I've never felt that AP agents were under pressure to get to the next call. In a recent case, we spent almost 30 minutes thrashing through every possible combination with AC and *A before I settled for the least objectionable alternative. In other cases, we've had friendly banter on subjects not directly related to my request.

I DO try to minimize the time needed by having locators, airport codes and a general knowledge of the available flights before I call. I could save even more time if I could use the web but, when the trip begins and ends with a connection to an AC partner, it doesn't work. Not only that but I'm saddled with a paper ticket which is awkward if there's a change in the itinerary.