ARCHIVE: obsolete Unofficial Users' Guide and related
#1
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
ARCHIVE: obsolete Unofficial Users' Guide and related
Reserved
Proceed past this point at your own risk.
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 16, 2010 at 10:34 am Reason: add bits / update
#2
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Forum User's Guide: Wiki Link, Thread Links, Glossary & New Member Info
DB messup - empty pending new system
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 10, 2009 at 5:12 pm Reason: updates
#3
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Useful Links / Resources from FlyerTalk members
Unofficial Users' Guide - American AAdvantage Forum
AA Wiki index page (Highly recommended! Some FT – AA members have made recent and extensive additions and updates.)
New Members - Welcome and orientation. (Link to Post #6 below)
American AAdvantage supplemental glossary (Link to Post #5 below)
Using Search
Using Search, the American Airlines Wiki and this "sticky" (linked to below) to look for posts addressing your questions are strongly recommended prior to starting a new thread (and reviving old threads - generally over two years old - is also not recommended.) With the now-enhanced Advanced Search, try using unique words for your search - e.g. "Francisco Admirals" should work for San Francisco Admirals Club, as you don't need redundant words to clog the search; or if posted in thread titles, for searching by “title only” - and using "Francisco+Admirals" with a plus sign between words will make it even more efficient. Be aware three letters (“DFW” or “JFK”) will work for searching, but you must enclose them in quotation marks. Also, please note if you are not registered and logged in, you may not have access to the extended search capability. You can also use alternate search methods displayed just below.
Alternative Search engines:
Google Use this link.
Google - use the Search Site function, or use "site:www.flyertalk.com" followed by the search words
Boardtracker - link
As well, be prepared for some other changes we hope will be of use to members...
Disclaimer: This unofficial Guide is for your convenience only. Always be sure your information source is up to date and accurate before acting on it. Information on aa.com may supersede information you find here or via any linked-to information.
Some FlyerTalk – American AAdvantage Forum Threads of Interest:
"Help Desk" threads
Help Desk: AAdvantage Elite Status Challenges (Gold and Platinum)
AAdvantage Account
AAdvantage – My aa.com account is showing zeros! – AA posts miles in batches, and you may experience a few hours (or if it is the first Saturday of the month, as far as Monday,) where you can not read your account detail. Situation normal.
AAdvantage Enrollment Bonuses (consolidated)
AA Account History: Can I get my complete record?
AA.com Website: Glitches, fixes and more (consolidated)
Name Change on AAdvantage account
What happens in account holder death / passing away? (consolidated)
Selling miles / eVIPs - busted! (Account Audits, etc.) (consolidated)
Selling vouchers on eBay - busted, account locked.
AAdvantage Credit Cards and Related
Best credit cards for earning AAdvantage Miles (comparisons)
Citi AAdvantage (personal) MasterCard questions (consolidated)
Citi AAdvantage (personal) American Express / Amex Card questions (consolidated)
CitiBusiness AAdvantage MasterCard / Visa questions (consolidated)
CitiBusiness vs. personal AAdvantage MasterCard compare / questions (consolidated)
Citi companion ticket issues and questions (consolidated)
Transferring Amex / American Express Membership Reward Points to AA? (consolidated)
AAdvantage Customer Service
AA Telephone Prompt Bypass / Tips and Tricks
How to call AA 800 numbers from overseas (consolidated)
Is "Remember Me" returning old "Know Me" (consolidated)
Australia - booking alternatives to outsourced Indian callcentre
AAdvantage (Elite) Status
AAdvantage Elite Status Challenges (Gold and Platinum)
(American generally does not match status; rather, it offers a "challenge" shortcut for Gold and Platinum status. See this thread for more info.)
Is GLD / Gold worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)
Is PLT / Platinum worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)
Is EXP / Executive Platinum worth it? What are the benefits? (consolidated)
2010 AAdvantage Status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
2009 AAdvantage Status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
2008 AAdvantage Status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
2007 AAdvantage status renewal / requalification questions / issues (consolidated)
2008 AAdvantage status year repurchase / buyback (consolidated, current thread)
2008 AAdvantage status year repurchase / buyback (consolidated, old thread)
Requalifying if I am short a few miles/points/segments (c/y 2006 version)
Speculation: Number of AA EXP, Platinum and Gold Elite Members
Lifetime Status - I just made 1M / 2M - Gold / Platinum for Life! (consolidated)
I just made EXP! (consolidated)
(Congratulations! Please post your good news here to share with those who want to know...)
AAdvantage Miles
AAdvantage Miles new 18 month expiry policy
AAdvantage Miles for booking online at aa.com ended March 31, 2008
BA / AA: Discrepancies in Fare Classes / Miles Earned on aa.com?
CitiBank bonus miles not posting / denied
Direct flights miles penalty and issues (multiple legs, same flight number - consolidated)
Direct flight mileage penalties, as well as upgrade sales and seat issues
Boeing 757 DUB and SNN but may apply to similar flights
Earning Elite status bonus miles on AA and other airlines
Earning AAdvantage Miles on Cathay Pacific
Earning AA Miles on charter Cuba flights (not possible)
Earning miles on oneworld codeshares
Earning AAdvantage Miles earned on QANTAS Premium Economy Class (consolidated)
Exchanging AAdvantage for Hilton HHonors points
Expiry - Preventing miles from expiring
N.B. Miles now expire after 18 months of account inactivity
Expiry - Preventing miles from expiring without having to think about it
Help! AA took away my miles (consolidated)
Help! AAdvantage account closed due to inactivity - What can I do? (consolidated)
"Help - I need xxx miles" consolidated thread
Involuntary Reroutes and Original Routing Credit (consolidated)
Minimum EQM* on AA *Elite-Qualifying Miles
Minimum EQM / EQP* on BA or IB? *Elite-Qualifying Points
Million Miles Benefits
Million Miles - How did you cross the Million Mile mark?
“Old Miles” and their use (earning ended 1 JUL 1989) Miles (consolidated)
Online Booking Bonus Ends March 31, 2008
Online Booking Bonus (reduced to 250 / 500 miles)
Summaries of previous AA travel – how, costs, etc.
Aircraft Related
AA 762 and 772 Flights with Business Class Seats Sold as Economy / Coach (consolidated)
Aircraft tail numbers - how do I get one?
Visual Identification of AA Aircraft
Boeing 737-823 (38D) New Configuration Orders & Replacement of MD-80 (consolidated)
Boeing 737-823 (38D) New Configuration Rollout April 2009 (consolidated)
Boeing 737-823 (738) Refurbishment to 38D Configuration June 2010
Boeing 757-223 (752 Domestic) Refurbished Domestic Configuration Rollout (consolidated)
Boeing 757-223 (752 Domestic) Planned Refurbishments (consolidated)
Boeing 757-223 (752 Domestic) Rows 9 and 10 Exit Row Seats (consolidated)
Boeing 757-223 (75L) International Configuration Rollout (2009)
Boeing 767-223ER / 762 with new F cabin layout, refurbishment (consolidated)
Boeing 767-223ER / 762 First and Business cabins to be upgraded (consolidated)
Boeing 767-223ER / 762 Refurb: Reupholstered F seats and J (not final refurb F product!)
Boeing 767-223ER / 762 Coach Seating
Boeing 767-323ER / 763 Rows 10-13 (coach "minicabin")
Boeing 767-323ER / 763 Row 17 (consolidated)
Boeing 767-323ER / 763 Blended Winglets Installation (2009)
Boeing 777-223 / 772 Best First / F Seats [Post with photo/video links]
Boeing 777-223 / 772 Best Business / J Seats
Boeing 777 Coffins or Suites, which will my flight have? (Suites - conversion is complete.)
Bombardier CRJ700 / CR7 New Configuration with First Class (consolidated)
Bombardier CRJ700 / CR7 Seating (consolidated)
C. R. Smith Museum at DFW
Embraer ERJ-145 (ER4) Best Seats
MD-80: Everything You Want to Know About Where to Sit on Super 80
Music played on AA aircraft – in-cabin and in-seat (consolidated)
NGBC Boeing 767 and 777 “Next Generation Business Class” article in the AA Wiki
NGBC Boeing 767-323ER “Next Generation Business Class” (consolidated)
NGBC Boeing 777-223ER "Next Generation Business Class" (consolidated)
NGBC Tricks and Tips: NGBC "Lie Flat Beds" in Business class (consolidated)
Power plugs and adapters for AA flights (consolidated)
Seat assignment change issues – (consolidated)
Service Items - Duvets (new Nov/Dec 2006)
Unassigned Seat Strategies (consolidated)
Airports Related
Minimum Connection Times table (in the Wiki, not a current thread)
Minimum Connection Times (the thread - but it leads to the Wiki!)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
AA Premium Security Queues
AA Premium Security Queues: AAdvantage Gold: Using Elite Security Lines at Airports? (consolidated)
Food - Favorite Airport Takeaway Grub for Onboard Consumption?
