Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

If you're not checked in yet and it's a one-way ticket, would it be better to just go directly to the DL counter and ask to do a BUMP? You would have to allow enough time so that if it doesn't work, you can still check in with AA before their deadline. This eliminates the possibility of taking the nonstop, but avoids being stuck until tomorrow, which seems to be your main concern.