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Old May 29, 09, 12:05 am   #1
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Arrow FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first!

Welcome to the American Airlines Forum! If your question is not answered in this FAQ, please try the following key resources prior to posting your question in the forum:
Newcomers: Please Read First! – Important tips for new members!

FlyerGuide AA Wiki – Central resource with detailed information about American Airlines and the AAdvantage program, created and maintained by members of the AA Forum.

AA Forum Unofficial User’s Guide – Comprehensive list of the most important threads in the AA Forum.

Search the AA Forum – Your question has probably been asked before, so try searching for a previous thread on the topic!
If you have suggestions or corrections specifically for this FAQ, please feel free to post them directly to this thread. (Trailing posts will be removed periodically.)

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Elite Status
What are the AAdvantages of AA elite status?
How can I qualify for AA elite status?
Does AA offer status matches or Challenges?
Does AA offer lifetime status?
Can I purchase elite status?
I just missed requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?
What is ConciergeKey?
What is AAirpass?
What is Business ExtrAA?

Reservations and Award Travel
Does anyone have a discount or promotion code?
Will I still earn AA miles if I use a discount or promotion code?
How do I get through to AA on the phone?
How do I book an upgradeable fare?
How do I change or cancel my reservation?
How do I book award travel using my AAdvantage miles?
Will I still earn AA miles on award travel?
What awards can I book using ‘old miles’ earned prior to July 1, 1989?

Upgrades
How can I upgrade on AA?
How do I book an upgradeable fare?
What are the chances that my upgrade will clear?
How does the upgrade waitlist work?
How many 500-mile upgrades / stickers do I need?
How do I earn 500-mile upgrades / stickers?
What can I do with 500-mile upgrades / stickers I cannot use?
Will I get F/J mileage credit for my upgraded flight?

Traveling on AA
What are the best seats on my flight?
Will my seat have a powerport and what kind of plug do I need?
Will my flight have Next Generation Business Class?
Will my flight have onboard wi-fi?
Will I have lounge access on my itinerary?
Is it worth it to purchase Admirals Club membership or a daypass?
Will I have to pay baggage fees?
What is Priority AAccess?
Is there an elite security line at my airport?
Will I make my connection?
Can I standby for a different flight?
What are the chances that my flight will be overbooked or oversold?
How do I request compensation for a problem or compliment an AA employee?

AAdvantage Account Maintenance
How are miles and points calculated?
I was rerouted, can I still get my AA miles?
Why is my AAdvantage account showing all zeroes?
How do I keep my miles from expiring?
My miles expired, can I get them reinstated?

Last edited by dstan; Yesterday at 2:27 pm. Reason: miles on award tickets, AC benefits
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Old May 29, 09, 12:14 am   #2
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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• What are the AAdvantages of AA elite status?

There are three elite levels, Gold (GLD), Platinum (PLT), and Executive Platinum (EXP), with increasing benefits at each level, including preferred seating, check-in, security lines, and boarding; bonus miles; and various free upgrade instruments, discounts, and fee waivers.

Wiki: Elite Status
AA.com: Elite Status Benefits Chart | GLD, PLT, EXP Elite Membership Guides
FT: Is GLD / Gold worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)
FT: Is PLT / Platinum worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)
FT: Is EXP / Executive Platinum worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)

Last edited by dstan; Nov 23, 09 at 4:40 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:14 am   #3
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• How can I qualify for AA elite status?

AAdvantage members can qualify for elite status annually based on calendar year butt-in-seat elite-qualifying miles (25K / 50K / 100K), elite-qualifying points (25K / 50K / 100K), or elite-qualifying segments (30 / 60 / 100). All fares on AA earn 100% elite-qualifying miles, 50–150% elite-qualifying points, and 100% elite-qualifying segments, except O fares between North America and Latin America (Central and South America excluding Mexico). Flights on oneworld partner airlines and Alaska Airlines also earn elite-qualifying miles, points, and segments, but may be subject to various fare restrictions and multipliers. Flights on other partner airlines do not earn elite-qualifying miles, points, or segments. Non-flying miles (credit card, dining, etc.) do not count toward annual elite status qualification but do count toward Lifetime Status.

