Dec 31, 2016, 10:20 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the 2017 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"
Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
(This post can only be edited by moderators.)
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
Welcome to Flyertalk!
The Newbie Lounge is a place for newer and less experienced members to ask their questions about American Airlines and the AAdvantage program and have answered by our more experienced and knowledgeable members. Feel free to ask any question related to American Airlines and AAdvantage here.
NOTE: This is a "flame free" thread; flaming, personal criticism for "failing to search" etc. is not allowed (if posted, the post will be summarily deleted, the poster subject to sanctions).
Advanced questions posed by veteran FT users may be moved and / or merged into existing master or GUIDE threads, most of which have Wikiposts at the top of the page that contain summaries of important information.
We volunteer Moderators monitor this "lounge" thread to assist you as well. When browsing the fora, look at the page tops of the various forums. There will be a menu, and often "sticky" threads, and threads with header "wiki posts" (created and maintained by the FlyerTalk community) with important information relating to that forum / topic.
Don't hesitate to contact a moderator or another member if you have any additional questions. You can PM the Moderators by clicking on
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We're glad you've chosen to join the Flyertalk frequent flyer community!
Your American Airlines | AAdvantage Forum Moderation Team,
AZ Travels the World, aztimm, dstan, JDiver, JY1024, Microwave
(Our thanks to thread founder / "plank owner" HNL.)
The Newbie Lounge is a place for newer and less experienced members to ask their questions about American Airlines and the AAdvantage program and have answered by our more experienced and knowledgeable members. Feel free to ask any question related to American Airlines and AAdvantage here.
NOTE: This is a "flame free" thread; flaming, personal criticism for "failing to search" etc. is not allowed (if posted, the post will be summarily deleted, the poster subject to sanctions).
Advanced questions posed by veteran FT users may be moved and / or merged into existing master or GUIDE threads, most of which have Wikiposts at the top of the page that contain summaries of important information.
We volunteer Moderators monitor this "lounge" thread to assist you as well. When browsing the fora, look at the page tops of the various forums. There will be a menu, and often "sticky" threads, and threads with header "wiki posts" (created and maintained by the FlyerTalk community) with important information relating to that forum / topic.
Don't hesitate to contact a moderator or another member if you have any additional questions. You can PM the Moderators by clicking on
, which pops up a message box; the message goes to all this forum's Moderators. Note that unlike some sites with paid staff moderators, FlyerTalk Moderators are volunteers, and most work, travel, go on holiday, etc. You can Private Message us using the PM system (My Flyertalk) and our handles.We're glad you've chosen to join the Flyertalk frequent flyer community!
Your American Airlines | AAdvantage Forum Moderation Team,
AZ Travels the World, aztimm, dstan, JDiver, JY1024, Microwave
(Our thanks to thread founder / "plank owner" HNL.)
Check out the following resources:
- GUIDE: FT - AA Forum, LOUNGE DASHBOARD and OSO / IRROPS (Links to most important threads, "Help Desk" assistance threads, the thread with resources for off-schedule operations / irregular operations (including links to AA weather policy and tools), hub airport threads, AA lounge Dashboard for all lounges and lounge related issues.)
- FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first! (Our FAQ were originally written for the pre-merger AA forum, but there's still a lot of useful information there.)
- New and uncertain where to start here, and it's about American Airlines? Start in our "NEWBIE LOUNGE" thread, here: link.
- Do you have questions about other travel related issues that do not pertain to AA and are unsure where to start? Visit our Information Desk Forum here: U]link. [/U]
- Especially useful to new members: FAQs (How to post like a pro and more)
- The NEW FlyerTalk: Helpful Hints, Tips and Suggestions to Enhance Your Experience (Information Desk Forum)
- FlyerTalk Glossary (What is all this jargon?)
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Searching can be key to finding important information and answers without waiting for someone to drop by and answer, and it helps prevent that information fragmentation. FlyerTalk Advanced Search can seem quirky to the infrequent user, but it's fairly powerful if one knows how to use it. There are several ways to search:
- Canarsie's Using the Search Feature on FlyerTalk: The Definitive Thread has relocated to the Information Desk Forum; it can be found there.
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Forum basics: Now that the new AA has become by some measures "the world's largest airline", this new, combined has become a "mega-forum", very large, very active - and theoretically very difficult to find information and easy to lose one's place. Having to search for and sort through dozens - or more - of threads on baggage, airports, minimum connect times or the like could soon become unproductive and discouraging.
