I was arguing w AA CS a few months ago in ORD, after my flight to BMI was cancelled, about why I couldn't get my bags (w\ had my tallis) back so I could drive to BMI. The rep insisted that my bags made it on the cancelled flight and would be waiting for me at the airport. After 2 hours waiting, my bags magically appeared on the ORD carousel. I smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up. AA sucks with bags, but they are only slightly worse than the other airlines IMO.