According to AA's customer service plan, AA will provide updates regarding delays and departure times. The U.S. Department of Transportation advises that airlines cannot guarantee schedules due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur. However, should you wish to complain, DOT advises that customers' rights include acknowledgment to a written complaint within 30 days.
AA states that they will attempt to reroute passengers, should cancellations occur. Passengers who cannot be rerouted will be provided overnight accommodations, subject to availability, if cancellation was caused by events within AA's control. According to the DOT, American Airlines' passenger rights include compensation for being bumped from a flight that has been oversold.
Occasionally flights may divert to another location other than the intended destination. According to AA's customer service plan, the in-flight crew will inform passengers if a diversion occurs. If the flight cancels while on the ground in the city to which it was diverted, then AA will attempt to reroute the passengers.