Originally Posted by
VegasGambler
Just buy it. This is common.
It's always possible that your flight has to be rescheduled because it doesn't get approval, but it's far more likely that it has to be rescheduled because of weather, strikes, or some other reason. So this is always a risk.
AS should put you on a connection if the flight isn't approved for any reason. I've purchased several flights over the years (not AS-specific) that were subject to approval and not a one didn't operate.