I'm a UA 1k, flying AC for the first time in a while this weekend, routing PDX-YVR-YUL-LHR. My YUL layover is pretty short (40 minutes), and weather reports are forecasting snow, which could conceivably cause delays. I'm worried about a misconnect.

I've read in other threads that flying standby on discount economy is pretty much impossible, but I wonder if I ask the gate agents nicely would they consider rerouting me YVR-YYC-LHR, giving me more connection time? Seatcounter is showing all these flights to be wide open. Any strategies for making my case at checkin?

As an aside, I love the Aeroplan forum! We don't get the intertaining YYZ vs. YUL chatter or much mention of exotic places like Slave Lake in the MP forum. Wish I were a Canadian!