Food - BOS / Boston Terminal B Restaurants
Food - ORD AA Terminal and healthy food
BRU – Connecting and shopping at Brussels International – Zaventem airport
DAL/DFW Wright Amendment (consolidated)
DEL - Navigating Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, arriving / departing on AA (dstan on Trip Reports)
DFW terminal D Best food in
LAX Connections - T3 – T4 connection via Eagle shuttle bus
LAX TBIT New International oneworld departure lounge (oneworld Forum)
London Heathrow Flight Connections web page (find out where your flight arrives / departs; tool, not thread)
London Heathrow LHR - Terminal 5 "FAQ, Information and Updates" thread on BA EC Forum
London Heathrow LHR Connections NON-Terminal 5 to / from AA
- London Heathrow LHR Connections new Terminal 5 ONLY to / from AA
London Heathrow LHR Fast Track clarification for AA Elites
London Heathrow LHR Minimum Connect Times (MCT) (But see LHR T-5 thread for upcoming changes)
London Heathrow LHR etc, IRIS frequent traveller program information
MEX - AA connection to AV (and other airlines) (consolidated)
MIA / Miami Airport Renovations (consolidated)
Reconfigured MIA Security, now with Priority AAccess (consolidated)
Montevideo, Uruguay: AA and no lounge access
New York: ground travel between JFK and LGA
Tokyo Narita - Haneda (Tokyo International to Tokyo Domestic) airport transfers (leads to Japan Forum thread)
American Airlines Partners
Air Tahiti Nui flown as Qantas codeshare – AA EQM? (consolidated)
Alaska Airlines - Flying as an AA Elite
Alaska Airlines (AS) - How Long for AS Flight to Post to AA Account?
British Airways - Accessing AA-booked or AA award itineraries on BA.com "Manage My Booking"
British Airways - get an Amadeus booking reference number for your AA itinerary
British Airways to cease awarding AA Elite Bonus Miles March 1 2008
(much like Malév and Japan Airlines)
British Airways - policy on seating AA EXP / Plat on BA flights
(links to oneworld Forum threads)
El Al and American announce codeshares expected as of Feb 1 2008
EVA Air AA codeshare booked on aa.com
Hawaiian Airlines, Earning AAdvantage Miles on
Japan Airlines - how to select seats on JL's website as an AA flyer
Jet Airways / 9W Codeshare / Partnership information (consolidated)
Turkish Airlines / THY, relationship to AA
(no longer partner after March 30, 3008; becoming member of Star Alliance)
Award Travel
American Airlines AAdvantage award miles requirements (award and upgrade) changes as of October 1 2008
AA and All-Partner award travel stopover/transit rules *REVISED w/ ROUTING rules*
BA Website use for searching Award seats on Partner Airlines (Requires registering for BAEC)
FCO (Rome Fiumicino) and Plan Ahead Awards challenges
Japan Airlines fare codes
New One-Way Flex Awards, Stopover Rule, and Booking Engine (May 9, 2009)
oneworld awards using American Airlines miles
Open Jaw Awards - How to Book (consolidated)
Routing Stopover / Transit Rules sticky
Award Seats on Air Tahiti Nui (TN) and Strategies (consolidated)
Award seats on Qantas and when they are released]
AA, oneworld / partner award to IPC / Rapa Nui / Easter Island / Isla de Pascua
X Class inventory reporting changes on Expertflyer
Baggage-related (checked and carry-on)
Baggage limit changes: American begins charging $25 for a second checked bag as of May 12, 2008
Baggage and Boarding Passes - Overnight Connections (consolidated)
Baggage - They damaged my bag; what are they liable for / what do I do?
Baggage - Multi-airline flights, "they" lost my bag: which airline is responsible?
Baggage Tags - AAdvantage and Admirals Club luggage tags availability (consolidated)
Premium Baggage Tags for F, J, elites on Domestic Flights
Rollaboards that fit (or don't fit) AA carry-on baggage sizers
Fares
(also see Wiki, penultimate thread for links to fare search engines)
Bereavement fares
Booking fares other than presented on AA.com
Booking “B” class fares specifically
Booking several travelers may result in higher fares for all
Fares on Hold changing price – what to do?
Fares - unexpected fare code changes on aa.com
Military / government fares & upgrades SWU eVIP stickers >= Nov 2009 (consolidated)
oneworld Explorer fares changing maximum segments to 16
Rollovers (getting the difference back when fares drop )(BUT SEE NEXT!)
Rollovers: international and domestic now require change fee paid (Aug 9 2007)
Rollovers - Computer glitch not showing complete transaction on receipt
Stalking AA for fares – alternative fare availability tool discussion (see Tools listing below)
YUP / KUP discounted First fares thread
YUP / KUP farefinder on Farecompare.com (link leads to non-FlyerTalk site)
Flights-related
AA Definitions of "International" for various purposes
American Eagle: Free Snacks/Drinks/Pillows for Plat/ExecPlats?
American’s Gogo Wifi Beginning July 2008 (consolidated)
BA: BA Introduces New Paid Seating Policy - Impact on Codeshares, AA elites unclear (Oct 7, 2009)
BA: Seat selection on AA codeshares on BA
Booking two seats for one person (XTRA SEAT)
Gogo Inflight Wifi Rolling out on MD-80 Aircraft (May 2009-)
Gogo Inflight Wifi Discounts
Cancellations / delays reaccommodation "rights" - Rule 240 / Rule 80 discussions
Cancellations, medical reasons
Cancellations and AA's "Trip in Vain policy" (consolidated)
Check-in / Self-Service Check-In Machine (Kiosk) allows (some) International Self-Service Check in
Self-Service Check-in Machine (Kiosk) in Airports
Confirmed Flight Change (AKA "Confirmed Standby") - now $50 (consolidated)
Food: Longhaul menu / menus; meal experiences for 2009 (consolidated)
Food: Traditional Meal Times on AA
Free Drink and Snack for EXP and ConciergeKey in Coach as of Sept 1, 2009
Involuntary Denied Boarding / IDB Order and Compensation
Seat selection and losing my selected seat on my agent-purchased ticket
Seat selection exchanges and etiquette on requesting them of others
Splitting segments on through flights - for upgrades or seat selection (consolidated)
Standby List Order, Additions and Deletions (consolidated)
Standby on Day Before Ticketed Flight (consolidated)
Upcoming Route Cuts: Check here for updates (consolidated) (as of and after May 2008)
Lounges
(Admirals Club, Flagship Lounges, other oneworld and eligible lounges)
Membership
Admirals Club Membership Discounts (general)
Admirals Club Membership Discounts (2009 at select clubs)
Admirals Club Member Discounts (link to AA page)
Admirals Club Daypass - Worth it? / Access Rules (consolidated)
Admirals Club - drinks chits and who gets them
AC Members' access to other airline lounges
AC Members get free Regus Executive Club membership
AC Membership: is membership worthwhile? master thread
AC Membership vs. American Express Platinum access - comparisons, discussion
AC WiFi free for Members (as of Dec 2007)
Guest requests and offers (consolidated) - Thread closed, please use accalendar instead
Members' calendar on Yahoo Groups (post to meet other FTers at AC)
Access / Benefits
Access - oneworld status-based access to Admirals Club and Flagship Lounges
Access – AAdvantage status-based access to AA & oneworld lounges (consolidated)
Access - Class-of-service-based access to AA & oneworld lounges (consolidated)
Admirals Club benefits for fliers in domestic transcontinental F or Z classes
Admirals Club - Flagship / First Lounge Access questions / issues (consolidated)
Admirals Club – Access - NON-Admirals Club AA First and Business Class lounge information
Drink chits - who is entitled to Admirals Club drink chits?
"Treasure" - left drink chits, etc. for other FTers
Admirals Clubs and Lounges, Location-specific
tom911's Photo Galleries of oneworld and Admirals Club Lounges (off site)
Buenos Aires / EZE Admirals Club / oneworld lounges (consolidated)
Dallas – Ft. Worth / DFW Best Admirals Club?
