Originally Posted by AAntares
I've seen this a few times. Usually in the Admiral's Club rather than at the ticket counter (because that's usually where I go when I have a problem), and usually because of "Irregular Operations" (flights delayed and potential mis-connects).
I think that the official rule is that they are not allowed to put you on the non-stop unless there is going to be a misconnect, but this seems to allow them the flexibility to change it for you if you are nice to them.
Last week I was booked LAX-JFK-LHR and checked in at the TC 40 minutes prior to the flight, which happened to be the cutoff for checking luggage. The TA was unable to check me in citing the cutoff and that the 'system' would not allow her to do so. She did accomodate me though on the non-stop that left 5 hours later. It worked out really well as it allowed me to watch USC beat the cr&p out of UCLA
Anyway - it shows that the TA can reroute you with discretion.