- If you don't already have control, log on to aa.com from the machine your parents typically have used in the past to do the same (skip long IT explanation as to why)
- create a new gmail address while you are logged in (so the AA cookie can see you do this)
- change the email on your parents' aa account(s) to the new gmail
- log off, shut down the machine, wait 1 hour
- log on to new gmail account in chrome
- log in to aa.com any browser
- create a reservation anywhere and mark hold for 24 hours
- log off aa.com
- wait 12 hours
- click on the PNR hold email ("purchase now") in the new gmail account
- log in to aa.com (site should open from the gmail)
- do nothing, log off

in the event the account-owning parent passes away, you have decreased your chances of losing online access by 80%