Frankfurt / FRA Admirals Club
Frankfurt / FRA Admirals Club Flight Check-in
London Gatwick BA lounge access depended on AA departure - no longer applicable
London Heathrow - AA Arrivals Lounge Access and Information (consolidated)
London Heathrow – LHR / Heathrow Terminal 3: A Tale of Three Lounges for AA Flyers (pre-oneworld Terminal 3 consolidation)
London Stansted / STN Lounge & Shower Facilities for AA (consolidated)
Montevideo, Uruguay / MVD: No lounge access
Rome Fiumicino / FCO AA Business / elite / arrivals / Admirals lounge (consolidated)
San José Costa Rica / SJO: no lounge access
Seattle / SEA Admirals Club closure (consolidated) (includes alternatives)
Tokyo Narita oneworld lounges with photos
Zurich lounge access for AA Business / status flyers (consolidated)
Upgrades
N.B. Upgrade “tricks” changed effective 28 Feb 2008
The What, When And How of Upgrading (aa.com)
Upgrades – Upgrade procedures changed to (status and) date of original request 28 Feb 2008
N.B. These changes may change some of the information in posts in the following threads
Step-by-Step Procedure for Upgrading
Airport Upgrade List - Upgrades, Standbys, the PALL List
Airport Upgrade List and Through / Connecting Passengers
Award Travel – How can I upgrade this award ticket? (consolidated) (you can’t)
Booking classes 7, 8 and 9 and possible effect on upgrades EQM and EQP earning
Checking in again when upgraded
Checking In Early at / for International Flights
Copays increased March 1, 2007
Complimentary / Operational Upgrades - How to assure it's really an operational upgrade: the PPR edit
Complimentary / Operational Upgrades - all about and "I got one" consolidated thread
Downgraded on a partner carrier (BA)
Miles+copay trumps VIP - Systemwide Upgrade: a new twist in an old mystery!
Upgrades - Priorities for Miles and VIP upgrades on AA not being honored at some overseas stations
Military / government fares & upgrades SWU eVIP stickers >= Nov 2009 (consolidated)
On Other Airlines Using AA Miles / VIPs – Systemwide Upgrades etc. (consolidated)
Priorities for Miles and / or VIP / Systemwide Upgrades on AA
Self-Service Check-In Machine (kiosk) Load Factor Based Upgrades "LFBU" upgrades for purchase
"Stickers" - Domestic Upgrade Protocols (consolidated) (thread for current information, 2009-)
"Stickers" - Step-by-Step Domestic Upgrade Protocol (some information outdated as of 2008)
"Stickers" - Impact of Y/B Full Fares on Upgrade Priority
"Stickers" - Converting to / Exchanging for Miles (consolidated)
"Stickers" - Preventing AA from pulling "stickers" for EXP traveling companions (ADC code removal) (no longer necessary as of 2009)
"Stickers" required for domestic upgrade distances and exceptions
"Stickers" and their usability
"Stickers" and EXP Transition questions (consolidated)
"Stickers" - Courtesy upgrades, EXP and how to "assist" close to departure
"Stickers" - How soon they post after crossing a 10,000 mile threshhold
"Stickers" - if I fall short at end of February or EXP promotion, what happens? (consolidated)
Paris Air Passenger Duty for upgrades? (consolidated)
UK £40 "Upgrade tax" (Air Passenger Duty) (older)
UK Air Passenger Duty up to £40 Y, £80 GBP J / F Feb 1 2007
(Passengers upgrading to J or F will have to pay more for the upgrade)
UK - When do I NOT pay the UK Air Passenger Duty tax?
(see other threads on APD and upgrading following)
UK - the Air Passenger Duty tax - Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs regulations regarding APD)
Upgrading traveling companions
Upgrading without "stickers" "domestically"
VIP / Systemwide Upgrades: What is a VIP / eVIP? How does one work / long do they last? (consolidated)
VIP / Systemwide Upgrades questions (consolidated)
VIPs - Systemwide Upgrades, my PNRs and the transition to EXP.
VIP – Systemwide Upgrades - Extended expiration date of C/Y 2006 (expire Feb 29 '08) VIP - Systemwide Upgrades? (consolidated)
VIP - Systemwide Upgrades - Feb 29 2008 Expiration Deadline Extended to March 3rd
VIP – Systemwide Upgrades - Can my 2005 VIPs be extended beyond 28 Feb 2007?
Read to see how it was done...
VIPs – Systemwide Upgrades usable on which fare classes?
Vouchers
eVouchers as of Jan 24, 2007
Transportation Vouchers FAQ and master thread (consolidated)
Miscellaneous
(also see following posts for more)
AA contacts list (Elliott.org blogsite)
AAdvantage Spreadsheets Available for Download (McFlyPHL & brp's MilesTracker)
AAdvantage TrAAvel Perks master thread
AAirpass Master Thread (consolidated)
AAirpass Lifetime Offer (2003)
Applause Employee Recognition Program / new pseudo-SOS program
Applause Employee Recognition Program: Question for AA Crew: Your preference on Applause Certs
Applause - Recognition - Kudos for AA Employees (consolidated)
Celebrity Sightings on AA definitive thread (consolidated)
Compensation - Guide to, and Listing of, Compensation (consolidated)
ExpertFlyer questions / problems for AA queries (consolidated)
Itineraries – Copying and converting to Excel
Media - Errors, mistakes and misinformation about AA in the media (consolidated)
Open Skies (transatlantic) and how it might affect AA
Pets – travel with pets on AA
Photographs - Taking in AAircraft
From American Airlines: "Use of still and video cameras, film or digital, is permitted only for recording personal events. Photography or video recording of airline personnel, equipment or procedures is strictly prohibited."
Concierge Key - New AA Premium Service
Premium Services: V.I.P. Airport (Connection) Services
Reservation status shows "unknown" online
Polls
(Reverse chronological order)
Nov 6 - Dec 31 2009: POLL: For EXPs with 125K EQM: What two ELTRW awards will you choose?
Oct 13 - Oct 18 2009: POLL: Would you like AA to begin offering free domestic upgrades for all elites?
Aug 16 - Oct 15 2008: POLL: Pondering my 125,000 mile AADER award. Hmmmmm.
Jul 21 - Aug 20 2008: POLL: EXP on your own nickel or the company dime? (Poll CLOSED)
February 23 – March 23 2008: How did you achieve Executive Platinum status? (EQM, EQP or Segments?) (Poll and discussion - CLOSED)
Jan 2008 - NGBC better or worse than Old Business Class? (Poll and discussion - CLOSED)
Please add your recommendations for other consolidated or major threads on topics, organization, etc. for this new Sticky, as well as other comments, in the Unofficial Guide to FT - AA Forum additions thread. As time goes on, the thread will perhaps be partitioned, reorganized and/or spread into different posts; your comments and recommendations to make this sticky more useful and comprehensive are valued.
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 17, 2010 at 8:00 pm Reason: ERJ 145 seats added
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
American Airlines and oneworld Resource Page Links
Unofficial Users' Guide - American AAdvantage Forum
American Airlines aa.com Resource Pages:
American Airlines aa.com Resource Pages:
Home Page (aa.com)
Abbreviated / fast site for mobile PDA use
AAdvantage Elite Qualification Requirements (including miles / points earning)
AAdvantage eShopping AAdvantage portal
AAdvantage Elite "buyback" program for those who did not requalify Platinum / Gold in c/y 2008
American Airlines elite Miles bonus earning on oneworld airlines
AAdvantage Miles Expiry Rules Change in 2007 (18 months after no qualifying activity)
AAdvantage Partner Airlines listing and links
AAdvantage Miles Earning on American Airlines / EQM and fare class
AAdvantage Participant Airline Award Charts
AAirpass pages
AAirpass (non-AA article)
AAirpass Information for Agencies
Admirals Club locations and amenities
Admirals Club admit policies with examples
Admirals Club Comfort For Returning Soldiers
Admirals Club TSA Security Revisions (for non-flying members)
Admirals Club: special offers
Admirals Club free WiFi policy (members and one day pass guests only)
Airports Maps main page (Where we fly)
Baggage information main page
Baggage: online baggage tracking (must have baggage file locator ID number from an airport agent)
Blog
Booking an extra seat (2 seats) for one passenger
Cargo Site AA Flight Detail / Arrival and Departure Status
Charities for earning & donating miles
Codeshares (listing of numbers used for codeshares and partners used)
Conditions of Carriage
Corporate information (AMR Corporation)
Corporate Contacts (AMR Corp. / American Airlines)
Customer Commitment - "Customer Service Plan"
Disabled Travelers
using web- go to Home Page, select "Contact AA," Select "Customer Relations" and then "Disability Assistance" for number, disability assistance form and referral to Customers with Disabilities page.
