On the other hand, perhaps all of this has been a calculated strategy by AC to close the back doors into their res system, and render flexibilities previously known, inaccessible. The web is for simple, straight forward bookings. Like any autmation technology, it makes simple routine chores such that they don't need to be dealt with by people. More complex transactions can now be done by the agents who are freed from low end bookings to take on the complex ones: SE, E and TAs. Let people do the tough stuff, computers the simple things.

Maybe it is this oblique approach taken by AC that has so pissed off many here. They can no longer make the types of bookings, or seek they types of fares and information, they have been used to doing with PTO. [One doesn't design a system for the 5% of most complex needs, but to serve the majority 80% of routine ones.]

As for mistaken dates on a simple web booking, well, there is a preview screen before one clicks on the "buy" button. Or a careful read of the almost instantly delivered e-ticket email would reveal discrepancies. When this happens within hours of making the internet booking, it can generally be corrected by an agent at no charge. As with any contract, read the hard copy once you get it and there won't be surprises.

As for snotty service attitudes, a letter should go to Steve Smith to nip these things in the bud.