Jun 18, 2013, 7:50 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Frequently Asked Questions: American Airlines and AAdvantage
Please check here first: resources, thread links, etc.
Please check here first: resources, thread links, etc.
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST. Moderators can edit this Wikipost.
Please do NOT post your individual questions here. This thread is reserved for discussing the content of the FAQ itself. If you have suggestions or corrections specifically pertaining to this FAQ, please feel free to post them directly to this thread. If you have a question that is not answered directly by one of the FAQ entries, please find and post to the appropriate thread. Thanks for your cooperation.
FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first!
Mar 13, 2012, 1:25 pm
#301
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: Free snack/drink for EXP/CK in Coach now official
• Will there be food and beverages available on my flight?
<snip>
AA.com: Dining | Meal Service | Beverages | Special Meals | EXP/CK Free Snack & Drink
<snip>
AA.com: Dining | Meal Service | Beverages | Special Meals | EXP/CK Free Snack & Drink
Mar 13, 2012, 1:49 pm
#302
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: New AA webpages on upgrades
• How can I upgrade on AA?
<snip>
Upgrade Awards (miles + copay)
<snip>
AA.com: Upgrade Award Info | Upgrade Award Chart |
Participating Airline (BA & IB) Upgrade Award Chart
<snip>
500-mile Electronic Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
<snip>
AA.com: 500-mile Electronic and Complimentary Elite Upgrades
<snip>
Systemwide Upgrades (SWU / eVIP)
<snip>
AA.com: Systemwide Upgrades
<snip>
Upgrade Awards (miles + copay)
<snip>
AA.com: Upgrade Award Info | Upgrade Award Chart |
Participating Airline (BA & IB) Upgrade Award Chart
<snip>
500-mile Electronic Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
<snip>
AA.com: 500-mile Electronic and Complimentary Elite Upgrades
<snip>
Systemwide Upgrades (SWU / eVIP)
<snip>
AA.com: Systemwide Upgrades
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 14, 2012 at 8:56 am Reason: update
Mar 14, 2012, 2:43 pm
#303
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: ORD Admirals Club thread added
• Where can I find more information about a specific lounge?
<snip>
FT: ORD / Chicago O’Hare T3 Admirals Clubs (consolidated)
FT: ORD / Chicago O’Hare T3 H/K Flagship Lounge (consolidated)
<snip>
FT: ORD / Chicago O’Hare T3 Admirals Clubs (consolidated)
FT: ORD / Chicago O’Hare T3 H/K Flagship Lounge (consolidated)
Mar 15, 2012, 4:34 pm
#304
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: New AA Upgrade Awards webpage
With thanks to my colleague, JDiver for pointing this out:
• How can I upgrade on AA?
<snip>
Upgrade Awards (miles + copay)
<snip>
AA.com: Upgrade Awards | AA Upgrade Award Chart | BA/IB Upgrade Award Chart
<snip>
Upgrade Awards (miles + copay)
<snip>
AA.com: Upgrade Awards | AA Upgrade Award Chart | BA/IB Upgrade Award Chart
Mar 24, 2012, 11:21 pm
#305
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: New AC/FL meetup thread added
• Will I have lounge access on my itinerary?
<snip>
FT: Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge meetup thread (2012-present) [NOT for access requests]
<snip>
FT: Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge meetup thread (2012-present) [NOT for access requests]
Mar 24, 2012, 11:23 pm
#306
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: Existing NRT Lounge thread now added to list
• Where can I find more information about a specific lounge?
<snip>
FT: NRT / Tokyo Narita Admirals Club & oneworld Lounges (consolidated)
<snip>
FT: NRT / Tokyo Narita Admirals Club & oneworld Lounges (consolidated)
Apr 4, 2012, 1:31 pm
#307
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: DFLGA and BOSEQ double EQM promotions
• How can I qualify for AA elite status?
<snip>
AA is currently running the following Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotions:<snip>
FT: DEQ11: Double EQM DFW/ORD-LAX/SFO for CA, IL, TX residents
FT: DFLGA: Double EQM DFW-LGA
FT: BOSEQ: Double EQM DFW-BOS
<snip>
AA is currently running the following Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotions:
- DEQ11 - Double EQM for residents of CA, TX, and IL on DFW-LAX, DFW-SFO, ORD-LAX, and ORD-SFO segments in roundtrip itineraries from Oct 27, 2011 –
Mar 31, 2012. [Extended through June 30, 2012] - DFLGA - Double EQM on DFW-LGA segments in roundtrip itineraries (open jaws eligible) from Mar 26, 2012 – Jun 30, 2012. This promotion was targeted by email but was also released on DealFinder.