To prevent this from occurring, please note we try to:
Keep a few "sticky" threads: such as GUIDE posts, OSO / IROPS, etc. for urgent and quick reference, such as basic "where do I find" reasons
Keep threads to specific topics: Prevent information fragmentation and loss by consolidating questions, answers and discussion of one topic contained in one thread. (This also honors those members who have already shared valuable information and experiences.)
"Popular" threads are likely to have a Wikipost at the head that will summarize important information and have resource links. These are "community property", and as any wiki are established, maintained and updated by the members (with 90 days of tenure and 90 posts on FlyerTalk).
You may find your question or post merged into one of those threads. Be sure that we will leave a link behind from your original thread, and to look up to see if there's a wiki with information. We apologize for any possible inconvenience or difference between this forum and others, but we think you'll like some of the resources and tools here to enable more convenient, comfortable travel on AA and greater knowledge sharing.
Keep it welcoming: We're proud the members of both FFPs have kept the brickbats to a minimum; we want this forum to be welcoming, civil and information rich, so name calling (including calling a member one disagrees with "AApologist") and snark are not tolerated. Posts with such are likely to be summarily deleted in their entirety; repeated such behavior may result in suspension of one's membership privileges or being banned from this forum. Let's keep it friendly and in accordance with the FT Rules.
FlyerTalk Rules (We all agree to abide by these, and are held accountable.)
Thanks for reading!
[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Jan 3, 2017, 8:00 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,399
For yourself? If you're flying you'll get everything just the same as if she was flying with you. For her? No.
Jan 3, 2017, 8:20 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
Jan 3, 2017, 10:43 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Yes.
Jan 4, 2017, 5:00 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 170
deleted
Last edited by ridgeback; Jan 4, 2017 at 5:18 pm Reason: deleted
Jan 4, 2017, 5:19 pm
#36
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Maybe I'm just missing it but where did the AAward wiki link go? Haven't been traveling much for a while. edit: Found it
I was looking for the wiki to answer a basic question and since I'm asking a question anyway, this is what I was hoping to answer: Can I use AAward miles to book a trip for a friend?
I was looking for the wiki to answer a basic question and since I'm asking a question anyway, this is what I was hoping to answer: Can I use AAward miles to book a trip for a friend?
I've gifted a number of award trips to others (mostly friends, some family, etc.) over the years with nary a problem.
OTOH, for those who violate the AAdvantage terms and conditions (selling award travel, etc.) AA is IMO the strictest in having Corporate Security go hammer and tong for violators.
Jan 5, 2017, 9:19 am
#37
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Guinea
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 69
Newb question!
I would like to book ADL-AKL on the weekend of April 17th. There is availability on QF (jetlink) from ADL-SYD, and then onward the next morning SYD-AKL on Latam.
This can't be booked online, and isn't sold as a ticket anywhere I can see for cash.
Questions are:
- Can I book this over the phone, piecing the two segments on the same award?
- Will baggage be able to be interlined - this would make our night in Sydney much easier
- We have an infant, so I'm not sure who I should call to add to the booking as it's on two carriers. Perhaps it'd be easier to book a seat for her as well? (there is availability)
Thanks for the help!
I would like to book ADL-AKL on the weekend of April 17th. There is availability on QF (jetlink) from ADL-SYD, and then onward the next morning SYD-AKL on Latam.
This can't be booked online, and isn't sold as a ticket anywhere I can see for cash.
Questions are:
- Can I book this over the phone, piecing the two segments on the same award?
- Will baggage be able to be interlined - this would make our night in Sydney much easier
- We have an infant, so I'm not sure who I should call to add to the booking as it's on two carriers. Perhaps it'd be easier to book a seat for her as well? (there is availability)
Thanks for the help!
Jan 5, 2017, 11:30 am
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Newb question!
I would like to book ADL-AKL on the weekend of April 17th. There is availability on QF (jetlink) from ADL-SYD, and then onward the next morning SYD-AKL on Latam.
This can't be booked online, and isn't sold as a ticket anywhere I can see for cash.
Questions are:
- Can I book this over the phone, piecing the two segments on the same award?
- Will baggage be able to be interlined - this would make our night in Sydney much easier
- We have an infant, so I'm not sure who I should call to add to the booking as it's on two carriers. Perhaps it'd be easier to book a seat for her as well? (there is availability)
Thanks for the help!
I would like to book ADL-AKL on the weekend of April 17th. There is availability on QF (jetlink) from ADL-SYD, and then onward the next morning SYD-AKL on Latam.
This can't be booked online, and isn't sold as a ticket anywhere I can see for cash.
Questions are:
- Can I book this over the phone, piecing the two segments on the same award?
