Complaint Review: american airlines

I made reservations with american airlines on July 26th for an August 5th flight for a family emergency. Things changed, and I needed to change my reservations. I called on August 3rd to cancel one ticket and change the other to a flight on August 9th. I was assessed charges of over $450 to do this (after applying the refund for the cancelled ticket, if there was a refund).

The e-ticket confirmation clearly states that you have 24 hours prior to the flight to cancel for a full refund. However, the customer service representative said "no, that's 24 hours after you make the reservation that you have to cancel".

So I ended up paying over $1000 for a $250 dollar ticket......I feel that the airlines just make up rules to suit them and the customer is the one who ends up paying ridiculous fees for making a reasonable change. I think charging $450 dollars additional to the already $550 I had been charged for the initial reservation is outrageous.

I do not plan to book with American Airlines ever again.....Southwest will get my business.