Originally Posted by
returnoftheyeti
I booked TUS-LAX-SFO on AA with a 50 minute layover in LAX. Flight got changed to a 2.5 hour layover in LAX. I called Cap1 and they were able to move me to TUS-PHX-SFO with no issues. Super easy, just a quick phone call. Total time on the phone was 15 minutes, mostly while the agent "checked on things".
I'd still only book via the travel agent for "non-important" flights, but so far, so good.
If you are going to take the trip that's fine. The issue is if you change your mind and on AA itinerary. If you use the credit on a future but cheaper itinerary, you forfeit the residual.
I fly specific markets often so I got an sense on what's an appropriate during peak and off peak season. Let's say off-peak can be as load as $110 each way.
If I purchase on directly with AA for $130 and then subsequently it drops to $110, AA will just do a fare rollover, exchange the ticket for $110 and give me a credit for $20. Can't do that if I purchased directly from Cap One as they don't do MCOs.
Even if I cancel my original $130 itinerary with Cap One and attempt to repurchase for the now $110 fare, it would be an "even exchange" resulting in me losing the $20.