I set up a 4-day trip years ago and my SO requested the time off. Denied. Changed the reservation, paid a fee and again denied. In fact, every weekend in June through August was denied due to "seniority" and other employees taking their vacations.
I changed the reservation again (and paid another fee) and told my SO the dates they'll be sick.
We called early in the morning on the way to a great trip. It felt great. FAFO