Originally Posted by
mahasamatman
Never ask for alternatives. Do your own research and request the flight you want. Even if it's more expensive and on a different route, I've never had a problem when a flight has changed carriers.
+1 - When you ask for alternatives, all you get is someone reading back to you the point-to-point you already hold. Particularly with a destination such as WAS with three stations served by UA: DCA, IAD & BWI, it makes great sense to do the research and then call in and ask for the specific flight(s) you want.