Originally Posted by TravelerMSY

This departs significantly from “book whatever you want after a schedule change as an even exchange” based on this language for basic economy. Specifically, only up to H class. It does also mention automation auto opening basic eco space for elite members after sked changes, so there can be a huge variation in how American treats you after a schedule change based on who you are. There is always been a sort of X factor with AA’ on why people are treated differently for the same query. This explains it.

AA*/JB flights with a schedule change that is greater than 1 hour (61+ minutes)
may book the 1st available flight before/after the affected flight in the original
ticketed inventory or up to H inventory is allowed