I’ve had extensive experience with the AE DCA-JFK route but it’s been either the last or first flight of the day. Let’s face it, American Eagle is the red-headed step-child of AA and is always more of an “adventure” in traveling. In fact, all commuters suck in comparison to mainline. That being said, at least your AE flight isn’t in the evening. Delays tend to mount up and get magnified by the end of the day. Also, if your flight to BDA is leaving from gates 1 through 16, it will be more of a hike from the AE gate 31 and cost you at least 5 minutes more