I've searched the various threads, and I'm still unclear as to how the ticket reissuance fee works for e-tickets. Once I purchase my e-ticket, I assume the ticket "issues," right (i.e., "issues" in a metaphysical sense)? If I change my routing a few times leading up to departure, do I need to pay a $125 re-routing fee every time I do so, or do I just pay a single $125 re-routing charge prior to departure?

Second question: If I go with a paper ticket and want to make a routing changes (say, to snag hard-to-find availability on a segment that's NOT part of my current routing), can I actually do that over the phone (i.e., in real time), or do I need first to go down to the AA ticketing office, then turn in my old paper tickets, and then hope that the availability is still there?

Thanks very much.