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}
#5371
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,147
This has been SDC behavior since UA changed from "R" to "PZ" for upgrades. The app will ONLY offer SDC to flights with PZ open now if you are confirmed on an upgrade. In order to downgrade yourself for a flight you want to get on (back to "W" in your case), you would have to call for the SDC. Some like it, some don't.
I wonder if this is deliberate, or if someone forgot to tell the system that "PZ" is special like "R" was...
Although it worked in my favor in this case, I see this as a huge negative. If I'm #1 on the upgrade list as a 1K, and a gold on an earlier/later (potentially much easier to upgrade) flight can SDC onto my flight and take the upgrade, then that's just wrong...
#5372
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
#5373
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,349
Interesting. I'd seen 2nd part of that (having to call to SDC with a downgrade), but not the first.
I wonder if this is deliberate, or if someone forgot to tell the system that "PZ" is special like "R" was...
Although it worked in my favor in this case, I see this as a huge negative. If I'm #1 on the upgrade list as a 1K, and a gold on an earlier/later (potentially much easier to upgrade) flight can SDC onto my flight and take the upgrade, then that's just wrong...
I wonder if this is deliberate, or if someone forgot to tell the system that "PZ" is special like "R" was...
Although it worked in my favor in this case, I see this as a huge negative. If I'm #1 on the upgrade list as a 1K, and a gold on an earlier/later (potentially much easier to upgrade) flight can SDC onto my flight and take the upgrade, then that's just wrong...
The older behavior — the ability to push out a flight indefinitely, or to create a six-day mileage run out of a $100 ticket — was never intentional. And, the response was obviously wrong, because they’ve clearly made changes to the software.
#5374
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,845
Why so negative?
I’ve had it work for me on several instrument supported Upgrades. The negative comments seem to convey that a seat is being taken away from the flight that you’re changing to.. What about the seat that you’re changing from?? Some other person will probably be able to take advantage of that space either with some form of upgrade (if they were on the list) or a walk up purchase, or someone whom may have been placed on a priority waitlist. To me it’s a net even..
#5375
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
I’ve had it work for me on several instrument supported Upgrades. The negative comments seem to convey that a seat is being taken away from the flight that you’re changing to.. What about the seat that you’re changing from?? Some other person will probably be able to take advantage of that space either with some form of upgrade (if they were on the list) or a walk up purchase, or someone whom may have been placed on a priority waitlist. To me it’s a net even..
Yes, you're "freeing up" an F seat on the 2pm flight but in some sense that was already free.
#5376
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,147
I think the idea is you could game the system / skip the line. If the 5pm flight is full of 1Ks and a mostly-full F cabin, you could, as Gold, buy or change to the 2pm flight that is wide open in F, clear your CPU, and then SDC to the F cabin on the 5pm flight. The #1 on the 5pm upgrade list would stay at #1 and you, a lowly Gold, would have skipped in front of them
#5377
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,349
I’ve had it work for me on several instrument supported Upgrades. The negative comments seem to convey that a seat is being taken away from the flight that you’re changing to.. What about the seat that you’re changing from?? Some other person will probably be able to take advantage of that space either with some form of upgrade (if they were on the list) or a walk up purchase, or someone whom may have been placed on a priority waitlist. To me it’s a net even..
#5378
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Ok, I'm trying to book SFO-CUN in first class.
I've distilled it down to two options -- non-stop or through IAH. Both have P space available; the non-stop is pricing at $815 with fare basis HNA0A9EH/UPDI. The connecting flight is $603 with fare basis WNA0A9FN. I assume that this means that WNA0A9FN is not valid for the direct flight and therefore I would not be able to SDC to the direct flight... except, I can't find anything in the fare rules or the routing rules that disallows this. I would prefer the direct flight but if I can save $200+ and try to SDC that seems to be the right move. Would that be allowed?
Even if I decide that I don't want to pay for F on a 737, and decide to go with an E+ seat and play CPU roulette, I have the same question because there is a $200+ difference in economy too. Econ on the direct flight is only about $20 cheaper than F on the connecting flight.
So... is this likely to be an allowable SDC?