N.B.: From Sep 2–Dec 15, 2009, AA is running a Double Elite-Qualifying Miles (DBLEQ) promotion. Registration prior to travel is required. A previous promotion (DBEQM) ran from Mar 18–Jun 15, 2009.

Wiki: Elite Status
AA.com: Elite Qualification Requirements
FT: AA Offers Double Elite-Qualifying Miles again for 2009! DBLEQ, reg required

Last edited by dstan; Sep 2, 09 at 12:27 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:14 am   #4
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• Does AA offer status matches or Challenges?

Status matches are offered only by invitation for a very small number of top fliers. However, AA does offer unpublished Challenges to obtain GLD or PLT status more quickly. Note that these 3-month Challenges are subject to enrollment fees, have defined start and end dates that can affect how long your status lasts, and are based on elite-qualifying points (5K / 10K), not miles. Status is conferred upon successful completion of a Challenge. Officially, there is no corresponding EXP Challenge, although a very small number of targeted fliers may be invited to participate in an analogous offer.

Wiki: Elite Status Challenge
FT: Help Desk: AAdvantage Elite Status Challenges (Gold and Platinum)
FT: Is there an EXP Challenge? (N.B. Post #170)
FT: AA GLD & PLT Elite Status Challenges (previous thread 2004-2009, now superseded by Wiki and Help Desk thread)

Last edited by dstan; Jun 22, 09 at 12:32 pm. Reason: edit in new Help Desk resource
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Old May 29, 09, 12:14 am   #5
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• Does AA offer lifetime status?

Yes, AA offers unpublished lifetime GLD status at 1 million miles from all sources (flying and non-flying), and lifetime PLT status at 2 million miles from all sources. At 1 million miles, U.S.-based flyers also receive eight 500-mile / sticker upgrades while non-U.S.-based flyers receive four systemwide upgrades. At each million mile increment thereafter, all flyers receive four additional systemwide upgrades. There is no lifetime EXP status. Note that lifetime status does not give a ‘head-start’ on achieving the next higher elite level annually.

Wiki: Lifetime Status
FT: AAdvantage Million Miles Multiples Benefits
FT: Lifetime status: just made Gold/Platinum for life! shout & brag etc.
FT: Purported Lifetime EXPs

Last edited by dstan; Jun 22, 09 at 12:36 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:15 am   #6
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• Can I purchase elite status?

Not in 2009, however, in some previous years, AA has offered Prepaid Travel Cards (distinct from AAirpass) that carry instant status.

Wiki: Elite Status: Prepaid Travel Card
AA.com: Prepaid Travel Card (expired 4/8/08)
FT: No Prepaid Elite Travel Card for 2009

Last edited by dstan; May 29, 09 at 1:08 am.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:15 am   #7
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• I just missed requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?

Unofficially, AA has provided automatic exceptions for elites who come close to requalifying on points or miles (24,500 GLD / 49,000 PLT / 99,000 EXP), however, this exception is unpublished and may change at anytime. Exceptions are not offered before the end of the requalification (calendar) year, by which time it is too late to requalify via the normal methods should the exceptions be discontinued. Officially, in each year since 2003, AA has offered a status buyback / repurchase program for elites who did not requalify; again, this offer is not available until after the end of the requalification (calendar) year. Finally, AA has an unpublished ‘soft landing’ policy, whereby elites never drop by more than one level per year, regardless of miles flown.

FT: 2009 AAdvantage status renewal/requalification questions/issues (consolidated)

Wiki: Elite Status: Exception Policy
FT: Status requalification automatic exception levels (Posted 7/4/02)

Wiki: Elite Status: Buyback
AA.com: Elite Status Buyback: An Exclusive AAdvantage Special Offer
FT: 2009 AAdvantage status year repurchase/buyback (consolidated)

Last edited by dstan; May 29, 09 at 1:08 am.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:15 am   #8
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• What is ConciergeKey?

