Originally Posted by
mduell
Can you provide a reference for your "with 48 hours" assertion?
I always thought it was a different number, but it was just a casual notion, I don't know of any reference for it.
At 48 hours before departure, scheduled flights are transitioned into the operating airline's departure control system, meaning 1) the operating carrier has full access to the relevant e-ticket; 2) most flight activities going forward will take place in the DCS (this is why, for example, many airlines require 48 hours advance notice for purchased seats, special meals, etc. -- those transactions often take place in the res system); and 3) Given
#2 , availability info in res systems is often inaccurate for many airlines within T-48.
Air Canada explicitly states the operating carrier should be consulted within T-48. IMHO other carriers should also make this clear in order to set proper expectations, but the world is what it is.