Originally Posted by
Cymro
So while I couldn't guarantee that this would work, I'd suggest calling the operating (rather than the issuing) airline and seeing if they can do anything.
It's certainly worth a try, the OP seems to have little to lose. Thinking about that gives another option, though it won't be good from a planning point of view. On the day of travel the ticket then goes under airport/airline control, so you could have another go direct at AA at that late stage.