ConciergeKey Services are provided to a select group of VIPs to facilitate travel on AA. The program is by-invitation only and is targeted at customers who control travel policy for large organizations. Services provided include airport escorts and assistance with reroutes, flight changes, seat changes, and upgrade requests. ConciergeKey status is reportedly not linked to elite status.

Wiki: Elite Status: ConciergeKey
FT: ConciergeKey - new AA Premium Service (consolidated)

Last edited by dstan; May 29, 09 at 1:08 am.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:15 am   #9
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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Posts: 3,737
• What is AAirpass?

AAirpass is a prepaid, fixed-rate travel account program, valid for one or more years, typically for individual or corporate flyers who book high fare tickets. AA has also offered lifetime AAirpass accounts in the past, although they are not currently available. AAirpass does not confer elite status directly, but does come with certain benefits, such as preferred check-in and boarding and complimentary Admirals Club membership.

Wiki: AAirpass
AA.com: AAirpass Program
FT: AAirpass Master Thread (consolidated)
FT: Lifetime AAirpass (last offered 2004) (consolidated)

Last edited by dstan; May 29, 09 at 1:08 am.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:16 am   #10
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Posts: 3,737
• What is Business ExtrAA?

Business ExtrAA is a separate rewards program for businesses, including small businesses. One Business ExtrAA point is credited to the company account for every $10 in base fare traveled. Business ExtrAA points can be redeemed for a variety of awards, including award travel, upgrades, Admirals Club membership and daypasses, and complimentary GLD status. Business ExtrAA awards are distinct from AAdvantage awards and carry additional restrictions regarding eligible fares. Business ExtrAA points expire on December 31 of the second year after the year in which they are earned. Individual travelers also receive their own AAdvantage miles for travel as usual.

AA.com: Business ExtrAA Program
FT: Business ExtrAA Program (consolidated)
FT: Business ExtrAA Bonus Offers (consolidated)

Last edited by dstan; Jun 22, 09 at 2:23 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:16 am   #11
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Reservations and Award Travel

• Does anyone have a discount or promotion code?

Proprietary discount codes, including DealFinder codes, should not be requested or posted in the AA Forum, and such posts will be deleted by the moderators. However, purchasing a 2009 Entertainment Book will give you immediate online access to a 5% discount code (blackout dates apply, expires at end of calendar year), and a second 5% discount code when your book arrives in the mail. The 2010 Entertainment Book offers a fixed $10 discount, $20 discount from certain cities, and 5% off an AA Vacation. A current list of public bonus offers can always be found listed on AA.com.

AA.com: Bonus Offers
FT: 2010 Entertainment Book
FT: Gogo Inflight Wifi Discounts
FT: Admirals Club Discounts (2009 at select clubs) | Admirals Club Discounts (general)

Last edited by dstan; Sep 16, 09 at 8:46 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:16 am   #12
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Posts: 3,737
• Will I still earn AA miles if I use a discount or promotion code?

In general, the answer is yes. Use of a discount code does not affect AA mileage earning. As long as your ticket books into an eligible fare class, you will receive AA miles and points according to the normal calculations. Further, while the use of a companion code is officially supposed to disqualify the companion from earning any AA mileage, this has historically not been the case, although there is no recent data on this following the termination of the TrAAvelPerks program in 2008. However, use of a discount code will disqualify a ticket from earning Business ExtrAA points.

FT: TrAAvel Perks (discontinued 2008)

Last edited by dstan; Oct 5, 09 at 8:33 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:16 am   #13
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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Posts: 3,737
• How do I get through to AA on the phone?

The AA Reservations line is the main point of contact for AA, at +1-800-433-7300 (other numbers can be found on AA.com and in the Wiki). While each elite level also has its own phone number, published in the corresponding elite guide, AA’s phone system recognizes each caller’s elite level based on their AAdvantage number. Only EXP members’ calls are routed to a specific desk with a subset of agents. All other calls are routed to the general agent pool, although PLT and GLD members reportedly receive priority in the call queue. EXP agents are the only agents who can process SWU / eVIP upgrades, and sometimes handle overflow from the general pool. AA does not outsource its U.S. call centers overseas, although foreign call centers are generally staffed by local agents.

