Originally Posted by
Deltahater
I know that you and I disagree on this topic every time it comes up. It is my position that AA has a rule/guideline/policy/document that is intended for vendors (e.g. travel agents), and they are operating by it. That is the rule 80/240 quoted by MAGIC111 and 3cforme. Does that provide a legal requirement for AA to do so? I don't know, I also don't think it matters much, as the net effect is (which is well documented on here) that AA does make the changes as outlined in Rule 80/240 whether nor not they are legally obligated to do so.
The bottom line is that if the OP asks for the right thing, AA is very likely to accommodate.
They probably will be accommodated. No argument there. However, trying to argue an entitlement based on a rule that does not exist could backfire, and suggesting that someone try and use this strategy does a disservice, IMO. I believe that you have implied that they have an obligation to make this accommodation for schedule changes, and it is not an obligation. It is a favor, usually granted, but a favor nonetheless.
As for the agency section, this is reference material for travel agents, as you mention. It does NOT reflect the contract of carriage between the airline and passenger and, as such, has no legal standing...at least not from being printed there. If it is written somewhere with legal standing, then cool. But this is not it.
I just hope someone doesn't believe your claims about this "entitlement," take the wrong attitude and get screwed as a result.
Cheers.