Telephone - Reservations at 1 (800) 433-7300 for Future Travel Disability Related Services
GLBT website page
Dining Page (information, links to menus, special meals, beverages, etc.)
Euroschedule site
Flagship Experience (about 777-223ER First Flagship Suites)
Fleet Information
Flight cancellation reaccommodation policy "Rule 80" and "rule 240")
Flight cancellation reaccommodation policy in the EU: EU Regulation EC 161/2004 (PDF of EC 161/2004
oneworld Alliance information and Awards Chart
oneworld Award Ticketing Rules
Luggage tags available for purchase
Name Changes and Requirements for American Airlines
Netsavers and Fare Sales Page
oneworld page – partners, earning and using miles
On Line Check-In (OLCI) Uses and Information
Refunds website (you can reread full fare class information before you cancel)
How To Find Detailed Fare Rules (including fare class information from Refunds)
Same Day Confirmed Flight Change ("Confirmed Standby") rules ($50 standby, etc.)
Self-Service Check-In Machine (Kiosk) Check-in Information (and locations)
Self-Service Check-In Machine (Kiosk) Check-in for International Flights
Self Service Check-In Machine (Kiosk) Check-in FAQs
Timetables: downloadable timetables (PDF and electronic)
Travel with Infants ("lap children") and Children
Travel with Pets
“Upgrades 101” for AAdvantage Elites
Upgrades FAQ for using / electronic systemwide upgrades / eVIPs
Women Travelers Connected pages on aa.com
oneworld Alliance Resource Links:
oneworld alliance website
oneworld Air Travel Options (Circle, Explorer, etc. products)
oneworld member airline Frequent Flier Programs and perks
oneworld lounge access pages
oneworld timetables and downloadable products (RTW Planner)
oneworld links to member airlines various programs, news, FFPs, etc.
oneworld interactive network map (including codeshares)
may take a while to load
oneworld FAQ page
oneworld Forum on FlyerTalk
[COLOR=black] oneworld news affecting earning / spending AA miles
Eleven airlines form oneworld in 2008: In addition to American, British, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, LAN and Qantas, Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian all now offering the alliance's services and benefits as full members. Dragonair, LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador and five JAL associates have joined as affiliate members to make 20 affiliates. Be sure to check for new fare rules on earning AA miles / EQM / EQP.
Mexicana (MX) to join oneworld in 2009. (oneworld news release)
Dragonair joined oneworld Nov 1, 2007
New oneworld members Japan Airlines (and affiliates) and Málev do not award elite status bonus miles
British Airways discontinues awarding AAdvantage elite status bonus miles March 1, 2008
Please add your recommendations for other “master” or major threads on topics, organization, etc. for this new Sticky, as well as other comments, in the Unofficial Guide to FT - AA Forum additions thread. As time goes on, the thread will perhaps be partitioned, reorganized and/or spread into different posts; your comments and recommendations to make this sticky more useful and comprehensive are valued.
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 16, 2010 at 10:31 am Reason: Retitled Fare Rules thread link
#5
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Other Miscellaneous Useful Travel Resource Links
1-800-778-4838 (voice)
Air Carrier Access Act summary and full text - the ACA, not ADA, governs air travel for people with disabilities
Disability Travel Forum on FlyerTalk
Gimp on the Go website
US Department of Transportation Disabled Air Travelers' Hotline
0700 - 2300 / 7 AM - 11 PM seven days, EST, 1-800-778-4838 (voice)
or 1-800-455[URL="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/disabled.htm"]-9880 (TTY) to obtain assistance
US DOT Air Access Resource pages
US DOT Disability Access Publications
US DOT Disability Resource Center online
ExpertFlyer flight and fare class information / availability (monthly or annual fee required)
AMEX fare class availability tool (no hidden classes revealed)
SeatCounter "booking class availability machine" N.B. Not currently working for American Airlines!
e-Ticket Printout, Detailed Fare Code and Charges Detail (must input ticket number) from LAN (Spanish, or English by selecting "USA/Canada Version" )
Fare Hunting - AOW (airlines of the World) "GetThere/ITN" / AMEX Page
Fare Hunting - FareChase
Fare Hunting - FareCompare.com, including KUP/YUP search and tracking
Fare Hunting - FareCompare FlyerTalk search (search by CPM)
Fare Hunting - Hotwire (opaque)
Fare Hunting - ITA Software (Requires registration)
Fare Hunting - ITA booking engine for American Express cardmember link
Fare Hunting - Kayak.com (registration required for some functions)
N.B. Omits AA content as of 1 Aug 2008.
Fare Hunting - Mobissimo
Fare Hunting - Momondo (aggregates multiple sites)
Fare Hunting - Sidestep (aggregator)
Fare Hunting - Yapta.com (download)
Fare Hunting - and Forecasting by FareCast
Trip management from tripit.com
Flight booking and management etc. from TripSync (booking is free)
Flight Tracking into / out of DFW airport
Flight Tracking and Airport Delay Status from Flightarrivals.com (USA and Canada)
Flight tracking US and Canada from FlightAware
Flight tracking and data from Flight Explorer
Flight Tracking and on-time data from Flightstats.com
Flight tracking US and Canada from Flytecomm
Pet Air Travel Tips from USDA – APHIS
Pet Air Travel Tips, ASPCA
Pet Air Travel Tips from HSUS
Airline Flat Seat Information by flatseats.com
checkinsooner.com for early AA, CO, DL, UA and WN
Check in early as a guest member; fee for >2 repeat WN pax, and full membership.
Membership (fee) services include AA coach seat selection (every 10 minute airline polling) e-mail notification
OAG Tools (seat charts, airline schedules, terminal finder, much more)
Seats - chart on IBERIA (select aircraft type, then "plane")
Seats on JAL aircraft by Hiro2
Seat Expert (seat charts)
Seat Guru (seat charts, including AA)
Seat Maestro (more seat charts)
Boeing 777-223ER Flagship Suites article with extensive photos
Passport and Visa Information - Do I need a visa to visit xxx? (c/o Delta Airlines; uses IATA timaticweb.com source)
Passport and Visa Information, including many PDF forms (c/o Travel Document Systems)
General Health –All the information you need to check your prescribed medicines’ information (RxList.com provided by WebMD.com;
General Health – Identify your medication from color, shape and information on the pill
General Health – Health information from WebMD.com
General Health – Health and wellness information from the Mayo Clinic (USA)
General Health – Merck Manual - enter information for possible diagnosis (does not replace competent medical diagnosis)
General Health – TRIP Database - enter information for possible diagnosis (does not replace competent medical diagnosis)
Travel Health Information – Australian Government
Travel Health Information – Canada / Health Canada
Travel Health Information – United Kingdom
Travel Health Information - US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Travel Health Information – World Health Organisation
Divers Alert Network (economical Medical Evacuation Insurance for divers and non-divers, no age limits)
Insuremytrip.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
quoteright.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
squaremouth.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
Travel Warnings – Australia
Travel Warnings – United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Travel Warnings, U S State Department
Airline Route Mapper (downloadable for Windows) by cockpitvisit Screenshot and Download
Airlines of the World US Telephone Listings from travel-watch
Airline Route Maps by airlineroutemaps.com
Airline Route Maps - oneworld map from Innovata
Converter - Mileage and Points Converter (calculator) from www.webflyer.com
Currency Converter and Exchange Rates (click on more currencies if necessary)
Distance Calculator - Great Circle Mapper (fairly accurate city to city mapping and miles, ETOPS rules)
Distance Calculator - FlyingFish (downloadable program for Windows, can calc cpm)
Distance Calculator - Great Circle Mapper
Distance Calculator - MileCalc (includes cpm)
Distance Calculator (includes points) - WebFlyer MileMarker
Time - World Clocks and Time information
Weather - NOAA Aviation Digital Data Service main page (NOAA aviation weather and forecast products )
Weather - FAA Flight Delays
Weather from Accuweather
Weather.com and forecasts from weather.com
Weather and forecasts from Weather Underground
Weather records and averages from Weatherbase
World Travel Guides (excellent weather references)
AA - pending antitrust and codeshare requests to USDOT
Airports - Cheap / free sleeping in airports worldwide and "accommodation" ratings
Airports - Mike Newman's Narita / NRT Layover Pages
Alphabet as used internationally (phonetic)
Aviation Rights / "Freedoms of the Air" on Wikipedia (e.g. cabotage)
Bermuda II governing UK - US travel (e.g. BA - AA miles earning) ends March 30, 2008 (Wikipedia article and links)
Elliott.org listings of travel-related customer service contacts
EU - US Open Skies Agreement beginning March 30, 2008
Wikipedia article and links
European Union Passenger Rights information portal
Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights
LoungeGuide.Net Airport Lounge Wiki
Warsaw Convention (as modified at Den Haag and Montreal) governing passengers' rights (PDF)
Warsaw Convention Beginners' Guide
WayBack Machine Internet Archive (archives of almost anything, including old AA offers)
*New carry-on rules set for MOST UK airports Jan 7, 2008 (BBC story link)
These are a few travel resources I have used and garnered. Please add your recommendations for other “master” or major threads on topics, organization, etc. for this new Sticky, as well as other comments, in the Unofficial Guide to FT - AA Forum additions thread. As time goes on, the thread will perhaps be partitioned, reorganized and/or spread into different posts; your comments and recommendations to make this sticky more useful and comprehensive are valued.
