Originally Posted by
jsloan
An agent might do it because it's the only way to get an advanced seat assignment that varies from one leg to the next (e.g., for the best views). Or, an agent might do it because it's the only way to get CPUs. It really depends upon the agent's mood and how persuasive you can be when you ask.
But, you're right. The simple approach would involve adding a transfer at each intermediate point, which is almost certain to violate the fare rules on any inexpensive fare, and would be the same price you got if you were able to book it that way from the start. The agent would have to store the fare and then force it to apply to an itinerary that's not technically valid. It's doable, but it's a hassle, and many agents don't want to bother.
All of this. I used the reasoning of selecting different seats on each segment; I "wanted different sides of the plane for each island's views -- I hear you need to make it be separate segments to do this". All of the agents were willing to try, but the first several were unable to manage it after long conversations with tech support and/or supervisors. The last agent I got was a longtime sCO agent who knew about the Hopper and was finally able to hold the fare and force-reissue the ticket with the additional segments. It needed more tickets because of all the extra segments, and definitely was not legal by my fare rules, and took about 85 minutes on that call alone. I asked to be dialed through to her supervisor after the call and left profuse but vaguely worded praise for her efforts
Also worth noting that split segments sometimes mean upgrades that clear at the gate on the stops. I got a big helping of
from an agent in MAJ, who knew exactly what I was up to and did not approve. YMMV, of course.