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}
Jul 3, 2019, 3:58 pm
#5476
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 403
Using the app. I am checked-in for flights tomorrow and may want to SDC. When I select "change flights" it takes me to my "Already checked-in itinerary" and provides no options for alternate flights. I also see no option to "undo check in".
What to do?
Thanks!
-------
Found the answer and posting here in case helpful:
I went to united.com and I had to select "Check in for Another Flight" and then manually enter name and PNR of flight I am already checked in for, and then it to took me to a screen with my itinerary and I could select "Change or Cancel" and then there is a link for "Undo Check In"
What to do?
Thanks!
-------
Found the answer and posting here in case helpful:
I went to united.com and I had to select "Check in for Another Flight" and then manually enter name and PNR of flight I am already checked in for, and then it to took me to a screen with my itinerary and I could select "Change or Cancel" and then there is a link for "Undo Check In"
Last edited by shdflyer; Jul 3, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Jul 4, 2019, 7:46 am
#5477
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: United Premier Platinum
Posts: 638
Does having a cleared CPU mess up the SDC availability that displays on the app or website? If I’m not seeing any SDC options, is it possible that some would appear if an agent knocked out the upgrade?
I have had this issue with AA, not sure if UA faces the same issue.
I have had this issue with AA, not sure if UA faces the same issue.
Jul 4, 2019, 7:50 am
#5478
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
Yes, typically having a cleared CPU reduces your SDC options. With CPU it looks for PZ space, which is usually less than space for whatever your original basis is. You can do a search for origin - destination and see which options show your economy basis (e.g., S, L, etc.) with availability. Then call and ask an agent to put you on that particular itinerary. If you don't know the basis, check your original receipt.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:07 am
#5479
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
Yes, typically having a cleared CPU reduces your SDC options. With CPU it looks for PZ space, which is usually less than space for whatever your original basis is. You can do a search for origin - destination and see which options show your economy basis (e.g., S, L, etc.) with availability. Then call and ask an agent to put you on that particular itinerary. If you don't know the basis, check your original receipt.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:21 am
#5480
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
Yeah, at first I thought it would be fun, but I'm now less thrilled with it, especially given the other curtailments of the app SDC function. But I agree, it doesn't look like they have any priorities to fix the PZ usage.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:30 am
#5481
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
That one made sense to me, though, because if I’d been put on the new flights in B, I could have instant-upgraded them back into PN anyway. It’s really just CPUs into PZ that are broken and need to be fixed. For instruments, or for instant upgrades, I do like the change.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:41 am
#5482
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
I did take advantage of it the other day to SDC PN->PN on an instant upgrade B RBD (domestic portion of a PE R fare where I got an instant upgrade).
That one made sense to me, though, because if I’d been put on the new flights in B, I could have instant-upgraded them back into PN anyway. It’s really just CPUs into PZ that are broken and need to be fixed. For instruments, or for instant upgrades, I do like the change.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:51 am
#5483
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: United Premier Platinum
Posts: 638
Yes, typically having a cleared CPU reduces your SDC options. With CPU it looks for PZ space, which is usually less than space for whatever your original basis is. You can do a search for origin - destination and see which options show your economy basis (e.g., S, L, etc.) with availability. Then call and ask an agent to put you on that particular itinerary. If you don't know the basis, check your original receipt.
Jul 4, 2019, 8:56 am
#5484
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
You can activate expert mode, and then in the app or on the website, the inventory will appear in the details of each flight option.
link: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...cket-data.html
link: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...cket-data.html
Jul 4, 2019, 7:10 pm
#5485
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: SPG Plat
Posts: 459
Two separate questions for the pros:
1) If you have a inbound return flight the next day, could you do a SDC the outbound flight after the inbound flight?
2) If you SDS for a later flight, and don’t clear or miss it. Is the return flight cancelled?
1) If you have a inbound return flight the next day, could you do a SDC the outbound flight after the inbound flight?
2) If you SDS for a later flight, and don’t clear or miss it. Is the return flight cancelled?
Last edited by silverforumsurf; Jul 4, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Jul 4, 2019, 9:54 pm
#5486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
2. In general, if you miss a flight, the rest of the itinerary is cancelled. There is one person on the board who has reported regular success with being able to standby for a flight later than the one that they’re booked on, but I’ve never figured out how on earth that works. At some point,though, you’re going to have to convince UA to remove the outbound flight from your itinerary. I don’t think it’s going to let you fly the coupons out of order.
In general, as soon as staff figured out what you’re trying to do — skip your outbound — they’re not going to be helpful.
Jul 5, 2019, 10:27 am
#5487
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
SDC with UA partner on first segment
I had no luck for SDC with Air China first segment (rest on UA). I ended with paying change fees ($120), but the agent got her supervisor to waive the fare difference (>$700 with U original fare) after she were unable to get my original routing back. I guess that Air China stopped selling ticket with UA segments (according to my search result). The new itinerary is all on UA.
Just a data point!
Just a data point!
Jul 5, 2019, 10:30 am
#5488
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
I had no luck for SDC with Air China first segment (rest on UA). I ended with paying change fees ($120), but the agent got her supervisor to waive the fare difference (>$700 with U original fare) after she were unable to get my original routing back. I guess that Air China stopped selling ticket with UA segments (according to my search result). The new itinerary is all on UA.
Just a date point!
Just a date point!
SDC is a United perk and their partners are not obliged to waive fare differences but in your case, you were lucky.
Jul 5, 2019, 1:01 pm
#5489
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,844
On rare occasions, folks have reported the app making such offers.
Jul 5, 2019, 1:18 pm
#5490
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Platinum)
Posts: 163
=== Change UA-codeshare, non-UA-metal segment to UA metal: A ===
Tried this; didn't work. Had a UA codeshare AC metal, UA-issued ticket 9 PM EWR-YYZ. I got to the airport a little early and went to the UA premier check-in desk to ask to switch to the 8 PM EWR-YYZ flight on UA metal.
First they stalled, acting as though they had no idea what I wanted. Then they said they'd have to re-issue the whole ticket and contact air Canada. They they started talking about charging me a $250 change fee (or something like that).
Finally, I just rolled my eyes and walked away and stuck with my original flight.
Maybe it would have been better to speak to someone in the UC or on the phone - I don't know.
Tried this; didn't work. Had a UA codeshare AC metal, UA-issued ticket 9 PM EWR-YYZ. I got to the airport a little early and went to the UA premier check-in desk to ask to switch to the 8 PM EWR-YYZ flight on UA metal.
First they stalled, acting as though they had no idea what I wanted. Then they said they'd have to re-issue the whole ticket and contact air Canada. They they started talking about charging me a $250 change fee (or something like that).
Finally, I just rolled my eyes and walked away and stuck with my original flight.
Maybe it would have been better to speak to someone in the UC or on the phone - I don't know.