I've distilled it down to two options -- non-stop or through IAH. Both have P space available; the non-stop is pricing at $815 with fare basis HNA0A9EH/UPDI. The connecting flight is $603 with fare basis WNA0A9FN. I assume that this means that WNA0A9FN is not valid for the direct flight and therefore I would not be able to SDC to the direct flight... except, I can't find anything in the fare rules or the routing rules that disallows this. I would prefer the direct flight but if I can save $200+ and try to SDC that seems to be the right move. Would that be allowed?
Even if I decide that I don't want to pay for F on a 737, and decide to go with an E+ seat and play CPU roulette, I have the same question because there is a $200+ difference in economy too. Econ on the direct flight is only about $20 cheaper than F on the connecting flight.
So... is this likely to be an allowable SDC?
Last edited by VegasGambler; May 27, 2019 at 12:30 am
#5379
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,349
Ok, I'm trying to book SFO-CUN in first class.
I've distilled it down to two options -- non-stop or through IAH. Both have P space available; the non-stop is pricing at $815 with fare basis HNA0A9EH/UPDI. The connecting flight is $603 with fare basis WNA0A9FN. I assume that this means that WNA0A9FN is not valid for the direct flight and therefore I would be be able to SDC to the direct flight... except, I can't find anything in the fare rules or the routing rules that disallows this.
I've distilled it down to two options -- non-stop or through IAH. Both have P space available; the non-stop is pricing at $815 with fare basis HNA0A9EH/UPDI. The connecting flight is $603 with fare basis WNA0A9FN. I assume that this means that WNA0A9FN is not valid for the direct flight and therefore I would be be able to SDC to the direct flight... except, I can't find anything in the fare rules or the routing rules that disallows this.
Even if I decide that I don't want to pay for F on a 737, and decide to go with an E+ seat and play CPU roulette, I have the same question because there is a $200+ difference in economy too. Econ on the direct flight is only about $20 cheaper than F on the connecting flight.
#5380
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Thanks man. You are a wealth of information on this topic.
Shouldn't leveling out fix my W availability problem? The direct flight is earlier than the first connecting flight so it doesn't need to be right at T-24. I assume that P won't still be available without leveling out either.
EDIT: i confirmed that there is no W availability
Shouldn't leveling out fix my W availability problem? The direct flight is earlier than the first connecting flight so it doesn't need to be right at T-24. I assume that P won't still be available without leveling out either.
EDIT: i confirmed that there is no W availability
Last edited by VegasGambler; May 27, 2019 at 1:34 am
#5381
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: Continetnal Silver
Posts: 234
Is UA about to change SMD from 24 hour to same calendar day?
So I have checked in for two flights already in the past week and SDC option on the app only shows flights on the same calendar day when checking in T-24h.
I have to call in to be switched the day and after that, the app shows all the flights with my booking class.
I have to call in to be switched the day and after that, the app shows all the flights with my booking class.
#5382
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
Yes, this change appears to be limited to the app and agents can do normal SDC if you call in. I sent in a written complaint and I suggest you do also. (Although, I’m not hopeful about getting this reversed since it makes sense from a business perspective.)
#5383
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,349
Thanks man. You are a wealth of information on this topic.
Shouldn't leveling out fix my W availability problem? The direct flight is earlier than the first connecting flight so it doesn't need to be right at T-24. I assume that P won't still be available without leveling out either.
Shouldn't leveling out fix my W availability problem? The direct flight is earlier than the first connecting flight so it doesn't need to be right at T-24. I assume that P won't still be available without leveling out either.
I’ve found the leveling to be hit-or-miss over the past couple of years — if the loads are heavy, sometimes it seems the flight never levels out. But, yes, if it does happen, it would take care of your problem. (And, I agree; the P inventory may be the bigger problem).
#5384
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,679
I am not sure how malicious this is, I find UA usually shows you the couple of flights before your scheduled flight and a couple after and they are usually the next flights with availability, so if you flight is at 10am from IAH-ORD and they have 9 more flights that day they aren't going to show you that many flights. I often take the last flight of the night and always see the flights the next am.
#5385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,443
I am not sure how malicious this is, I find UA usually shows you the couple of flights before your scheduled flight and a couple after and they are usually the next flights with availability, so if you flight is at 10am from IAH-ORD and they have 9 more flights that day they aren't going to show you that many flights. I often take the last flight of the night and always see the flights the next am.