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)
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Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
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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.)
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[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Jul 25, 2017, 10:47 am
#1381
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
Trying to decide on a C+ seat for my wife and I. HNL to LAX
We normally fly delta but have some miles I wanted to use so we booked AA as it was the cheapest at the time
The AA site says its is an Airbus Jet. But doesnt specify what version. What version is this most likely to be?
My wife looked at Seat Guru (not sure she says looking at the right plane tho)says Seats 8A/B has less leg room due to bulkhead wall being close. I'm 6'3" so the extra leg room is needed.
Seatguru also says that exit rows do not recline? Is this true?
Which are the decent c+ seats?
Thanks
We normally fly delta but have some miles I wanted to use so we booked AA as it was the cheapest at the time
The AA site says its is an Airbus Jet. But doesnt specify what version. What version is this most likely to be?
My wife looked at Seat Guru (not sure she says looking at the right plane tho)says Seats 8A/B has less leg room due to bulkhead wall being close. I'm 6'3" so the extra leg room is needed.
Seatguru also says that exit rows do not recline? Is this true?
Which are the decent c+ seats?
Thanks
A321T three class transcontinental aircraft with lie flat beds in J and F, normally used exclusively on routes between JFK and LAX, SFO.
A321S two class standard recliner F seats.
A321H ETOPS aircraft used for Hawaii, with the same seat layout as the "S" model.
See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...s-ife-etc.html for aircraft disambiguation and links to aircraft specific threads.
Jul 26, 2017, 4:55 am
#1382
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 15
Greetings Flyertalk!
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
Jul 26, 2017, 6:23 am
#1383
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Greetings Flyertalk!
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
Jul 26, 2017, 7:39 am
#1384
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,536
Greetings Flyertalk!
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
Jul 26, 2017, 7:40 am
#1385
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
Greetings Flyertalk!
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
I now have a reason to fly on American Airlines as they recently added a route to Santa Rosa CA that is very convenient. Not having their "AAdvantage" or an affiliated credit card, I am wondering if I should get one. Or rather, is there any kind of signing bonus they offer so I could make the most out of becoming a new customer. (sorry if this is the wrong place).
Jul 26, 2017, 10:15 am
#1386
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Question about award tickets (Business)
Hi all,
Thought I would post in this thread so as not to agitate the more seasoned AA flyers
I don't fly on AA much, but recently took advantage of the credit card sign-up bonus and the latest mileage purchase special. So I have enough miles for a couple of r/t business (saver award) from SFO to Europe. Here's my problem(s):
1. Searching one year out for LGW/LHR, I can only see BA code share flights, after taking through a dummy booking, the "carrier fees" come to $1K for two one-way tix. Is this carrier imposed fee the norm for a BA award?
2. When adjusting the search for Germany, Finland or Spain, none of the partner airlines show up, again only BA flights. Does AA only really partner with BA to get to Europe from SFO? I know there's a thread here on phantom code-share awards, but am I just looking too far out (11 1/2 months)?
Seems like going to Asia/Australia has better award availability with reasonable fees, so is trying to book award travel to Europe on AA useless?
Thanks for any tips and insight on how to best redeem these miles.
Thought I would post in this thread so as not to agitate the more seasoned AA flyers
I don't fly on AA much, but recently took advantage of the credit card sign-up bonus and the latest mileage purchase special. So I have enough miles for a couple of r/t business (saver award) from SFO to Europe. Here's my problem(s):
1. Searching one year out for LGW/LHR, I can only see BA code share flights, after taking through a dummy booking, the "carrier fees" come to $1K for two one-way tix. Is this carrier imposed fee the norm for a BA award?
2. When adjusting the search for Germany, Finland or Spain, none of the partner airlines show up, again only BA flights. Does AA only really partner with BA to get to Europe from SFO? I know there's a thread here on phantom code-share awards, but am I just looking too far out (11 1/2 months)?
Seems like going to Asia/Australia has better award availability with reasonable fees, so is trying to book award travel to Europe on AA useless?
Thanks for any tips and insight on how to best redeem these miles.
Jul 26, 2017, 11:40 am
#1387
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 11
I'm confused about mile earnings. I'm flying DFW-NRT next week on an $8700 fare. I'm PLT, so award miles is 8700 X 8 = 69,600 miles. Right?
But how do I figure out EQM? I've always qualified on points, so I'm absolutely lost.
But how do I figure out EQM? I've always qualified on points, so I'm absolutely lost.
Jul 26, 2017, 11:46 am
#1388
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 152
Hi all,
Thought I would post in this thread so as not to agitate the more seasoned AA flyers
I don't fly on AA much, but recently took advantage of the credit card sign-up bonus and the latest mileage purchase special. So I have enough miles for a couple of r/t business (saver award) from SFO to Europe. Here's my problem(s):
1. Searching one year out for LGW/LHR, I can only see BA code share flights, after taking through a dummy booking, the "carrier fees" come to $1K for two one-way tix. Is this carrier imposed fee the norm for a BA award?
2. When adjusting the search for Germany, Finland or Spain, none of the partner airlines show up, again only BA flights. Does AA only really partner with BA to get to Europe from SFO? I know there's a thread here on phantom code-share awards, but am I just looking too far out (11 1/2 months)?
Seems like going to Asia/Australia has better award availability with reasonable fees, so is trying to book award travel to Europe on AA useless?
