Originally Posted by
anabolism
Check on ExpertFlyer. If EF shows the non-stop available, then keep trying various AA call centers at different times of day. If EF does not show the flights available, then it is more likely that no AA agent will be able to see them. What sorts of screwing up are you concerned with? An AA agent shouldn't cancel your connecting flights out of the record before confirming the nonstop.
It says this in the wiki "
WARNING: While this trick is great for new bookings (especially if you have patience to get lucky for call to be routed to Fiji office), modifying booking on partner airlines is always risky especially when an overseas center is involved, Your original seats are immediately released and while new reservation is supposedly confirmed, it may actually not the case until ticket desk actually issues ticket after approval of the partner liaison. Weekend/Holidays/Time-Difference can delay issuance of ticket and if something goes wrong, there is always risk of being SOL. (Mistakes by agents are rare but not unheard of)."