Originally Posted by DCP2016

From the Skift article, "The spokesman said an agent may make an exception if American has only one flight per day, or if a missed connection requires an overnight stay. American will also rebook members of the military on orders and unaccompanied minors on non-partner airlines, as well as customers “traveling for a funeral, weddings, surgery, [or] starting a cruise,” according the the policy."

So basically, just tell the agent you are travelling for a funeral, wedding, surgery, or starting a cruise and you're good to go, or will the require proof?