S.R's question remains an interesting one, though. Not many people in the OP's situation would have had the option of cancelling the tickets and flying on a different airline. So what would the OP's options have been if they bit the bullet and paid the $1500 to check the bags?

After all, AA sold them a ticket that promised free checked bags. AA did not deliver the promised product. So is there some process for recouping the $1500 from AA?

Here is a screenshot from a reservation for the same flight, next March. As you can see, AA clearly promises two free checked bags.

"Cancel your ticket for a full refund and spend the rest of your life in BKK" or "Toss your bags in the trash" do not seem like reasonable responses, FWIW.

Thanks.