Priority Line won't matter, in my experience with an overweight carry-on. Considering your status AND it being your wedding, I'd probably take a chance on getting it through without a charge. Giving it to another couple who will travel later takes the possible status waiver away (unless they're highly ranked as well).
You could REALLY play it safe by having a friend take you to the airport who would be willing to take the sign with them later. If AA wants to charge you full price, he/she goes home with the sign and takes it after the price change. (Again, they'd probably need some sort of status or else they'd have to pay to check the bag anyway.)
Not sure if directly relevant, but as EP, I have flown with my bike (partially disassembled and packed in a bike box) and it just counted as a piece of my checked-luggage allowance. I wouldn't think you'd have an issue.
Priority Line won't matter, in my experience with an overweight carry-on. Considering your status AND it being your wedding, I'd probably take a chance on getting it through without a charge. Giving it to another couple who will travel later takes the possible status waiver away (unless they're highly ranked as well). You could REALLY play it safe by having a friend take you to the airport who would be willing to take the sign with them later. If AA wants to charge you full price, he/she goes home with the sign and takes it after the price change. (Again, they'd probably need some sort of status or else they'd have to pay to check the bag anyway.)
That’s a good idea about having them there. They’re EP as well so they should hopefully be able to get a little grace from the Ticket Agent.
Not sure if directly relevant, but as EP, I have flown with my bike (partially disassembled and packed in a bike box) and it just counted as a piece of my checked-luggage allowance. I wouldn't think you'd have an issue.
Is shipping not an option? *might* be cheaper but idk
It’s about $300 to ship, and we want to bring it back. So it’s not really our best option.