sigh...sorry to hear about your luggage. I have not had this experience with AS in the past, but given how full flights are this time of year, I suspect that it occurs occasionally.
I would find out when the bags are arriving and see to it that a free delivery will be made to your location and also ask that they baggage charge be credited back. With their 20 minutes or we'll pay you, deal for baggage delivered to the airport carousel I don't see how your request could be deemed unreasonable.
Good luck and be sure to report back what happens!