Unofficial Users' Guide - American AAdvantage Forum
Other Miscellaneous Useful Travel Resource Links:
Disability Travel
Other Miscellaneous Useful Travel Resource Links:
Disability Travel
Air Carrier Access Act summary and full text - the ACA, not ADA, governs air travel for people with disabilities
Disability Travel Forum on FlyerTalk
Gimp on the Go website
US Department of Transportation Disabled Air Travelers' Hotline
0700 - 2300 / 7 AM - 11 PM seven days, EST, 1-800-778-4838 (voice)
or 1-800-455[URL="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/disabled.htm"]-9880 (TTY) to obtain assistance
US DOT Air Access Resource pages
US DOT Disability Access Publications
US DOT Disability Resource Center online
Fare Searching and Booking
ExpertFlyer flight and fare class information / availability (monthly or annual fee required)
AMEX fare class availability tool (no hidden classes revealed)
SeatCounter "booking class availability machine" N.B. Not currently working for American Airlines!
e-Ticket Printout, Detailed Fare Code and Charges Detail (must input ticket number) from LAN (Spanish, or English by selecting "USA/Canada Version" )
Fare Hunting - AOW (airlines of the World) "GetThere/ITN" / AMEX Page
Fare Hunting - FareChase
Fare Hunting - FareCompare.com, including KUP/YUP search and tracking
Fare Hunting - FareCompare FlyerTalk search (search by CPM)
Fare Hunting - Hotwire (opaque)
Fare Hunting - ITA Software (Requires registration)
Fare Hunting - ITA booking engine for American Express cardmember link
Fare Hunting - Kayak.com (registration required for some functions)
N.B. Omits AA content as of 1 Aug 2008.
Fare Hunting - Mobissimo
Fare Hunting - Momondo (aggregates multiple sites)
Fare Hunting - Sidestep (aggregator)
Fare Hunting - Yapta.com (download)
Fare Hunting - and Forecasting by FareCast
Trip management from tripit.com
Flight booking and management etc. from TripSync (booking is free)
Flight Planning andTracking
Flight Tracking into / out of DFW airport
Flight Tracking and Airport Delay Status from Flightarrivals.com (USA and Canada)
Flight tracking US and Canada from FlightAware
Flight tracking and data from Flight Explorer
Flight Tracking and on-time data from Flightstats.com
Flight tracking US and Canada from Flytecomm
Pets and Travel With Pets
Pet Air Travel Tips from USDA – APHIS
Pet Air Travel Tips, ASPCA
Pet Air Travel Tips from HSUS
Seating Onboard
Airline Flat Seat Information by flatseats.com
checkinsooner.com for early AA, CO, DL, UA and WN
Check in early as a guest member; fee for >2 repeat WN pax, and full membership.
Membership (fee) services include AA coach seat selection (every 10 minute airline polling) e-mail notification
OAG Tools (seat charts, airline schedules, terminal finder, much more)
Seats - chart on IBERIA (select aircraft type, then "plane")
Seats on JAL aircraft by Hiro2
Seat Expert (seat charts)
Seat Guru (seat charts, including AA)
Seat Maestro (more seat charts)
Boeing 777-223ER Flagship Suites article with extensive photos
Travel Document Requirements
Passport and Visa Information - Do I need a visa to visit xxx? (c/o Delta Airlines; uses IATA timaticweb.com source)
Passport and Visa Information, including many PDF forms (c/o Travel Document Systems)
Travel Health
General Health –All the information you need to check your prescribed medicines’ information (RxList.com provided by WebMD.com;
General Health – Identify your medication from color, shape and information on the pill
General Health – Health information from WebMD.com
General Health – Health and wellness information from the Mayo Clinic (USA)
General Health – Merck Manual - enter information for possible diagnosis (does not replace competent medical diagnosis)
General Health – TRIP Database - enter information for possible diagnosis (does not replace competent medical diagnosis)
Travel Health Information – Australian Government
Travel Health Information – Canada / Health Canada
Travel Health Information – United Kingdom
Travel Health Information - US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Travel Health Information – World Health Organisation
Travel Insurance
Divers Alert Network (economical Medical Evacuation Insurance for divers and non-divers, no age limits)
Insuremytrip.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
quoteright.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
squaremouth.com Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance comparison site
Travel Warnings
Travel Warnings – Australia
Travel Warnings – United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Travel Warnings, U S State Department
Travel Weather, Mappers, Times and Related
Airline Route Mapper (downloadable for Windows) by cockpitvisit Screenshot and Download
Airlines of the World US Telephone Listings from travel-watch
Airline Route Maps by airlineroutemaps.com
Airline Route Maps - oneworld map from Innovata
Converter - Mileage and Points Converter (calculator) from www.webflyer.com
Currency Converter and Exchange Rates (click on more currencies if necessary)
Distance Calculator - Great Circle Mapper (fairly accurate city to city mapping and miles, ETOPS rules)
Distance Calculator - FlyingFish (downloadable program for Windows, can calc cpm)
Distance Calculator - Great Circle Mapper
Distance Calculator - MileCalc (includes cpm)
Distance Calculator (includes points) - WebFlyer MileMarker
Time - World Clocks and Time information
Weather - NOAA Aviation Digital Data Service main page (NOAA aviation weather and forecast products )
Weather - FAA Flight Delays
Weather from Accuweather
Weather.com and forecasts from weather.com
Weather and forecasts from Weather Underground
Weather records and averages from Weatherbase
World Travel Guides (excellent weather references)
Miscellaneous Others
AA - pending antitrust and codeshare requests to USDOT
Airports - Cheap / free sleeping in airports worldwide and "accommodation" ratings
Airports - Mike Newman's Narita / NRT Layover Pages
Alphabet as used internationally (phonetic)
Aviation Rights / "Freedoms of the Air" on Wikipedia (e.g. cabotage)
Bermuda II governing UK - US travel (e.g. BA - AA miles earning) ends March 30, 2008 (Wikipedia article and links)
Elliott.org listings of travel-related customer service contacts
EU - US Open Skies Agreement beginning March 30, 2008
Wikipedia article and links
European Union Passenger Rights information portal
Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights
LoungeGuide.Net Airport Lounge Wiki
Warsaw Convention (as modified at Den Haag and Montreal) governing passengers' rights (PDF)
Warsaw Convention Beginners' Guide
WayBack Machine Internet Archive (archives of almost anything, including old AA offers)
*New carry-on rules set for MOST UK airports Jan 7, 2008 (BBC story link)
These are a few travel resources I have used and garnered. Please add your recommendations for other “master” or major threads on topics, organization, etc. for this new Sticky, as well as other comments, in the Unofficial Guide to FT - AA Forum additions thread. As time goes on, the thread will perhaps be partitioned, reorganized and/or spread into different posts; your comments and recommendations to make this sticky more useful and comprehensive are valued.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 3, 2009 at 11:04 am Reason: update
#6
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Some acronyms and abbreviations used on this Forum
There is a FlyerTalk Glossary of Terms commonly or even occasionally encountered on FlyerTalk. (A very few are listed below.) N.B. We try to avoid abbreviations in thread titles, because Search can not deal with three - or fewer - characters.
There is also a FlyerTalk Airport Code Lookup feature.
Unlisted aviation acronyms may be looked up here.
In addition, you may find some terms used specifically on FlyerTalk, or in the American AAdvantage Forum (or when flying AA) that may not be used commonly elsewhere; these may also vary in meaning depending on context. Some of these, as well as a number of other abbreviations, acronyms or words you may encounter on FlyerTalk, are listed below:
There is also a FlyerTalk Airport Code Lookup feature.
