Interesting, we have always been able to check in and leave bags on AA way early.. Odd that there was no one at the counters at 10 AM for you. We returned to the US on AA on June 23. We had decided to just go to the airport and stay, so didn't show up until around 1:15. Obviously no problem at that time to check in and check bags. Guess next time on AA we will need to keep better track.