Originally Posted by bayareafamily

Ah yes, was unclear. Last December, I booked the only itinerary listed (which also only showed up on specific days), but then called WN and they were able to change it to an itinerary with the same departure and arrival city but which was NOT listed as an option on a different day... and yes it was when no charges were being collected due to covid even if there had been a fare difference. So it all worked out... I just had to tell them how I wanted to get from SFO to PVD and they made it work even though it wasn't a listed option. What I was doing was booking the only itin that was offered to get from SFO to PVD (then), and on one of the days it was offered, but then calling to get it changed to a non-published route on a different day. I am not sure why they agreed to it then, other than that they weren't charging fare differences in general and the rep must have thought same beginning and ending, no foul.

Interestingly, since I posted this (for the second time, I realize) one of the options that was not coming up early, via BWI and LAX, *is* showing up today! That was the exact itinerary I asked about when I called but was told would have to collect bags and re-check in again. Now it's coming up as acceptable route on one PNR. Maybe it was just a glitch before, but that was a welcome surprise.