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}
Jun 19, 2019, 12:15 pm
#5431
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: CO Platinum/1K, SPG Platinum/Ambassador
Posts: 1,705
SDC Option to Following Day Gone from app/.com
I went on to the app to SDC to a flight tomorrow AM (from a flight this evening) and I'm given the option to choose about 10 flights today but none tomorrow. I've noticed it on two separate reservations both hub-hub and hub-non hub. Anyone else experience this?
Fortunately, the 800 number lets me make the change but wondering if this is hinting at a further policy change.
Fortunately, the 800 number lets me make the change but wondering if this is hinting at a further policy change.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 19, 2019 at 12:23 pm Reason: Moved to existing discussion
Jun 19, 2019, 1:20 pm
#5432
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: *A G, OW Sapphire
Posts: 180
Secondly, if you are Star Gold, you can no longer get the $75 SDC fee waived thru the call center for any SDC of any kind. The only option for *G now is an earlier flight, with no ability to change to next day (which can only be done electronically as calling will incur the fee) I will be giving up my *G because UA doesn't give preferable seats, doesn't give a flexible SDC anymore (my guess is soon it'll totally go away for *G) and plays the whole Basic Economy game which is a tax on Elites to get their "free benefits"
So if you are UA G+, you have to call for following day SDC and if you are *G you are out of luck.
Jun 19, 2019, 4:57 pm
#5433
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Only same calendar day changes permitted via the app/website for free of charge for non-UA *G pax.
For changes via the phone, the same process applies for non-MP members and the change fee would be $75 per person and per attempt.
Jun 19, 2019, 5:22 pm
#5434
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
I have concern with this statement from a post above
Secondly, if you are Star Gold, you can no longer get the $75 SDC fee waived thru the call center for any SDC of any kind.
Can anyone confirm this is true, this is the first I’m hearing
Can anyone confirm this is true, this is the first I’m hearing
Jun 19, 2019, 5:24 pm
#5435
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
And the statement that he made is true.
Jun 19, 2019, 11:33 pm
#5436
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
* At least, not since the days when everybody did. I believe the concept of paid SDC / standby was introduced around 2005 or so.
Jun 20, 2019, 3:00 pm
#5437
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: *A G, OW Sapphire
Posts: 180
Yeah I can't speak to history of SDC via phone with NonUA*G but I was always able to SDC within a 24 hour period (including later flights) at no charge electronically. Now with this new change, I can only select earlier flights for a no fee SDC and I can promise you that calling will get you a $75 fee no matter what flight you SDC for.
As fate would have it, UA would not let me take a flight the next day without a $75 SDC fee so I did not change it. Next thing you know I ended up being called at the gate for a $500 bump voucher with a next day flight cause of an oversold condition.
These airlines are quite the circus
As fate would have it, UA would not let me take a flight the next day without a $75 SDC fee so I did not change it. Next thing you know I ended up being called at the gate for a $500 bump voucher with a next day flight cause of an oversold condition.
These airlines are quite the circus
Jun 20, 2019, 3:06 pm
#5438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,345
Yeah I can't speak to history of SDC via phone with NonUA*G but I was always able to SDC within a 24 hour period (including later flights) at no charge electronically. Now with this new change, I can only select earlier flights for a no fee SDC and I can promise you that calling will get you a $75 fee no matter what flight you SDC for.
As fate would have it, UA would not let me take a flight the next day without a $75 SDC fee so I did not change it. Next thing you know I ended up being called at the gate for a $500 bump voucher with a next day flight cause of an oversold condition.
These airlines are quite the circus
As fate would have it, UA would not let me take a flight the next day without a $75 SDC fee so I did not change it. Next thing you know I ended up being called at the gate for a $500 bump voucher with a next day flight cause of an oversold condition.
These airlines are quite the circus
-RM
Jun 21, 2019, 1:11 am
#5439
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSE
Programs: BA Silver, TK Elite, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 466
The general process for changing E+ seats is that you will be charged full price for the new seat and then the old one will be refunded. If your profile is accurate, and you’re UA Silver, I’m not sure how that would interact, because you’d get E+ for free within 24 hours of departure. My guess is that you’d get a full refund for the E+ seat on the flight you didn’t take, and you’d get E+ for free on the new flight (because SDC can only occur during the same window when you’d get free E+ as a Silver). However, it’d be nice if another Silver could speak from experience on this.
Jun 21, 2019, 11:01 am
#5440
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: UA:MM 1K HH:Diamond IHG:Plat Marriott:Plat
Posts: 652
SDC Policy changing (All segments must be within 24 hrs)?
I was doing an SDC today from AAA-BBB-CCC to AAA-DDD-CCC and what would have been a routine call a week ago turned into a 1/2 hr+ transaction. The system would not let me change the flights without a fee and the agent told me this was because BBB-CCC was more than 24 hours away. They also mentioned that this will be the new policy going forward (that all segments must be within 24 hrs). The agent seemed very skilled and honest (i.e. not making it up) and hence I wanted to pass this along. If true, this will be a huge devaluation in the SDC policy for me (on the GPU front). Has anyone else run into this?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 21, 2019 at 11:13 am Reason: merged with ongoing discussion
Jun 21, 2019, 11:07 am
#5441
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
I don’t consider this a huge devaluation because I honestly didn’t know this was possible at all, to change routing where the second flight was further away (I mean I know you can go from nonstops to connections but not one connecting airport to another). I usually only use them on nonstops.
Jun 21, 2019, 11:12 am
#5442
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
I suspect that there are changes coming to SDC, but I don't think it's likely to be that. It's far too hard to code and has little practical benefit to UA.
Jun 21, 2019, 12:49 pm
#5443
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: All Over
Programs: DL Gold, AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, CC Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 574
Quick question, does SDC fee waiver for an earlier connecting flight still apply once in-route? I'm a UA Silver, coming off an international flight, if I make it through CBP quick enough, can I get on the earlier connecting flight without charge?
Appreciate the help!
Appreciate the help!
Jun 21, 2019, 2:12 pm
#5444
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: UA:MM 1K HH:Diamond IHG:Plat Marriott:Plat
Posts: 652
I don't think there is a SDC fee waiver for UA Silver. It starts only from Gold. The Silvers pay $75.
Jun 21, 2019, 2:14 pm
#5445
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: UA:MM 1K HH:Diamond IHG:Plat Marriott:Plat
Posts: 652
I don’t consider this a huge devaluation because I honestly didn’t know this was possible at all, to change routing where the second flight was further away (I mean I know you can go from nonstops to connections but not one connecting airport to another). I usually only use them on nonstops.
I hope too jsloan.