Unlisted aviation acronyms may be looked up here.
In addition, you may find some terms used specifically on FlyerTalk, or in the American AAdvantage Forum (or when flying AA) that may not be used commonly elsewhere; these may also vary in meaning depending on context. Some of these, as well as a number of other abbreviations, acronyms or words you may encounter on FlyerTalk, are listed below:
Code:
AA = American Airlines or AAdvantage (it’s contextual) AAR = Airport Acceptance Rate (permitted rate of # of flights landing per hour) AATMS = Advanced Air Traffic Management System AC = Admirals Club lounges; sometimes, Aircraft (aircraft also a/c) ACARS = Aircraft Communications Adressing and Reporting System ACAS = Airborne Collision Avoidance System ACMI = Aircraft lease with Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance AD = Airworthiness Directive, an FAA rule regarding specific aircraft safety issues ADC = Air Data Computer ADC = Code used by AA to indicate "traveling companion - remove 'stickers' from primary traveler" ADS = Automatic Dependant Surveillance, advanced GPS based navigation system ADT = Adult Passenger AFS = American Flagship Service (2-class or 3-class nonstop transcon service) Aft = rear AFTN = Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network AHRS = Attitude and Heading Reference Systems AONE = oneworld explorer ticket in First ARINC - Aeronautical Radio, Inc. ARTC = Air Route Traffic Control Center ASM = Available Seat Mile ASR = Advance Seat Reservation / Airport Surveillance Radar ATC = Air Traffic Control ATCT = Airport Traffic Control Tower ATCSCC = Air Traffic Control System Command Center ATI = Anti-Trust Immunity ATO = Airport Ticket Office ATPCO = Airline Tariff Publishing Company) AVOD = Audio Video On Demand (form of IFE) BC = Business Class BIS = "Butt In Seat" miles (EQM, gained by actual flying) Bistro Bag = coach bag lunches retrieved from carts on boarding (obsolete) BOB = Buy on Board; see FFS BOGOF = Buy One Get One Free Booking / Fare Classes = see this Wiki page Booking Class "7" = Upgrade to next class of service from highly discounted coach Booking Class "8" = Upgrade to First from Business Booking Class "9" = Upgrade to next class of service from discounted coach BP = Boarding Pass BT = Bulk Ticket Bulkhead = "wall" separating fuselage sections C (or D, or J) = Business Class cabin or fare class (contextual) C01 – C17 = Child passenger and age code CAS = Crew Alerting System (in aircraft cockpit) CASM = Cost per Available Seat Mile CB = Cumulonimbus clouds CFC = Confirmed Flight Change Challenge, the = a way of attaining Gold or Platinum status via a "shortcut" - see the Wiki or the thread dedicated to Challenges Cheatline = the colored line often extending down the fuselage or an aircraft "x" Check, where "x" is A, B, C or PS = periodic maintenance - see here for AA CG = Center of Gravity (see Weight and Balance) Circle Pacific = a discounted oneworld product allowing that routing City Pairs = airports considered the same for fare construction purposes CIR = Circle Pacific, class precedes, MPM follows, e.g. DCIR22 Co-terminals = Airports considered the same for standby and similar procedures ConciergeKey (or CK) = Premium Service for the most valued AA customers CONUS = Continental United States (contiguous 48 states) COS = Class Of Service (referring to cabin service class) Counter Upgrade = upgrade offered for sale at the ticket / check-in counter CPM = Cost Per Mile CSA = Customer Service Agent CSR = Customer Service Representative (Corporate Social Responsibility and others as well) CX = Cathay Pacific (secondary: cancellation) Direct (flight) = flies with one or more stops, possibly even change of aircraft DME = Distance Measuring Equipment DOMUPG = Domestic Upgrade DONE = oneworld explorer ticket in Business DOT - (US) Department of Transportation (includes the FAA) DSR = Passenger desiring to purchase up class of service ECAM = Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor, same as EICAS, preferred Airbus version EFIS = Electronic Flight Instrument System EICAS = Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (heart of the "glass cockpit") same as ECAM Emerald = oneworld equivalent of AAdvantage Executive Platinum EP = Executive Platinum EQM = Elite Qualifying Mile (a milepost used to determine status; "butt in seat" mile) EQP = Elite Qualifying Point (ditto) EQS = Elite Qualifying Segment ETA = Estimated Time of Arrival ETD = Estimated Time of Departure ETER = Estimated Time En Route EXP = AAdvantage Executive Platinum (chiefly on FlyerTalk; Also EP) EXP Line = A dedicated help desk for Executive Platinum flyers eUPG = Electronic Upgrade eVIP = electronic VIP international Systemwide Upgrade "certificate" or SWU usable for up to three segments in one direction, on most fares F (or FC, A) = First Class cabin or fare class (A is normally discounted First) FA = Flight Attendant FAA = Federal Aviation Administration, part of US DOT FAM = Federal Air Marshall FC = First Class FCC = Usually, London Heathrow Flight Connections Centre (on FT) FEBO = (unofficial) Front Even, Back Odd (meal taking on many flights) FFS = Food for Sale program in American Airlines domestic Coach FL = Flagship Lounge (or Flagship, contextual) FO = First Officer (“copilot” - but see PF and PNF) FOP = Form Of Payment FQTR = Frequent Traveller Redemption (on BA) FQTV = Frequent Traveller (on BA) FS = AA's premium transcontinental Flagship Service FT = FlyerTalk GA = Gate Agent Gate Lice = people with low boarding priority cluttering up the gate at boarding time GDP = Ground Delay Program GDS = Global Distribution System GLD = AAdvantage Gold GMT = (Greenwich Meridian Time) Time at Greenwich Meridian, used for some airline and military operations (see UTC, Zulu Time) Gold line = a dedicated customer service line (not separate desk) for AA Gold GPS = Global Positioning System (satellite based navigation system) GS = Ground Stop GV x = Passengers must travel together, x = number of pax Heavy = Larger aircraft, such as 767, 777, 747, A330 - 340 HFS = Hawaiian Flagship Service HSR = High Speed Rail HUD = Head Up Display IAS = Indicated Air Speed (usually in knots) IDB = Involuntarily Denied Boarding (involuntary bump) IFE = In Flight Entertainment IFR = Instrument Flight Rules IFS = International Flagship Service (to/from Europe, Asia, India, and "Deep" South America - Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile) IFSD - In Flight Shut Down (usually relating to an engine) ILS = Instrument Landing System IROPS/ IRROPS = Irregular Operations (OSO on AA - could be weather, mechanical...) ISIC = International Student Identity Card (12 or older currently enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student at an accredited institution) ITA = Anti-Trust Immunity ITIC = International Teacher Identity Card (Teaching > 18 hrs / wk at an accredited institution, min 1 yr employment. IYTC = International Youth Travel Card (age 12 - 25) JCB = (Adult) Contract Bulk passenger Jim Wilson - Human remains traveling in the cargo hold ("Jim Wilson Air Tray" is an air casket) Kiosk = Self-Service Check-in Machine Knot = unit of speed, one nautical mile per hour, kt or kn (link) KUP = Low cost fare booking into First seat (BA F status credit!) LAADR = Low Altitude Arrival/Departure Routing LAHSO = Land and Hold Short Operations. LEO = Law Enforcement Officer LFBU = Load Factor Based Upgrades sold at self-service check in kiosks LFS = Latin Flagship Service (South America short-haul: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru) LIFO = Last In, First Out LOC = Localizer (component of ILS) LONE = oneworld explorer ticket in Coach LRTC = (unofficial) Less Room Throughout Coach, followed MRTC MCLA = Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America MCO = Miscellaneous Charges Order (a kind of voucher) MEL = Minimum Equipment List (list of equipment allowed inoperative not affecting flight safety) METAR = MÉTéorologique Aviation Régulière (Aviation Routine Weather Report) midcon = flight that flies mid-continent, e.g. ORD-JFK or DFW-LAX MIL = Military Passenger MPM = Maximum Permitted Mileage MR = Mileage Run (trip planned primarily to earn miles, at a cheap rate) MRTC = More Room Throughout Coach (obsolete) MTEU = Miles Towards Elite Upgrades (counter runs from March 1 to February 28/29; elites earn 4 500 mile "sticker" upgrades every 10,000 EQ miles) MTOW = (aircraft) Maximum Take Off Weight MX = Mexicana (secondary: Mechanical) NGBC = Next Generation Business Class - new