Originally Posted by
xliioper
I read the actual case ruling that they linked and it seems to deal with flights flown by carriers for "tour operators". It's not entirely clear to me that it is applicable to this case.
Maybe not, but your statement suggested that it was clear to you:
Since flight is in Sept, EC261 doesn't apply here.
Do you now concede that EC261 *might* apply, and that the OP should at least look into it further?
ETA: If I was the OP, I would brush up on some EC261 cases and prepare a basic legal argument to fall back upon in the event the "schedule conflict" argument doesn't fly. While I realize that AA often (i.e. moreso than many other companies) litigates over trivial matters, I'd be somewhat surprised if they wanted to take up a battle against the OP over a cost to them which can't be much more than $50.