Originally Posted by
lensovet
Is the married segment logic based on any maximum layover length?
For example I see X-HND-JFK available on two days in a row, if I switch to multi-city search to change a 12-hour layover into a 36-hour one, all I get is PE instead of J. Tough luck? Or would a phone agent be able to book this?
Yes. You are using a term (layover) that airlines do not use. A difference between flights of 24 hours or less is referred to as a
connection. When you have more than 24 hours between flights it is a
stopover. Married segment logic only affects connections (time difference between flights 24 hours or less). Once you have a stopover (more than 24 hours) married segment logic does not apply. This is why when you search for a single journey and a find flights that are married segment restricted you do not see the same flights when searching (with multi-city) for flights with a stopover.
Your only chance to book it while married restricted is with a workaround which used to work a few years ago, but I have not had an opportunity to try it since Alaska revamped their booking engine. You would first book and ticket the married segment itinerary and then attempt to change one segment to a new one which shows stand-alone availability. The change probably won't work online. You would have to call and convince an agent to change it after booking. It may or may not be possible these days and likely it would take more than one call.To convince an agent you would first ask them to search for the segment you want that shows stand-alone availability, without mentioning your already booked itinerary, and when they confirm that is is available then tell them that you would like to change a segment in your existing booking to this flight. Since they have already confirmed it is available they may work harder to figure out a solution. At least that sometimes worked pre-pandemic.