- BOSEQ - Double EQM on roundtrip flights (same fare class both directions) between DFW-BOS from Apr 3, 2012 – Jun 30, 2012. Routing rules have not yet been confirmed.
FT: DEQ11: Double EQM DFW/ORD-LAX/SFO for CA, IL, TX residents
FT: DFLGA: Double EQM DFW-LGA
FT: BOSEQ: Double EQM DFW-BOS
Apr 9, 2012, 10:05 am
#308
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: Free AT&T wifi at Admirals Clubs (from Oct 2011)
• Will I have lounge access on my itinerary?
<snip>
All Admirals Club patrons now receive free AT&T wi-fi access and free computer terminals are also available for use. Passengers accessing Admirals Clubs based on status or class of service on international travel are also entitled to free premium drink coupons (house drinks are now free for all visitors).
<snip>
FT: Admirals Clubs to have free AT&T wifi for all visitors (Oct 2011)
<snip>
All Admirals Club patrons now receive free AT&T wi-fi access and free computer terminals are also available for use. Passengers accessing Admirals Clubs based on status or class of service on international travel are also entitled to free premium drink coupons (house drinks are now free for all visitors).
<snip>
FT: Admirals Clubs to have free AT&T wifi for all visitors (Oct 2011)
• Is it worth it to purchase Admirals Club membership or a daypass?
<snip>
With respect to the general benefits of Admirals Club access, the clubs are primarily promoted as lounges where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the main airport terminal. Light snacks (bagels, pretzels, fruit, etc.), coffee, tea, and house beer, wine, and liquors are provided for free to all visitors, but other food and premium alcoholic beverages must be purchased. Some clubs also have showers, and all clubs have free wifi and free computer terminals. However, many travellers cite the rapid, expert assistance they receive from Admirals Club ‘AAngels’ during travel disruptions as a key, unpublished benefit of Admirals Club access. AAngels are also often more forthcoming than busy gate agents with information about the exact status of your inbound aircraft and your position on the upgrade waitlist.
With respect to benefits that are extended only to paid members (as opposed to those accessing Admirals Clubs based on other qualifications), members at smaller clubs report receiving proactive assistance during travel disruptions. Members also do not need to be traveling to access Admirals Clubs, can rent conference room facilities in clubs. Free wifi was previously restricted to members and daypass holders, but is available free to all Admirals Club visitors from October 2011.
<snip>
FT: Admirals Clubs to have free AT&T wifi for all visitors (Oct 2011)
<snip>
With respect to the general benefits of Admirals Club access, the clubs are primarily promoted as lounges where one can escape the hustle and bustle of the main airport terminal. Light snacks (bagels, pretzels, fruit, etc.), coffee, tea, and house beer, wine, and liquors are provided for free to all visitors, but other food and premium alcoholic beverages must be purchased. Some clubs also have showers, and all clubs have free wifi and free computer terminals. However, many travellers cite the rapid, expert assistance they receive from Admirals Club ‘AAngels’ during travel disruptions as a key, unpublished benefit of Admirals Club access. AAngels are also often more forthcoming than busy gate agents with information about the exact status of your inbound aircraft and your position on the upgrade waitlist.
With respect to benefits that are extended only to paid members (as opposed to those accessing Admirals Clubs based on other qualifications), members at smaller clubs report receiving proactive assistance during travel disruptions. Members also do not need to be traveling to access Admirals Clubs, can rent conference room facilities in clubs. Free wifi was previously restricted to members and daypass holders, but is available free to all Admirals Club visitors from October 2011.
<snip>
FT: Admirals Clubs to have free AT&T wifi for all visitors (Oct 2011)
Last edited by dstan; Apr 9, 2012 at 10:24 am
Apr 19, 2012, 2:20 pm
#309
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: IAD & MCI (as well as PTY, SDQ) Admirals Clubs to close
As discussed here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...s-closing.html
• Where can I find more information about a specific lounge?
<snip>
FT: IAD / Washington Dulles Admirals Club (TO CLOSE July 31, 2012) (consolidated)
FT: MCI / Kansas City Admirals Club (TO CLOSE July 31, 2012) (consolidated)
<snip>
FT: IAD / Washington Dulles Admirals Club (TO CLOSE July 31, 2012) (consolidated)
FT: MCI / Kansas City Admirals Club (TO CLOSE July 31, 2012) (consolidated)
Apr 24, 2012, 12:21 pm
#310
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: BA, HA awards now available on AA.com; rebranded award names
• How do I book award travel using my AAdvantage miles?
