Big YMMV
I booked a web special award for my family of 5 on March 5th.
Non-stop Phoenix to Newark for 12000 miles each. June 20th return June 29th.
This past Sunday when June schedule changes rolled out there are now zero non-stop from Phoenix to Newark. My flight change from a 5 p.m. arrival to a after 10 p.m. arrival with a stop
I actually live in Tucson but was willing to drive to Phoenix for the nonstop and there was nothing even close at that mileage redemption through Tucson.
After the schedule change I called and was rerouted leaving and coming back to Tucson arriving 18 minutes after my original arrival time. Absolutely no push back nor any talk of any extra fees or miles etc.
Once I cut out the drive to Phoenix or having to pay to go up the night before and stay in a hotel this is a big win-win for me.
Big Kudos to AA.