AA policies state :"You are denied boarding because the flight is canceled, or
You are denied boarding because a smaller capacity aircraft was substituted for safety or operational reasons,
You are offered accommodations in a section of the aircraft other than specified on your ticket, at no additional charge. If you are seated in a section for which a lower fare is applicable, you will be given an appropriate refund.
On American Airlines, Inc. Flights, if you are eligible for denied boarding compensation, you will be offered a payment equal to the sum of the face value of your flight coupon(s) to your point of destination or first stopover, subject to a maximum of $200. However, if American cannot arrange "alternate transportation" (as defined below) for you, the compensation will be doubled subject to a maximum of $400. "

My flight was cancelled due to mechanical breakdown of the aircraft

First they announce that there are some mechanical problems, than, an hour later they announce that flight is cancelled


I was calling customer relations 817 9672000 since 7 AM today
was unable to get through

what would be the best strategy to get some sort of compensation?