and ask if there is space for you. If you are lucky, the agent will hand you a boarding pass. But, chances are that when the agent tries to make a change, a big box will flash up on the screen which will require a supervisor override and you won't get your boarding pass.
So, no downside in trying, but don't use the term "SDC" and expect to spend some time hanging around waiting for your scheduled flight.
If you want to try, you can still go to the airport early enough for the flight you want, go to the gate and ask if there is space for you. If you are lucky, the agent will hand you a boarding pass. But, chances are that when the agent tries to make a change, a big box will flash up on the screen which will require a supervisor override and you won't get your boarding pass.
So, no downside in trying, but don't use the term "SDC" and expect to spend some time hanging around waiting for your scheduled flight.
Mar 4, 2016, 6:45 pm
#1046
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Posts: 14,889
SDC on Bulk Ticket for UA?
UA also says no SDC for 'United Specials' (the discounted weekend flights), but typically in practice, they allow it, I believe.
I'd check for it anyway, assuming it's a change you want instead of one you need (which is what I advise with any SDC, anyway). Obviously, subject to normal SDC items - available only beginning once check in for the original flight opens, and only for flights within 24 hours of the request, $75 for non-elite, plus fare difference if original fare class isn't available. Can all be done through automated systems (kiosk at airport, web site or app), unless you need to upfare, in which case, you'll need to call.
I'd check for it anyway, assuming it's a change you want instead of one you need (which is what I advise with any SDC, anyway). Obviously, subject to normal SDC items - available only beginning once check in for the original flight opens, and only for flights within 24 hours of the request, $75 for non-elite, plus fare difference if original fare class isn't available. Can all be done through automated systems (kiosk at airport, web site or app), unless you need to upfare, in which case, you'll need to call.
Mar 5, 2016, 8:25 am
#1047
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,852
Hi zzkk, Welcome to FT! Gosh, I didn't know that SU isues BULK Tickets for their student fares. I almost purchased one for my Son to CPH on LH or AC. Anyway I digress. You can always try. But most people that use SDC are Elite Members with Status and we discuss how to maximize the process. In your case, I would just show up and ask at the gate of the flight that your trying to get on, if they may have space for you. Look for a gate agent that looks like a Mom (if your a student they may take a maternal interest in you 
) Otherwise you really have no game. What flight are you booked? And what flight would you like to change to? (give us #s and dates) Some people here may help you know, if the space is available on the flight your seeking..If the flight that your seeking is wide open, that may help your plea. Good luck and Safe Travels and let us know how it works out..
) Otherwise you really have no game. What flight are you booked? And what flight would you like to change to? (give us #s and dates) Some people here may help you know, if the space is available on the flight your seeking..If the flight that your seeking is wide open, that may help your plea. Good luck and Safe Travels and let us know how it works out..
Last edited by Flying Machine; Mar 5, 2016 at 8:33 am
Mar 5, 2016, 8:09 pm
#1048
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Mid-Hudson Valley, NY USA
Programs: SPG Plat, MR Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 12
need advice to take later flight
Hello FT. After two years of learning much reading through this site I'm deciding to post as I need advice on a flight change in 3 weeks (3/26).
I'm currently ticketed on UA1013 LAX-BOS leaving at 9:21pm for my inbound, which I'm afraid I'd be cutting it close. I would like to change to one of the LAX-IAD/EWR/ORD-BOS flights leaving past 11pm.
As a college student, I'd like to not pay too much to change. From what I've read on FT, I see my options as:
1) change now and pay change fee+fare differential
2) wait and see if a weather waiver occurs
3) SDC T-24 and pay the $75.
Would there be any other options? Would I be able to use the flat tire rule if I show up within 2 hours of the flight departure?
Thanks for your help!
I'm currently ticketed on UA1013 LAX-BOS leaving at 9:21pm for my inbound, which I'm afraid I'd be cutting it close. I would like to change to one of the LAX-IAD/EWR/ORD-BOS flights leaving past 11pm.
As a college student, I'd like to not pay too much to change. From what I've read on FT, I see my options as:
1) change now and pay change fee+fare differential
2) wait and see if a weather waiver occurs
3) SDC T-24 and pay the $75.
Would there be any other options? Would I be able to use the flat tire rule if I show up within 2 hours of the flight departure?
Thanks for your help!
Mar 5, 2016, 8:16 pm
#1049
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Welcome to FlyerTalk, chiasmatic! Great to have you aboard.
I think your summary of options is pretty accurate.
I would think that SDC shouldn't be too much of an issue on a late night flight on a Saturday night (not a prime business flight), but if SDC to your fare class isn't available, be prepared to pay an upfare. (The change fee will be waived, but of course you'll still have to pay the $75 SDC fee.)
I would not count on relying on the flat tire rule. It's not an actual published rule, and it's up to agent discretion. You could get a sympathetic agent and put on another flight for free, or you might find one who's a stickler and enforces the "ticket has no value after scheduled departure" rule and demands the full walk-up fare for your new flight.
Perhaps others here have some ideas, but I think you have a good grasp of the situation.
Do you know what fare class you're booked in? If you can let us know that, we may be able to give you some rough idea of how likely it'll be that SDC will be a workable option for you.
I think your summary of options is pretty accurate.
I would think that SDC shouldn't be too much of an issue on a late night flight on a Saturday night (not a prime business flight), but if SDC to your fare class isn't available, be prepared to pay an upfare. (The change fee will be waived, but of course you'll still have to pay the $75 SDC fee.)
I would not count on relying on the flat tire rule. It's not an actual published rule, and it's up to agent discretion. You could get a sympathetic agent and put on another flight for free, or you might find one who's a stickler and enforces the "ticket has no value after scheduled departure" rule and demands the full walk-up fare for your new flight.
Perhaps others here have some ideas, but I think you have a good grasp of the situation.
Do you know what fare class you're booked in? If you can let us know that, we may be able to give you some rough idea of how likely it'll be that SDC will be a workable option for you.
Mar 5, 2016, 8:24 pm
#1050
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Mid-Hudson Valley, NY USA
Programs: SPG Plat, MR Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 12
The flight is ticketed in K, and it looks like the lowest bucket out of the flights I'd prefer is currently a Q, and most are a U.