Wino - the earlier flight (also AA) was cancelled.
Therefore, the problem with the paperwork was down to AA (ie it would have been in order for that flight (I assume)). Indeed, it appears now - according to AA SLF's post:
[quote]Latest off the TV - MSNBC says that AA now says that it was never a matter of paperwork, rather the Capt. could not establish the Agents credentials. Give me break - that is a non-starter. Does anyone out there really believe that the Secret Service doesn't have one of the best communication systems in the world? That the BWI LEOs couldn't contact their next door neighbor and independently confirm the Agents creds? Does anyone believe the Secret Service doesn't maintain a 7x24 command post in Wash-DC? <hr></blockquote>
I don't think that this problem has been blown out of all proportion by the media etc: clearly - within the same company! - you have one flight where someone allegedly with IEDs in his shoes attempts to blow it it; and another where you have a captain denying passage to a member of the President's close protection team - apparently on the basis of his race.
Obviously, AA has a serious problem in its hands.