It may not be disclosed on the site but the priority check-in staff at YVR know about the policy change. I successfully caught AC222 (5pm) rather than AC224 (6:30pm) after my meeting let out 45 mins early from YVR-YYC and the AC staff were helpful in getting me changed.

They couldn`t confirm at the check-in counter but put us on standby and we got it at the gate. Apparently it is going to become popular because at least 4 others didn`t make the 5pm (it was only an E90).

So ^ to AC on that policy change.

But, perhaps make the 5pm a 320 or don`t have a 1.5 hour wait to the 630. I can see 222 being the hot ticket on a Friday evening...