I have a paid AA ticket from DCA to ORD in September. When I booked it, the departure time from DCA allowed a two-hour connection in ORD. I noticed yesterday that the departure time has been changed, leaving only a one-hour connection.

Given that 3 of my last 5 AA flights have been delayed by an hour or more, I’m concerned about the risk of missing the connection. The only earlier AA flight departs around 6 AM, which isn’t feasible for me.

United has a flight that departs around the original AA time, and I’m considering booking it as a backup. While I know schedules can change again, the UA option currently seems more reliable.

My question: If I check in for both flights, is it possible to cancel the one I don’t end up taking—even after check-in, as long as I don’t board?