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}
Dec 13, 2018, 10:05 am
#4711
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
That's interesting. Seems to imply that if your original fare class is NOT available, but a LOWER fare class IS available, you could get money back from UA for doing a SDC. In practice however, I've never seen it happen that lower fare classes were available but higher ones were not.
Dec 13, 2018, 10:59 am
#4712
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,664
It's not possible for your fare class not to be available but for a lower fare class to be available, unless you're changing cabins (moving from F to Y). In that case, you might be able to get a refund of the fare difference, but it's often the case that the no-advance-purchase Y fare is more expensive than discount F anyway.
Dec 13, 2018, 11:08 am
#4713
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
They would also need a fare filed in the K/G buckets. But, yes, if we were to see that, it would be interesting. I suppose I should never say never with UA IT.
Dec 13, 2018, 11:24 am
#4714
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
You can request a Same Day Change starting Friday at 6 PM. You can request to change to any flight that is still open for check-in - including that 6 PM Friday flight *IF* you're lucky enough for it to get delayed.
If the same fare class as you have purchased is open, no fee. If it is not, you can EITHER pay the fare difference OR stand-by instead.
To stand-by, you will need to be at the airport. I personally believe the language is ambiguous as to whether SDC is 24 hours while stand-by is calendar day only, but I have PERSONALLY had good success doing stand-by the previous day but within the 24-hour window. Less success trying to standby for the following day.
This policy has been pretty consistent for years, and no, you don't get a refund if a lower fare bucket opens up.
Also keep in mind that the fare buckets can open up a bit 24 hours before, and can open up even more 3ish hours before... so even if there's no availability 6 hours before the flight you want, if it looks like there's seats available, it's probably worth going to the airport and trying to get on the flight.
If the same fare class as you have purchased is open, no fee. If it is not, you can EITHER pay the fare difference OR stand-by instead.
To stand-by, you will need to be at the airport. I personally believe the language is ambiguous as to whether SDC is 24 hours while stand-by is calendar day only, but I have PERSONALLY had good success doing stand-by the previous day but within the 24-hour window. Less success trying to standby for the following day.
This policy has been pretty consistent for years, and no, you don't get a refund if a lower fare bucket opens up.
Also keep in mind that the fare buckets can open up a bit 24 hours before, and can open up even more 3ish hours before... so even if there's no availability 6 hours before the flight you want, if it looks like there's seats available, it's probably worth going to the airport and trying to get on the flight.
Dec 13, 2018, 10:57 pm
#4715
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: UA1K | *A Gold
Posts: 767
Have a ticket out of LAX later this month. Would it be possible to SDC out of SNA? Was thinking maybe the 1K line might be able to do something if LAX/SNA are even considered co-terminals? Any experiences with this or don’t even waste time?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Dec 13, 2018, 11:25 pm
#4716
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
Dec 14, 2018, 1:16 pm
#4717
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,480
Yes; ever since the R->PZ change, SDC has been broken such that it is preserving upgrades. For an RPU, I don't have a big problem with this. For a CPU, it's an issue that they need to address.
From what I've seen, when I have a connecting flight, and I get upgraded on one leg but not the other, I become stuck to that hub; e.g., if I'm flying AUS-IAH-DTW, originally on K, and I get upgraded on AUS-IAH, I lose all AUS-ORD-DTW options, but I can change to any AUS-IAH-DTW flight that has PZ on the first leg and K on the second. On the other hand, if both options get upgraded, then I can change to fly through any hub where there's PZ inventory.
From what I've seen, when I have a connecting flight, and I get upgraded on one leg but not the other, I become stuck to that hub; e.g., if I'm flying AUS-IAH-DTW, originally on K, and I get upgraded on AUS-IAH, I lose all AUS-ORD-DTW options, but I can change to any AUS-IAH-DTW flight that has PZ on the first leg and K on the second. On the other hand, if both options get upgraded, then I can change to fly through any hub where there's PZ inventory.
Dec 14, 2018, 1:20 pm
#4718
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
This is an awful bug if you actually want to fly on a different flight regardless of the upgrade. If an upgrade clears, you can only SDC to a flight with PZ inventory, and there aren't that many of them - certainly fewer than flights with mid- or high-tier coach buckets. Frequently, even J9 flights - where you have a good chance of clearing upgrades again - are PZ0.
Dec 14, 2018, 3:15 pm
#4719
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
Yes. I have called to force downgrade from PN back to W and then SDC. You go back into upgrade queue. (At least I did .)
Dec 14, 2018, 4:59 pm
#4720
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 622
From what I've seen, when I have a connecting flight, and I get upgraded on one leg but not the other, I become stuck to that hub; e.g., if I'm flying AUS-IAH-DTW, originally on K, and I get upgraded on AUS-IAH, I lose all AUS-ORD-DTW options, but I can change to any AUS-IAH-DTW flight that has PZ on the first leg and K on the second. On the other hand, if both options get upgraded, then I can change to fly through any hub where there's PZ inventory.
Dec 14, 2018, 5:35 pm
#4721
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,952
Downgraded, then SDC and no CPU on new flights
I called 1K line to downgrade a short segment (CPUed) so that I could SDC to a different routing. After checked in, I was not added to upgrade standby list. I called 1K line and then talked to web support agent. She just booked me into FC (PZ) for the new short segment. My name was nowhere to be found on the upgrade standby list of the long segment. The FC cabin is full, anyway!
Edit: I took a different routing after the cancellation of the first short segment due to weather/ATC at SFO last weekend. CPUs of the new three segments were cleared for the first two segments although PZ3 was shown for the last segment and nobody else was on upgrade wait list and flight departed with a few empty first class seats. Anyway, I SDCed to another flight. My name did not appear on upgrade wait list. Talked to an agent at EWR (asked me to call MP) and she refused to help although I very likely got a FC seat on this flight.
Edit: I took a different routing after the cancellation of the first short segment due to weather/ATC at SFO last weekend. CPUs of the new three segments were cleared for the first two segments although PZ3 was shown for the last segment and nobody else was on upgrade wait list and flight departed with a few empty first class seats. Anyway, I SDCed to another flight. My name did not appear on upgrade wait list. Talked to an agent at EWR (asked me to call MP) and she refused to help although I very likely got a FC seat on this flight.
Last edited by Kmxu; Dec 17, 2018 at 4:20 pm
Dec 17, 2018, 8:06 am
#4722
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,480
So, yes, not the end of the world, but an awful bug nevertheless.
Dec 17, 2018, 1:10 pm
#4723
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: UA
Posts: 54
I'm looking to fly AAA-BBB and see AAA-CCC-BBB cheaper. AAA-CCC is in W, CCC-BBB is in G. What's the likelihood of doing a SDC to AAA-BBB?
Dec 17, 2018, 1:40 pm
#4724
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
Dec 17, 2018, 3:55 pm
#4725
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: UA
Posts: 54
It's about a $40 difference. I see a connecting flight on AS that leaves around the same time as the direct, and after baggage fee, it's only $10 more than the UA flight that I would need to SDC. Guess I'm doing my annual non-*A flight.