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UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions (with Wiki) {Archive}

Old Jan 4, 2015, 2:01 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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:
  • 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)
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.
  • 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
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}
Print Wikipost

UA Same-Day Travel Change (SDC) Fees/Questions (with Wiki) {Archive}

Old Dec 15, 2017, 2:17 am
  #3046  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
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Posts: 5,889
Booked a domestic flight in fare class P on a TAA0AHEN/UPD fare basis.

In order to SDC before any travel has begun on the ticket does the target flight need:

* P and T?
* just P?
* P and any Y?

inventory?
mherdeg is offline  
Old Dec 15, 2017, 3:11 am
  #3047  
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Originally Posted by mherdeg
Booked a domestic flight in fare class P on a TAA0AHEN/UPD fare basis.

In order to SDC before any travel has begun on the ticket does the target flight need:

* P and T?
* just P?
* P and any Y?

inventory?
By the fare rules, P and T. It is widely reported that the app will offer options based solely on P inventory. With an agent, ymmv.
findark is offline  
Old Dec 15, 2017, 1:30 pm
  #3048  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: New York
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 43
1k rep saying SDC connection time have to be < 4 hr(?)

Trying todo same day change and 1k line said everything as proposed was ok EXCEPT I end up with 5 hour connection in EWR on Sat Dec 16 (vs current 3 hour) and
connections have to be < 4 hours. She put me on hold to talk to Supervisor and still came back and said no dice.
The change gets me home 3 hours earlier.
Is this a new rule that connection times have to be < 4 hrs or it's ruled a stopover?
cos999 is offline  
Old Dec 15, 2017, 1:34 pm
  #3049  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Originally Posted by cos999
.... Is this a new rule that connection times have to be < 4 hrs or it's ruled a stopover?
That has always been the rule for domestic only flights.
One exception is if there is no earlier flight. Another exception if this is part of an international itin.
As for SDC, strictly speaking, SDC needs to be within the routing/fares rules, so the agent is correct, However, at times, folks have been successful getting around the 4-hour stopover.
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Dec 15, 2017, 1:42 pm
  #3050  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K 0.7MM (trying to get to 1MM!)
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Originally Posted by cos999
Trying todo same day change and 1k line said everything as proposed was ok EXCEPT I end up with 5 hour connection in EWR on Sat Dec 16 (vs current 3 hour) and
connections have to be < 4 hours. She put me on hold to talk to Supervisor and still came back and said no dice.
The change gets me home 3 hours earlier.
Is this a new rule that connection times have to be < 4 hrs or it's ruled a stopover?
@WineCountryUA is correct...but I have a follow up question for you. How does extending your connection time in EWR end up getting you home sooner? I can't figure that out from a logistical standpoint...
mpiotrow is offline  
Old Dec 15, 2017, 2:45 pm
  #3051  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: New York
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SDC was switching from 12/16 AM flight to 12/15 redeye so SNA-EWR-ALB arrival goes from 19:30 to 15:30 on 12/16
cos999 is offline  
Old Dec 16, 2017, 9:45 am
  #3052  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
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*Gold - Flight Changes

I made a reservation for relative on United domestic flight. She is *Gold via partner airlines. At check-in, I can see options to take other flights (before and after her scheduled flight), confirmed for $0. As a general member, I've never seen these options presented to me. Is this a *Gold perk? Please note that this is only available via check-in process. When I try to use change flight under manage reservations, we still see the change fee, fare difference and all.
hokiebuy is offline  
Old Dec 16, 2017, 9:52 am
  #3053  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
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Posts: 838
Originally Posted by hokiebuy
I made a reservation for relative on United domestic flight. She is *Gold via partner airlines. At check-in, I can see options to take other flights (before and after her scheduled flight), confirmed for $0. As a general member, I've never seen these options presented to me. Is this a *Gold perk? Please note that this is only available via check-in process. When I try to use change flight under manage reservations, we still see the change fee, fare difference and all.
It is not a listed *Gold perk but in practice UA seems to offer free SDC at checkin to *Gold. YMMV.
boat9781 is offline  
Old Dec 16, 2017, 10:23 am
  #3054  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by boat9781