The AA Reservations line uses a voice recognition system that often has problems with short words (such as ‘no’, which needs to be elongated for the system to pick it up) and when the caller is in a noisy environment. Fortunately, when entering one’s AAdvantage number, the system does recognize the NATO alphabet, as well as certain common names, in place of letters. (All AA agents also know the NATO alphabet, which can be used to spell out PNRs). AAdvantage members can use AA’s Remember Me feature to associate specific phone numbers with their AAdvantage number automatically. Importantly, although this is an unpublished feature, menu selections can also be made using keypad numbers corresponding to the position of each menu option in the sequence presented. Dial 0 (zero) at any time to be connected to an agent.

Wiki: Contacting AA
AA.com: Contact AA | Remember Me
FT: Tips and Tricks for AA’s Voice Recognition Phone System

Last edited by dstan; Aug 6, 09 at 1:52 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:16 am   #14
Moderator: American AAdvantage and New York City
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• How do I book an upgradeable fare?

All published fares are eligible for 500-mile / sticker and EXP upgrades on AA flights within North America, the Caribbean, and Central America, with the exception of upgrades from Business to First on 3-class domestic flights.

As of October 6, 2009, all published fares (including I, O, and Q overseas) are also eligible for award (miles + copay) or systemwide (SWU / eVIP) upgrades!

Wiki: Upgrades | Inventory Classes
FT: AA Now Allows I, O and Q Upgrade Awards (some higher co-pays coming)

FT: Upfaring an itinerary on Hold to an upgradeable fare class (historical interest only)
FT: Upfaring and applying a discount / promotion code (historical interest only)
FT: Mileage Run Discussion Forum: How to specify the booking code on ITA (historical interest only)

Last edited by dstan; Oct 6, 09 at 2:56 pm.
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Old May 29, 09, 12:17 am   #15
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• How do I change or cancel my reservation?

Before you even get there, AA offers customers a number of ways to insure that tickets are booked correctly. The first is the Hold Reservation feature of AA.com, which allows customers to place a reservation on hold at the prevailing price for at least 24 hours (until midnight of the following day), giving time to confirm correct dates, times, and other travel plans. Note that advance purchase requirements of fare rules still apply, so prices of held reservations may increase when those requirements are not met. Occasionally, prices of held reservations will increase incorrectly when attempting to complete purchase, and this can be rectified by calling AA Web Services (+1 800-222-2377).

The second chance to catch an incorrect reservation after purchase is to call AA before its status changes from ‘Purchased’ to ‘Ticketed’ on AA.com and request that the reservation be canceled or changed.

The third chance to catch an incorrect reservation after purchase is to call AA within 24 hours of ticketing. AA allows its agents to correct ‘mistakes’ to reservations within this timeframe without charging a change fee, although cancellations and refunds are not allowed at this point.

After that, changes or cancellations to non-refundable fares will require payment of a change fee, which is published in the fare rule (usually $150 for domestic fares, $250 for international fares). Fare rules usually grant fee waivers for death of a passenger or traveling companion (domestic or international) or for serious illness of a passenger or traveling companion (international only). Residual value from canceled tickets is recorded by ticket number and must be applied to the purchase of a new ticket for the same passenger for travel within one year of the original ticketing date. Any remaining value will be refunded in the form of a voucher.

Finally, note that AA does intermittently make systemwide schedule changes, and does allow passengers booked on affected flights to make free changes to their itineraries, including cancellation for a full refund. Some agents may cite a minimum time change to allow this (≈30 min, unless a Minimum Connecting Time is violated), in which case, the customer can call back and try a different agent.

AA.com: Refunds FAQ
FT: Ticket errors, corrections and "24 hour ticket mistake window"
FT: Have to cancel a flight, what happens now?

Last edited by dstan; Jul 29, 09 at 1:23 pm.
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