The error pricing issue was a reference to your asking about eCommerce stuff, not specifically addressing AC, as they have different rules to follow (Transport Canada, DOT, etc.).

But you are making the assumption that giving a credit card = giving money. Credit card is not legal tender. If the person in question that was stranded paid cash, there clearly would not have been an issue.

The article stated a last minute purchase, which I would (perhaps erroneously) interpret as day-of. If a credit card number was given for a same-day ticket, AC wouldn't have the money at the time of the check-in, nor would giving the CC number have been considered "having the money". They would merely have an IOU issued by the purchaser at that point. Should AC/NH that that risk? That's up to them. If I showed up at the ticket counter with your credit card and told them the credit card is good, should they sell and issue a ticket in my name? Should the checks and balances go out the window as soon as it becomes an eCommerce transaction?

I agree that AC should make it conspicuous about the CC verification, or the possibility. I know from purchasing AC tickets that it's not as obvious as, for example, purchasing a KE ticket, where I'm clearly informed that I need the credit card present or the holder of the card needs to show up at the ticketing counter at or sometime before the 1st segment. At the same time, I don't think it's unreasonable at all, if the ticket was purchased several hours before departure, that the ticketing counter would ask to see the credit card.

I don't like AC much, but personally I find it hard to beat them up over this when there are so many easier things to pick on...