angled flat seats in 763s, coming to 777s in 2008 NGSA = Next Generation Single Aisle Nonrev = Nonrevenue (e.g. pass) flyer Nonstop = flight that flies from origin to destination with no stops NOTAM = NOTices to AirMen (voice or teletype information of interest to pilots) NRP = North American Route Program NRSA / Non-Rev = Non-Revenue Space Available flyer (e.g. NRSA Lounge at DFW) O&D = Origin and Destination OAG = Official Airline Guide OH, OHB = OverHead, OH Bin OLCI = On Line Check In OP = Original Poster (on FlyerTalk) Op Up = Operational Upgrade ORC = Original Routing Credit OSO = Off-Schedule Operations (see IRROPS) OTS = Out Of Service OW = One Way (trip) - OR - oneworld (Alliance) on FlyerTalk OWE = oneworld Explorer (RTW) fare - prefixed with cabin class code, followed by # of continents - e.g. DONE4 PAWOB = Passenger Without Bags PDB = Pre-Departure Beverage PED = Personal Entertainment Device PF = Pilot Flying PFD = Primary Flight Display or Personal Flotation Device (contextual) PIC = Pilot In Command (SIC = Second In Command) PIL = Passenger Item List (manifest) PIREPS = Pilot Reports Pitch = aircraft motion "up or down" Plat = AAdvantage Platinum Plat (or PLT) Lite = one who achieved Platinum status via a Challenge Platinum line = a dedicated customer service line (not separate desk) for AA Platinum PLT = AAdvantage Platinum PMA = Parts Manufacturer Approval PNF = Pilot Not Flying PNR = Passenger Name Record, the "airline record" of your booking, usually 5 or 6 characters and airline specific Port = Aircraft's left side as you face forward PPR = "paper," an edit used to assure an op up doesn't automatically draw upgrade instruments, usually used by the GA PMA = Parts Manufacturer Approval, an FAA process for aircraft parts design and manufacturing PQ = Price Quote PTA = Prepaid Ticket Advice PYOB = Print Your Own Boarding Pass RAPCON = Radar Approach Control Facility RASM = Revenue per Available Seat Mile RDM = Redeemable Mile (any mile that can be redeemed for awards, etc.) RI = Passenger with interrupted OSO travel RJ = Regional Jet OR Royal Jordanian (contextual) Roger = acknowledgment used in radio communications (e.g. with control tower) Roll = aircraft motion about the longitudinal axis RON = Remain Over Night ROW = Roswell Industrial Air Center, NM "the boneyard" where old aircraft go - formerly Walker Air Force Base RPM = Revenue Passenger Mile RT = Round Trip RTW = Round The World (ticket, fare or desk arranging same) Ruby = oneworld equivalent of AAdvantage Gold Rule 240 = Airline's domestic reaccommodation policy (AA: US, Canada, Puerto Rico, USVI) Rule 80 = Airline's international reaccommodation policy RV = Revenue Passenger RVR = Runway Visibility Reporting RWY = Runway SAC = Special Assistance Coordinator Sapphire = oneworld equivalent of AAdvantage Platinum SATA = Student Air Travel Association SDFC = Same Day Flight Change SDR = Special Drawing Rights (international currency code XDR) SELCAL = Selective-Calling system (usually signal for messaging from operator to aircraft) Short Check (bag) = Checking bag to an intermediate, not the final, destination SIC = Seat In Coach SIF = Selective Identification Feature (aircraft-based transponder signal) SIGMET = SIGnificant METeorological Information SPML = Special Meal (not available on all flights) SPCCR = Self-Policing Community Closure Rule, used by some on this forum for proposing ignoring a thread SRC = Senior Citizen Passenger SSSS - Selected for Secondary Security Screening (on USA BP - TSA Security will give you an extra lookover)) STC = Supplemental Type Certificate (FAA approval doc for aircraft modifications, changes or additions) STD = Scheduled Time of Departure STMP = Special Traffic Management Program STPC = Stopover Paid By Carrier Starboard = Aircraft's right side as you face forward Sticker = 500 mile upgrade instrument (used to be actual stickers) SUD = Boeing 747 Stretched Upper Deck (2nd or upper deck) SVRWX = Severe Weather SWAP = Severe Weather Avoidance Plan SWU = Systemwide Upgrade (electronic international upgrade "certificate" on AA, often "eVIP") TA = Ticket Agent (Travel Agent, sometimes) TAS = True Air Speed (usually in knots) TATL = Transatlantic; sometimes transat TCAS = Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System TCP = Total and Complete Party (Traveling together) TPAC / Transpac = Transpacific; often transpac TRACON = Terminal Radar Control Facility transcon = flight crossing US coast-to-coast (Atlantic & Pacific coasts) tstorm = thunderstorm TTL = Ticketing Time Limit TYP = Thank You Points UG = UpGrade / UPG UM or UMNR = Unaccompanied Minor (14 or under, optional 16 or 17) US = Unserviceable / out of service UTC = Universal Coordinated Time (see GMT, Zulu Time) VCR = Virtual Coupon Record VDB = Voluntary Denied Boarding (voluntary bump) VFR = Visual Flight Rules VIP = Systemwide Upgrade (See eVIP; also VIPOW, obs.) VOR = VHF (Very High Frequency) Omnidirectional Radio Range VORTAC = (Combined) VOR and TACAN Navigational Facility Weight and Balance = calculations affecting aircraft flying characteristics based on maximum and distributed wieght WiFi Lice = non-lounge users who hang out near lounges to use WiFi signals Wilco = "Will Comply," occasionally used in radio communications (e.g. with control tower) WL = Wait List WX = Weather Y = Economy cabin or full fare Economy fare (contextual) Yaw = aircraft motion "side to side" YM = Yield Management YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary YRT = One year ticket YUP / KUP = Lower priced domestic fares booking into next class of service cabin Z following 24 hour time, or Zulu Time = see GMT, UTC Abbreviations frequently encountered on the Internet, e.g. FWIW = For What It’s Worth, IME = In My Experience, IMO / IMHO = In My (Humble) etc.Opinion Mainline aircraft designations and number in fleet (#616, down from 663 EOY 2007, as of Feb 2009) <link>: AB6 = 23 (previously 34) Airbus 300-605R two-class wide body 737* = 77 Boeing 737-823 two class 757* = 124 Boeing 757-223, two class (757-121s ex-TWA gone) 757 L - 757 (18 to be in subfleet) with NGBC / Next Generation Business Class seating, 12 seats per cabin instead of usual 16 762 = 15 Boeing 767-223ER, three class transcontinental service 763* = 58 Boeing 767-323ER, two class cabins in domestic and international service (all with new near-flat J seats) 777 = 47 Boeing 777-223ER/IGW, 3-class cabins (all Flagship Suites in F, 45 with NGBC near flat seats in J) S80 / MD80, M83 = 272 (recently 300) McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series, essentially stretched DC-9s (AKA "Mad Dog") (revised Dec 2009) * received / receiving Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets Airlines of the oneworld alliance AA = American Airlines AY = Finnair BA = British Airways CX = Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong, China) IB = IBERIA (Spain) IT = Kingfisher Airlines (India-based, pending, mid- or late 2011) JL = Japan Airlines, including JAL associates JALways, Japan Asia Airways, JAL Express, J-AIR and Japan Transocean Air KA = Dragonair (China) as of 1 Nov 2007 LA = LAN airlines (Chile and Perú) now includes 4M = LAN Argentina and XL = LAN Ecuador MA = Malév Hungarian MX = Mexicana (and Click Mexicana) joined in late 2009 RJ = Royal Jordanian QF = QANTAS (Australia) S7 = S7 Airlines, Russia-based, expected to join late 2010) (N.B. Aer Lingus has departed oneworld; SN / Brussels Airlines, Swiss and Turkish never were members.)
Last edited by JDiver; May 6, 2010 at 5:44 pm Reason: added terms
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Newcomers to this forum, welcome and orientation
Welcome to American AAdvantage forum.
A few things to keep in mind to make your experience here enjoyable and informative. This forum is host to a vast body of information and experiences current and past for you to read and enjoy as well as share.
1. There is a "Search this forum" function that becomes available if you have logged in and can be found at the top right edge of the message index list. This is a very useful function if you are looking for something in particular. Learning how to use Search will enhance your experience - more information in the Welcome announcement and in the Unofficial Users' Guide (#1) sticky.
2. The forum etiquette requires you to at least try searching before asking a question or posting information that may be public knowledge since many questions are asked, or public information is posted, over and over again and so can clutter up the message board.
