Originally Posted by
Often1
With a 5+ hour delay you could certainly have AA rebook you onto DL through ATL or AA through CLT, both of which are southbound, not northbound.
I wouldn't say "certainly." Unless OP has high status with UA, they're quite likely to refuse to push the ticket to another airline for a weather delay. However, OP can request a refund a purchase a ticket on another airline if so desired.