Your AAdvantage miles can be used for three different types of award tickets: AA Awards, Partner Awards (now called oneworld and Other Airline Awards), and oneworld Awards (now called Explorer Awards). AA Awards and certain Partner Awards can be booked online, while other Partner and Explorer Awards must be booked by telephone, usually incurring an additional service fee. Appropriate inventory must be available and reservations can be made as early as 330 days out on AA.com, or 331 days out by phone. AAwards are still subject to certain government fees, including the U.S. September 11th Security Fee (AY; $2.50 per flight); expect substantial additional fees on international flights. In addition, although fuel surcharges (YQ; varies) do not apply to AA flights, they do apply to British Airways and Iberia flights.
AA AAnytime Awards book into full-fare inventory buckets (F, J, Y) and are almost always available, unless a flight is sold out. AA MileSAAver Awards require half as many miles as AAnytime Awards but have limited availability, which can be determined using the award booking engine on AA.com. Award Nexus, a website with free, limited access for FlyerTalk members and additional premium options available for purchase, can also be used to search award availability for AA, oneworld airlines, and other partners. Some find it easier to view MileSAAver inventory (Z, U, T) directly using the subscription services ExpertFlyer or KVS Availability Tool. Award inventory for most oneworld airlines and other partners is also available via the KVS tool, while ExpertFlyer provides more limited coverage.
On May 9, 2009, AA unveiled their new One-Way Flex Awards program, in which one-way AA and All-Partner awards can be booked for exactly one half the miles required previously for a roundtrip award. One benefit is that passengers attempting to book round-trip awards no longer need to wait or extend holds until the return flight becomes available 330 days out. Conversely, however, stopovers are now restricted to only the domestic gateway city on international (Europe, India, Asia, Central and South America) travel. Up to four awards can be booked together on a single reservation (PNR) and, if necessary, changed for a single change fee.
On Aug 2, 2011, AA announced new Dynamic Air Awards. These awards are available to elite members only, for travel within the mainland U.S., and can only be booked online for immediate purchase (no holds). Mileage charges are less than those for AAnytime Awards, but vary based on current revenue fare prices at the time of booking.
Wiki: Award Rules | Award Booking Codes | Inventory Classes
AA.com: Awards | AA Award Chart | Partner Award Charts | Explorer Award Charts | Dynamic Air Awards
FT: Routing and stopover rules for AA and Partner (oneworld and Other Airline) Awards
FT: Routing and stopover rules for Explorer Awards (round-the-world) using AAdvantage miles
FT: AA MileSAAver Award availability (consolidated)
FT: AA and All-Partner One-Way Flex Awards (from May 9, 2009)
FT: AAdvantage Dynamic Air Awards (from Aug 2, 2011)
FT: BA and HA Awards now bookable on AA.com (from Apr 22, 2012)
FT: Fuel surcharges (YQ) on AAwards redeemed on British Airways / BA flights
FT: Special procedure for Award tickets originating in the Philippines
FT: oneworld Forum
Your AAdvantage miles can be used for three different types of award tickets: AA Awards, Partner Awards (now called oneworld and Other Airline Awards), and oneworld Awards (now called Explorer Awards). AA Awards and certain Partner Awards can be booked online, while other Partner and Explorer Awards must be booked by telephone, usually incurring an additional service fee. Appropriate inventory must be available and reservations can be made as early as 330 days out on AA.com, or 331 days out by phone. AAwards are still subject to certain government fees, including the U.S. September 11th Security Fee (AY; $2.50 per flight); expect substantial additional fees on international flights. In addition, although fuel surcharges (YQ; varies) do not apply to AA flights, they do apply to British Airways and Iberia flights.
AA AAnytime Awards book into full-fare inventory buckets (F, J, Y) and are almost always available, unless a flight is sold out. AA MileSAAver Awards require half as many miles as AAnytime Awards but have limited availability, which can be determined using the award booking engine on AA.com. Award Nexus, a website with free, limited access for FlyerTalk members and additional premium options available for purchase, can also be used to search award availability for AA, oneworld airlines, and other partners. Some find it easier to view MileSAAver inventory (Z, U, T) directly using the subscription services ExpertFlyer or KVS Availability Tool. Award inventory for most oneworld airlines and other partners is also available via the KVS tool, while ExpertFlyer provides more limited coverage.
