>>>We have had numerous negative experiences with American Airlines over the past few years. So bad, that we will NEVER again book a flight anywhere with them. Period.>>>
Sorry to hear this. My experience has been the opposite. In fact, except for this hiccup. As a gold member, American is the only airline I fly. Never had a problem. Sorry you have had a different experience.
Just as an example: 3 years ago, our family (my wife, myself along with our daughter, her husband and our 2 grandsons) flew from Houston to St. John for our son’s wedding. The first leg of the trip was to Miami on United. Not problems at all, smooth as silk. From Miami, it was another story. That leg was on American. We departed 1 hour later than scheduled. Twenty minutes out of St. Thomas, we suddenly were diverted and landed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As we taxied to the terminal, we were being escorted by fire trucks and police vehicles. We came to a stop on the tarmac, some distance from the terminal building. After an interval, fire fighters boarded that front section of the plane while we were still strapped in to our seats. After about 20 minutes, the fire fighters, exited the plane and we then taxied to the terminal to deplane. At that time we were told to stay in the gate are to await further instructions. It was later told to us that there was an engine problem and that we would be boarding another plane to continue to our destination. Five hours later, we were finally on our way. Our return trip was not much better, aside from the engine problems of the diversion to San Juan. At no time did American Airlines do anything at all to make any effort to answer questions or even make an effort to at least provide meals or whatever. Only by dumb luck were we able to catch the last ferry from St. Thomas over to St. John.
Our son-in-law had NEVER flown on any aircraft prior to this, insists that he will never fly anywhere again as a result of that experience.
You might get an explanation if you go to FlyerTalk. It’s a forum for frequent flyers, pilots, FAs, mileage chasers, etc.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage-733/
I was on a flight once and we had a collision on the runway. A Lufthansa flight was turning and the end of its wing destroyed our tail and vertical stabilizer. Needless to say, we did not take off. Within 20 minutes the event was posted on FlyerTalk and within 30 minutes there were pictures posted. It is a very good source of information.
BTW, I have had only good experience with American and only fly American. Before that, only flew USAir. Have to say, the food is much better now on American. Also, in case you don’t know - your DFW Admiral’s Club is closing this week.