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}
May 17, 2019, 12:05 pm
#5311
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,679
SDC on Award Tickets
Can you SDC on Award Tickets even if the booking class isn't available? F example I can get a saver fare on the 8am flight on Saturday morning but I would prefer to leave on a Friday evening flight (none of which have I class availability). If there are F seats available on the Friday evening flight, after check in, can I SDC to the earlier flight even if I class isn't available?
May 17, 2019, 12:13 pm
#5312
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
May 17, 2019, 12:20 pm
#5313
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 127
Can you SDC on Award Tickets even if the booking class isn't available? F example I can get a saver fare on the 8am flight on Saturday morning but I would prefer to leave on a Friday evening flight (none of which have I class availability). If there are F seats available on the Friday evening flight, after check in, can I SDC to the earlier flight even if I class isn't available?
May 17, 2019, 12:53 pm
#5314
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
New waitlist requests inside of 24 hours are against policy, so not only would you need to find an agent who knows how to do it, you'd need to find one who's willing to do it as well.
May 17, 2019, 12:54 pm
#5315
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BWI/DCA/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titan., Hilton Diamond, Hertz Pres
Posts: 143
Any new reports as to changing dates via SDC in the app (e.g., moving an evening flight to a morning flight the next day, pending availability)? It was discussed upstream that app stopped permitting this, and making such a change required a call.
Similar question re changing routing at a connecting point. Reports upstream suggest that the app stopped allowing that, and required agent calls. Any recent experiences?
Similar question re changing routing at a connecting point. Reports upstream suggest that the app stopped allowing that, and required agent calls. Any recent experiences?
On connecting points, the app was showing alternate options yesterday but I did not attempt to actually execute that change.
May 17, 2019, 1:13 pm
#5316
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,956
If you see I space of your target flight, you can make a call to get it. This success rate is much higher.
Good luck.
May 18, 2019, 7:53 pm
#5317
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
Has anyone SDCed on a revenue PremPlum fare to a flight that doesn’t have PremPlus? I’m booked on the LHR flight that has PremPlus but want to get on the later one that (may) have PremPlus seating but not sold as such yet because of polarization. I wonder if they will just book you into Y/B class since A/R class gets 150% pqm.
May 18, 2019, 9:38 pm
#5318
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19,502
Several weeks ago I booked a roundtrip itinerary LAX-MSY. The return itinerary was MSY-SFO and SFO-LAX, to which I applied a MUA. When I went to print my boarding passes this morning at MSY for the return the 'Flight Options' screen offerred me a MSY-EWR and EWR-LAX itinerary arriving in LAX just two hours after my originally-scheduled flights with seat assignments in First and (on the p.s. flight) Business at $0. Since I had extra time on a Saturday I took the option for the extra PQM and for the p.s. Business class lie-flat product, which was wonderful.
It didn't occur to me until I arrived at LAX that had I originally scheduled the itinerary I ultimately flew it would have cost me an additional $250 co-pay to apply the MUA and fly in the p.s. Business class. Has anyone else had a similar offer or experience?
It didn't occur to me until I arrived at LAX that had I originally scheduled the itinerary I ultimately flew it would have cost me an additional $250 co-pay to apply the MUA and fly in the p.s. Business class. Has anyone else had a similar offer or experience?
May 19, 2019, 4:24 am
#5319
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
Several weeks ago I booked a roundtrip itinerary LAX-MSY. The return itinerary was MSY-SFO and SFO-LAX, to which I applied a MUA. When I went to print my boarding passes this morning at MSY for the return the 'Flight Options' screen offerred me a MSY-EWR and EWR-LAX itinerary arriving in LAX just two hours after my originally-scheduled flights with seat assignments in First and (on the p.s. flight) Business at $0. Since I had extra time on a Saturday I took the option for the extra PQM and for the p.s. Business class lie-flat product, which was wonderful.
It didn't occur to me until I arrived at LAX that had I originally scheduled the itinerary I ultimately flew it would have cost me an additional $250 co-pay to apply the MUA and fly in the p.s. Business class. Has anyone else had a similar offer or experience?
It didn't occur to me until I arrived at LAX that had I originally scheduled the itinerary I ultimately flew it would have cost me an additional $250 co-pay to apply the MUA and fly in the p.s. Business class. Has anyone else had a similar offer or experience?
May 19, 2019, 8:56 pm
#5320
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 320
I have a ticket GUM-NRT and then NRT - IAD on UA and on Sunday and want to take the same route on Saturday instead. There is only one NRT-IAD on UA nonstop. In order to do SDC do I have to be within 24 hours of both the GUM-NRT and NRT-IAD or can I be within 24 hours of the GUM-NRT flight and try to move to the NRT-IAD at that same time? If the GUM - NRT or NRT-IAD does not have booking fare can I voluntarily take coach so I can do the SDC or if a connection via NRT such as NRT-ORD-IAD becomes available is that allowed? Thanks!
May 19, 2019, 9:07 pm
#5321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
I have a ticket GUM-NRT and then NRT - IAD on UA and on Sunday and want to take the same route on Saturday instead. There is only one NRT-IAD on UA nonstop. In order to do SDC do I have to be within 24 hours of both the GUM-NRT and NRT-IAD or can I be within 24 hours of the GUM-NRT flight and try to move to the NRT-IAD at that same time? If the GUM - NRT or NRT-IAD does not have booking fare can I voluntarily take coach so I can do the SDC or if a connection via NRT such as NRT-ORD-IAD becomes available is that allowed? Thanks!
If your fare allows an ORD transfer -- most do -- you could SDC into GUM-NRT-ORD-IAD, but you'll need inventory all the way through. This will take an agent, and, again, some may push back.
Downgrading a business class ticket to coach is not technically within the SDC rules but there are reports that some agents will allow it.
May 19, 2019, 9:12 pm
#5322
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 320
Thanks, currently both flights are scheduled for Sunday 7 AM and then a 3 hr layover in Tokyo. I guess I will try on Saturday morning to see if they'll let me switch to a flight later in the day on Saturday so I can catch an evening connecting in Tokyo back to DC.
May 19, 2019, 9:20 pm
#5323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Are you sure about the layover time? The NRT-IAD flight is a 4 PM departure during the summer and a 5 PM departure during the winter. You should have a 5-6 hour layover currently, meaning that if you call at exactly T-24, you may be able to get onto the noon flight Saturday connecting to the NRT-IAD nonstop.
May 19, 2019, 9:32 pm
#5324
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 320
Ugh. I just rechecked my itinerary and you're right, I am actually on the 12.05 on Sunday not 7.05. So don't think that this will work after all as they're not going to let me change to the 12.05 on Saturday when I'm booked for Sunday at 12.05.
May 19, 2019, 9:47 pm
#5325
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
The 5 PM flight arrives at NRT too late to be of any help, unfortunately. There are no UA-operated departures after that flight arrives. You can try to get moved to an NH-operated flight on a UA codeshare, but that's typically extremely difficult to do (read: generally impossible).
Is this the outbound, return, or a one-way flight?