On May 9, 2009, AA unveiled their new One-Way Flex Awards program, in which one-way AA and All-Partner awards can be booked for exactly one half the miles required previously for a roundtrip award. One benefit is that passengers attempting to book round-trip awards no longer need to wait or extend holds until the return flight becomes available 330 days out. Conversely, however, stopovers are now restricted to only the domestic gateway city on international (Europe, India, Asia, Central and South America) travel. Up to four awards can be booked together on a single reservation (PNR) and, if necessary, changed for a single change fee.
On Aug 2, 2011, AA announced new Dynamic Air Awards. These awards are available to elite members only, for travel within the mainland U.S., and can only be booked online for immediate purchase (no holds). Mileage charges are less than those for AAnytime Awards, but vary based on current revenue fare prices at the time of booking.
Wiki: Award Rules | Award Booking Codes | Inventory Classes
AA.com: Awards | AA Award Chart | Partner Award Charts | Explorer Award Charts | Dynamic Air Awards
FT: Routing and stopover rules for AA and Partner (oneworld and Other Airline) Awards
FT: Routing and stopover rules for Explorer Awards (round-the-world) using AAdvantage miles
FT: AA MileSAAver Award availability (consolidated)
FT: AA and All-Partner One-Way Flex Awards (from May 9, 2009)
FT: AAdvantage Dynamic Air Awards (from Aug 2, 2011)
FT: BA and HA Awards now bookable on AA.com (from Apr 22, 2012)
FT: Fuel surcharges (YQ) on AAwards redeemed on British Airways / BA flights
FT: Special procedure for Award tickets originating in the Philippines
FT: oneworld Forum
Apr 25, 2012, 2:40 pm
#311
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: PHL club now at temp site with BA airside
Sorry, missed this one last fall.
• Where can I find more information about a specific lounge?
FT: PHL / Philadelphia Admirals Club (temp location from Sep 28, 2011) (consolidated)
FT: PHL / Philadelphia BA oneworld Lounge (consolidated)
FT: PHL / Philadelphia Admirals Club (temp location from Sep 28, 2011) (consolidated)
FT: PHL / Philadelphia BA oneworld Lounge (consolidated)
Jun 20, 2012, 3:23 pm
#312
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: AA Gold, Flying Blue Silver, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 2
LGA DFW
1015 AM Thurs in July
DFW LGA
10 AM Fri in July
New to AA Gold.. What are my chances of my upgrade clearing?
1015 AM Thurs in July
DFW LGA
10 AM Fri in July
New to AA Gold.. What are my chances of my upgrade clearing?
Last edited by dealvr; Jun 20, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Jun 20, 2012, 4:04 pm
#313
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Welcome to FlyerTalk, dealvr! 
As this thread is reserved for discussion of the FAQ itself, please repost your question in the appropriate thread, which is linked under the "What are the chances of my upgrade clearing" entry in the first post.
/Moderator
As this thread is reserved for discussion of the FAQ itself, please repost your question in the appropriate thread, which is linked under the "What are the chances of my upgrade clearing" entry in the first post./Moderator
Jun 25, 2012, 10:18 am
#314
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: DC
Programs: AA EXP; UAMM
Posts: 1,902
Finding SWUable fares on aa.com
Is there a way to find a flight with available seats in a fare bucket that allows using an SWU for an international flight?
I've just switched to AA from UA and there was a way to find such fares on the UA website. Is there a trick to finding them on the AA website?
I can't find anything in the FT threads or on aa.com on this.
I've just switched to AA from UA and there was a way to find such fares on the UA website. Is there a trick to finding them on the AA website?
I can't find anything in the FT threads or on aa.com on this.
Jun 25, 2012, 10:23 am
#315
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Is there a way to find a flight with available seats in a fare bucket that allows using an SWU for an international flight?
I've just switched to AA from UA and there was a way to find such fares on the UA website. Is there a trick to finding them on the AA website?
I can't find anything in the FT threads or on aa.com on this.
I've just switched to AA from UA and there was a way to find such fares on the UA website. Is there a trick to finding them on the AA website?
I can't find anything in the FT threads or on aa.com on this.
Please take some time to review the first post of this FAQ. Not only does it provide the answer to your question, it also notes that this thread is reserved for discussion of the FAQ itself as opposed to individual questions. Thanks for your understanding.FAQ: How do I book an upgradeable fare?