- Will baggage be able to be interlined - this would make our night in Sydney much easier
- We have an infant, so I'm not sure who I should call to add to the booking as it's on two carriers. Perhaps it'd be easier to book a seat for her as well? (there is availability)
Thanks for the help!
However, in order for it to price correctly, the published paid fares for ADL-AKL must allow you to use LATAM for the SYD-AKL segment. So it still may price as 2 awards (everything on QF would be no problem). It's best to just call AA and see what it comes out to.
For the baggage, that depends on QF policy at SYD, so it's besk to ask on the QF forum or check online elsewhere. And for your infant, once you get your award booked, I would then start by calling QF, since that's your first segment.
Jan 5, 2017, 5:19 pm
#39
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
Yes, they will be able to put it together over the phone.
However, in order for it to price correctly, the published paid fares for ADL-AKL must allow you to use LATAM for the SYD-AKL segment. So it still may price as 2 awards (everything on QF would be no problem). It's best to just call AA and see what it comes out to.
For the baggage, that depends on QF policy at SYD, so it's besk to ask on the QF forum or check online elsewhere. And for your infant, once you get your award booked, I would then start by calling QF, since that's your first segment.
However, in order for it to price correctly, the published paid fares for ADL-AKL must allow you to use LATAM for the SYD-AKL segment. So it still may price as 2 awards (everything on QF would be no problem). It's best to just call AA and see what it comes out to.
For the baggage, that depends on QF policy at SYD, so it's besk to ask on the QF forum or check online elsewhere. And for your infant, once you get your award booked, I would then start by calling QF, since that's your first segment.
Jan 5, 2017, 9:44 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Jan 5, 2017, 11:49 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AA ExPlat, SPG/RC Platinum
Posts: 12
Seating question for EXP booking AA marketed / BA Operated flights
Hi - I'm EP and booking an AA marketed flights from LAX to MAD with all 3 legs operated by BA and IB. Will I be able to chose BA or IB's equivalent for MCE seating at booking for me and my party? If I book these same flights that are also marketed by BA will I be able to choose MCE seating at booking?
TIA
TIA
Jan 6, 2017, 2:39 am
#42
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Guinea
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 69
Yes, they will be able to put it together over the phone.
However, in order for it to price correctly, the published paid fares for ADL-AKL must allow you to use LATAM for the SYD-AKL segment. So it still may price as 2 awards (everything on QF would be no problem). It's best to just call AA and see what it comes out to.
For the baggage, that depends on QF policy at SYD, so it's besk to ask on the QF forum or check online elsewhere. And for your infant, once you get your award booked, I would then start by calling QF, since that's your first segment.
However, in order for it to price correctly, the published paid fares for ADL-AKL must allow you to use LATAM for the SYD-AKL segment. So it still may price as 2 awards (everything on QF would be no problem). It's best to just call AA and see what it comes out to.
For the baggage, that depends on QF policy at SYD, so it's besk to ask on the QF forum or check online elsewhere. And for your infant, once you get your award booked, I would then start by calling QF, since that's your first segment.
Jan 6, 2017, 3:09 am
#43
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Guinea
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 69
https://www.ausbt.com.au/qantas-tigh...eworld-flights
Yes you're right - I'm not worried about separate tickets per se as we'll overnight in Sydney but it would make logistics easier not having luggage with us
Yes you're right - I'm not worried about separate tickets per se as we'll overnight in Sydney but it would make logistics easier not having luggage with us
Jan 6, 2017, 4:58 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
Hi - I'm EP and booking an AA marketed flights from LAX to MAD with all 3 legs operated by BA and IB. Will I be able to chose BA or IB's equivalent for MCE seating at booking for me and my party? If I book these same flights that are also marketed by BA will I be able to choose MCE seating at booking?
TIA
TIA
Jan 6, 2017, 6:17 am
#45
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: American
Posts: 8
Best approach to new AA program?
I am simply amazed at the knowledge level here. I am a newbie but have been Platinum for years. I didn't make it on miles in 2016 and have been offered to pay $1479 to extend my status another year. I won't likely make 50,000 miles this year and don't yet have my "degree" in the new confusing program rules.
Question is for a now infrequent flyer like me that still looks to find the cheapest fares when I do fly, does it make sense to just pay up to stay platinum?
Also, will there be an area for discussion of the smartest and most economical approaches we can take given the new rules are clearly more oppressive to reach elite status levels?
Thanks!
Arthur S
Question is for a now infrequent flyer like me that still looks to find the cheapest fares when I do fly, does it make sense to just pay up to stay platinum?
Also, will there be an area for discussion of the smartest and most economical approaches we can take given the new rules are clearly more oppressive to reach elite status levels?
Thanks!
Arthur S