Unlike the aeroplan.com web site, where every conceivable combination and permutation of connections are available (let us say, for the purposes of this example, Ottawa to Vancouver), only limited number of combinations are available on the aircanada.com web site, for revenue bookings.

I plan to go from Ottawa to Vancouver, next week. Last night, I booked myself for AC 15 leaving Toronto to Vancouver (at 10 PM). The only connecting flight from Ottawa to Toronto that the web site displayed was #467 leaving at 8 PM. I purchased my tickets with that itinerary, on the web site.

Then I spoke to the SuperElite AC reservations agent, shortly thereafter. I wanted flight number 465, leaving Ottawa for Toronto at 7 PM.

She was able to accomodate me without a penalty fee. She indicated in this situation, if you want a different connecting flight than what the web site gives you, and if you call the reservations agent within 24 hours of the web site booking, there will be no penalty fee.

She indicated that the second option would have been for me to call internet support - open 8 AM through to midnight (Eastern time), 7 days a week, and to have booked the 7 PM flight that way, before entering my credit card number, for the final payment. In my case, since I did the booking after midnight, that option was out (at least at that time).