It is not a listed *Gold perk but in practice UA seems to offer free SDC at checkin to *Gold. YMMV.
Nice!
hokiebuy is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 10:11 am
  #3055  
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA Premier 1K, *A Gold
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I ticketed a EWR-TYO ticket using a EWR-SIN fare basis routes EWR-NRT-SIN-SFO-EWR (with a long stopover in NRT and a direct turn in SIN). Would it be possible to call and have the agent violate the routing rules on this ticket to SDC to NRT-EWR return, or is that just too much? The NRT-SIN segment is on NH.
xfisgsm is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 10:14 am
  #3056  
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
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Originally Posted by xfisgsm
I ticketed a EWR-TYO ticket using a EWR-SIN fare basis routes EWR-NRT-SIN-SFO-EWR (with a long stopover in NRT and a direct turn in SIN). Would it be possible to call and have the agent violate the routing rules on this ticket to SDC to NRT-EWR return, or is that just too much? The NRT-SIN segment is on NH.
If the question is, "can I skip SIN," you can ask, but I'm pretty sure the answer will be no.
Kacee is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 10:36 am
  #3057  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
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Originally Posted by xfisgsm
I ticketed a EWR-TYO ticket using a EWR-SIN fare basis routes EWR-NRT-SIN-SFO-EWR (with a long stopover in NRT and a direct turn in SIN). Would it be possible to call and have the agent violate the routing rules on this ticket to SDC to NRT-EWR return, or is that just too much? The NRT-SIN segment is on NH.
If this was ticketed as EWR-(NRT)-SIN, SIN-(SFO)-EWR , so SIN was the destination, you are not allowed to change the origin or destination as a part of SDC.
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 7:42 pm
  #3058  
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Sadly not well versed in the rules of standby, I do know SDC require same fare class availability. Anyways booking a RNO-ORD flight for March 11th.

There are two return options which I am particular interested; I understand the only way to guarantee the flight is to book it directly but trying to understand the process and rough chances.

UA 1872/705 12:47pm - 1201am
RNO-SFO-ORD
$290 (T Fare)


UA 5993 1230pm-629pm
RNO-ORD
$482 (H fare)


So if I were to book the cheaper option I would have the option of SDC into the direct flight if same fare class ticket opens correct?

Now could I additionally standby on said flight (given no same fare class change available?)?

If I were to do this would I additionally be able to be added to CPU list on said flight I am Gold?

Sorry for a simple question just curious $200 difference for a flight that by all appearances is wide open and (I think easy to standby for seems like a risk worth taking?)
homanga is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 8:12 pm
  #3059  
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
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Originally Posted by homanga
So if I were to book the cheaper option I would have the option of SDC into the direct flight if same fare class ticket opens correct?

Now could I additionally standby on said flight (given no same fare class change available?)?

If I were to do this would I additionally be able to be added to CPU list on said flight I am Gold?

Sorry for a simple question just curious $200 difference for a flight that by all appearances is wide open and (I think easy to standby for seems like a risk worth taking?)
Yes youll need T on the direct flight while both flights are within 24h to make a confirmed change. You might be able to do it online, or you can do it over the phone. A lot of inventory opens up a few hours before the flight so check back regularly. You can also standby once youre at the airport. I recommend avoiding a checked bag if possible because its much harder to SDC.
getagb is offline  
Old Dec 18, 2017, 8:42 pm
  #3060  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Posts: 66,577
Originally Posted by homanga
... So if I were to book the cheaper option I would have the option of SDC into the direct flight if same fare class ticket opens correct? ...
Yes, but it may be as late (if at all) as 2 hours prior to departure

Originally Posted by homanga
...Now could I additionally standby on said flight (given no same fare class change available?)? ...
yes -- seat choice may be limited if it does become available

Originally Posted by homanga
...If I were to do this would I additionally be able to be added to CPU list on said flight I am Gold? ...
Once confirmed yes. With Standby, it will likely be too late as CPUs are cleared before Standby is cleared.
WineCountryUA is offline  

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