Forgive me if this is repeating myself as I went through this in December as well. I swear it's gotten worse though.

For 4 years, while my student was studying in RI, I would nicely book flights back and forth from PVD to the Bay Area via MDW, or sometimes other locales (MCO, BWI, etc.) Possibly even a couple of stops but no change of plane, etc., and it was fine because it was worth it for the 2 free bags and really easy access to TF Green. This last year though, oof. No more of that.

Looking for a May trip PVD-SFO, very few days show up as having an itin. I grab one, but then realize I can build my own on other days that aren't all much longer or more stops, and are actually way less points. Hmm I think, I will call and see if CS can put this together for me. Nope, no such luck. The agents state (and I guess this makes sense), that if we were to do that, bags would have to be retrieved, any excess baggage fees paid again, re-checked in, and back through security. Sigh. As to why sometimes long itineraries with 2+ stops are offered up as options and sometimes not, who can say. I'm just so bummed an airline and routine we had for years went off the rails and now I have to choose between precious few dates or choosing another airline. I'd be interested in hearing if folks think this is due to covid or just general lack of people connecting across country this way (though it so well, while it lasted.) It used to be so much easier (1 stop) and now it's not really a possibility even when it is.