A few years back I was scheduled TVC-ORD-DFW

Due to my grandmother being very ill I wanted to change this to TVC-ORD-STL-[stopover]-DFW

Obviously when I asked they said no.

A few minutes later they asked for volunteers for next flight or a flight out of GRR for $200

I took it and asked again about possibly going GRR-ORD-STL[stop]-DFW.

They rapidly agreed and GAVE me the voucher [which honestly was not expecting].

I drove to GRR and on the way my grandmother died. At GRR I wanted to now travel direct GRR-DFW [go to my grandmother's funeral later in the week].

Even though GRR-DFW was very full, I somehow got first priority on the standby seat.

Even though it did not work out for me, I was very pleased with AA.