3. The stickies (posts that always stay at the top of the page) capture some of the common questions or information that people find useful such as elite status and qualifications, award/upgrade ticket rules, etc. Do have a look at these threads labeled "sticky" to see if the information is useful to you.
4. If you are familiar with “Wikis” (an online resource built and edited by members,) the American AAdvantage Wiki is a hnighly recommended visit – a link to the Wiki is in the “Unofficial Users’ Guide” sticky as well as here and in the FAQ "sticky" thread.
5. Like any community, this forum contains people from a broad spectrum of life and of varying experiences and manners. So don't be daunted by individual styles from people here until you have read for a while and understand who is who. It may take a little time to figure out all the players.
5. Please show courtesy and respect for other people here when you post. Frequently, some post here because they are angry or upset about some incident with the airline. It is natural and therapeutic to rant a bit in those situations, but remember that more rational you appear in your post, more sympathetic people will be to your situation.
6. An offer or request for miles, points, etc. and exchanges for same are not allowed on this Forum; such posts or threads will generally be deleted.
7. In lengthy threads with many pages of posts, it may pay to read the first post (some may have summaries) and then begin reading backward from the most recent post. You may glean more accurate and current information that way. You can also use Search within a thread.
Welcome, and enjoy the forum.
A few things to keep in mind to make your experience here enjoyable and informative. This forum is host to a vast body of information and experiences current and past for you to read and enjoy as well as share.
1. There is a "Search this forum" function that becomes available if you have logged in and can be found at the top right edge of the message index list. This is a very useful function if you are looking for something in particular. Learning how to use Search will enhance your experience - more information in the Welcome announcement and in the Unofficial Users' Guide (#1) sticky.
2. The forum etiquette requires you to at least try searching before asking a question or posting information that may be public knowledge since many questions are asked, or public information is posted, over and over again and so can clutter up the message board.
3. The stickies (posts that always stay at the top of the page) capture some of the common questions or information that people find useful such as elite status and qualifications, award/upgrade ticket rules, etc. Do have a look at these threads labeled "sticky" to see if the information is useful to you.
4. If you are familiar with “Wikis” (an online resource built and edited by members,) the American AAdvantage Wiki is a hnighly recommended visit – a link to the Wiki is in the “Unofficial Users’ Guide” sticky as well as here and in the FAQ "sticky" thread.
5. Like any community, this forum contains people from a broad spectrum of life and of varying experiences and manners. So don't be daunted by individual styles from people here until you have read for a while and understand who is who. It may take a little time to figure out all the players.
5. Please show courtesy and respect for other people here when you post. Frequently, some post here because they are angry or upset about some incident with the airline. It is natural and therapeutic to rant a bit in those situations, but remember that more rational you appear in your post, more sympathetic people will be to your situation.
6. An offer or request for miles, points, etc. and exchanges for same are not allowed on this Forum; such posts or threads will generally be deleted.
7. In lengthy threads with many pages of posts, it may pay to read the first post (some may have summaries) and then begin reading backward from the most recent post. You may glean more accurate and current information that way. You can also use Search within a thread.
Welcome, and enjoy the forum.
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Newcomers to this forum, welcome and orientation
Welcome to American AAdvantage forum.
A few things to keep in mind to make your experience here enjoyable and informative. This forum is host to a vast body of information and experiences current and past for you to read and enjoy as well as share.
1. There is a "Search this forum" function that becomes available if you have logged in and can be found at the top right edge of the message index list. This is a very useful function if you are looking for something in particular. Learning how to use Search will enhance your experience - more information in the Welcome announcement and in the Unofficial Users' Guide (#1) sticky.
2. The forum etiquette requires you to at least try searching before asking a question or posting information that may be public knowledge since many questions are asked, or public information is posted, over and over again and so can clutter up the message board.
3. The stickies (posts that always stay at the top of the page) capture some of the common questions or information that people find useful such as elite status and qualifications, award/upgrade ticket rules, etc. Do have a look at these threads labeled "sticky" to see if the information is useful to you.
4. If you are familiar with “Wikis” (an online resource built and edited by members,) the American AAdvantage Wiki is a hnighly recommended visit – a link to the Wiki is in the “Unofficial Users’ Guide” sticky as well as here and in the FAQ "sticky" thread.
5. Like any community, this forum contains people from a broad spectrum of life and of varying experiences and manners. So don't be daunted by individual styles from people here until you have read for a while and understand who is who. It may take a little time to figure out all the players.
5. Please show courtesy and respect for other people here when you post. Frequently, some post here because they are angry or upset about some incident with the airline. It is natural and therapeutic to rant a bit in those situations, but remember that more rational you appear in your post, more sympathetic people will be to your situation.
6. An offer or request for miles, points, etc. and exchanges for same are not allowed on this Forum; such posts or threads will generally be deleted.
7. In lengthy threads with many pages of posts, it may pay to read the first post (some may have summaries) and then begin reading backward from the most recent post. You may glean more accurate and current information that way. You can also use Search within a thread.
Welcome, and enjoy the forum.
A few things to keep in mind to make your experience here enjoyable and informative. This forum is host to a vast body of information and experiences current and past for you to read and enjoy as well as share.
1. There is a "Search this forum" function that becomes available if you have logged in and can be found at the top right edge of the message index list. This is a very useful function if you are looking for something in particular. Learning how to use Search will enhance your experience - more information in the Welcome announcement and in the Unofficial Users' Guide (#1) sticky.
2. The forum etiquette requires you to at least try searching before asking a question or posting information that may be public knowledge since many questions are asked, or public information is posted, over and over again and so can clutter up the message board.
3. The stickies (posts that always stay at the top of the page) capture some of the common questions or information that people find useful such as elite status and qualifications, award/upgrade ticket rules, etc. Do have a look at these threads labeled "sticky" to see if the information is useful to you.
4. If you are familiar with “Wikis” (an online resource built and edited by members,) the American AAdvantage Wiki is a hnighly recommended visit – a link to the Wiki is in the “Unofficial Users’ Guide” sticky as well as here and in the FAQ "sticky" thread.
5. Like any community, this forum contains people from a broad spectrum of life and of varying experiences and manners. So don't be daunted by individual styles from people here until you have read for a while and understand who is who. It may take a little time to figure out all the players.
5. Please show courtesy and respect for other people here when you post. Frequently, some post here because they are angry or upset about some incident with the airline. It is natural and therapeutic to rant a bit in those situations, but remember that more rational you appear in your post, more sympathetic people will be to your situation.
6. An offer or request for miles, points, etc. and exchanges for same are not allowed on this Forum; such posts or threads will generally be deleted.
7. In lengthy threads with many pages of posts, it may pay to read the first post (some may have summaries) and then begin reading backward from the most recent post. You may glean more accurate and current information that way. You can also use Search within a thread.
Welcome, and enjoy the forum.
#9
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AAdvantage EXP
Posts: 1,482
Post of note for newer and older members...
...
Being one of the newbies whose first reaction to FT was "Blimey I feel like I have just put my hand in a bucket full of angry hornets who are being attacked by an army of scorpions" its taken me a little while to understand how the forum works and what the dynamics and expectations of members are.
When I first joined and had that reaction I then reflected on another forum that I have been a member of for the past 5ish years and a supermod on and was reminded how snippy I get when someone jumps into an eastablished group who have communicated for a long and then .....es that the oldbies dont play nice with the n00bs.
What I am finding now is that if you have expended a modicum of effort to research your issue first, had a look on the AA site and make an effort to use appopiate speeling: grammer then the oldbies have been generally pretty helpful.
Just sharing a few thoughts on the curmugeonliness.
S
Being one of the newbies whose first reaction to FT was "Blimey I feel like I have just put my hand in a bucket full of angry hornets who are being attacked by an army of scorpions" its taken me a little while to understand how the forum works and what the dynamics and expectations of members are.
When I first joined and had that reaction I then reflected on another forum that I have been a member of for the past 5ish years and a supermod on and was reminded how snippy I get when someone jumps into an eastablished group who have communicated for a long and then .....es that the oldbies dont play nice with the n00bs.
What I am finding now is that if you have expended a modicum of effort to research your issue first, had a look on the AA site and make an effort to use appopiate speeling: grammer then the oldbies have been generally pretty helpful.
Just sharing a few thoughts on the curmugeonliness.
S
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 21, 2008 at 8:15 pm Reason: add title
#10
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Help Desk: Availability and Releases of Upgrade and Award Inventory
Reserved
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 16, 2010 at 10:35 am