Thanks for any tips and insight on how to best redeem these miles.
Thought I would post in this thread so as not to agitate the more seasoned AA flyers
I don't fly on AA much, but recently took advantage of the credit card sign-up bonus and the latest mileage purchase special. So I have enough miles for a couple of r/t business (saver award) from SFO to Europe. Here's my problem(s):
1. Searching one year out for LGW/LHR, I can only see BA code share flights, after taking through a dummy booking, the "carrier fees" come to $1K for two one-way tix. Is this carrier imposed fee the norm for a BA award?
2. When adjusting the search for Germany, Finland or Spain, none of the partner airlines show up, again only BA flights. Does AA only really partner with BA to get to Europe from SFO? I know there's a thread here on phantom code-share awards, but am I just looking too far out (11 1/2 months)?
Seems like going to Asia/Australia has better award availability with reasonable fees, so is trying to book award travel to Europe on AA useless?
Thanks for any tips and insight on how to best redeem these miles.
There are many posts in several different threads on different aspects of your post - lack of saver awards, BA fees, etc. What most have noticed is that awards are sometimes available on AA with short notice - one week out or so and with stops. Be careful though of mixed awards (e.g. SFO-LAX in First (Business) and then longer flights in economy). Connecting on BA from LHR to other cities in Europe does not incur huge fees and is usually OK. Otherwise yes, use your miles quickly to go to Australia/Asia while you can!
Jul 26, 2017, 11:49 am
#1389
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Thanks, I did try booking through to BCN, FRA, TXL, etc., all via LHR/LGW on BA; the carrier imposed fees were still at $1K 
The seasoned AA flyers say to you: welcome to the enhanced AA!
There are many posts in several different threads on different aspects of your post - lack of saver awards, BA fees, etc. What most have noticed is that awards are sometimes available on AA with short notice - one week out or so and with stops. Be careful though of mixed awards (e.g. SFO-LAX in First (Business) and then longer flights in economy). Connecting on BA from LHR to other cities in Europe does not incur huge fees and is usually OK. Otherwise yes, use your miles quickly to go to Australia/Asia while you can!
There are many posts in several different threads on different aspects of your post - lack of saver awards, BA fees, etc. What most have noticed is that awards are sometimes available on AA with short notice - one week out or so and with stops. Be careful though of mixed awards (e.g. SFO-LAX in First (Business) and then longer flights in economy). Connecting on BA from LHR to other cities in Europe does not incur huge fees and is usually OK. Otherwise yes, use your miles quickly to go to Australia/Asia while you can!
Jul 26, 2017, 12:03 pm
#1390
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,146
E.g. 6,428 x 3 for DFW-NRT = 19,284 for the oneway.
If you're in discount biz (I, usually), you get 2x miles flown. E.g. 12,856 for the DFW-NRT oneway.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp
Jul 26, 2017, 12:22 pm
#1391
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 11
Very simple, actually. If you're in full-fare biz (J), you get 3x miles flown.
E.g. 6,428 x 3 for DFW-NRT = 19,284 for the oneway.
If you're in discount biz (I, usually), you get 2x miles flown. E.g. 12,856 for the DFW-NRT oneway.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp
E.g. 6,428 x 3 for DFW-NRT = 19,284 for the oneway.
If you're in discount biz (I, usually), you get 2x miles flown. E.g. 12,856 for the DFW-NRT oneway.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp
And ouch. I'd rather have it the other way around.
Jul 26, 2017, 12:28 pm
#1392
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,146
And then, of course, it counts towards your EQD. In this case, you'll get around $8400, is my guess.
But yes, the EQM calculations are based on fare bucket and mileage... IF you are buying the ticket from AA with an AA-marketed flight.
If you buy the ticket from BA, or from AA without an AA flight number, you go by the specific partner's EQM/EQD/RDM charts. Usually distance and fare bucket based.
Jul 26, 2017, 1:13 pm
#1393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,536
You might call AA and inquire about award space on TN's LAX-CDG nonstop; aa.com is incapable of displaying award space on TN flights. You can also search aa.com for award space on AB's (seasonal) LAX-DUS nonstop, and on IB's LAX-MAD nonstop.
Jul 26, 2017, 1:19 pm
#1394
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,146
Also, just keep watching it. Space comes and goes for AA/AY/IB award space - all which save you $ on taxes and surcharges vs. BA.
Jul 26, 2017, 1:20 pm
#1395
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Great points..thanks! Can you tell me, aside from BA, am I just searching too early for other partner airlines? Do all of them release inventory about a year in advance, or could it be closer to 6 or 9 months?
I think what laagima meant was that if you can find award seats on AA TATL flights to LON, the fees for then connecting to a BA intra-European flight will be modest. But if you can only find TATL award space on BA metal, the surcharges will indeed be hefty.
You might call AA and inquire about award space on TN's LAX-CDG nonstop; aa.com is incapable of displaying award space on TN flights. You can also search aa.com for award space on AB's (seasonal) LAX-DUS nonstop, and on IB's LAX-MAD nonstop.
You might call AA and inquire about award space on TN's LAX-CDG nonstop; aa.com is incapable of displaying award space on TN flights. You can also search aa.com for award space on AB's (seasonal) LAX-DUS nonstop, and on IB's LAX-MAD nonstop.