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.
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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!
Oct 25, 2012, 9:24 am
#331
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: O fares to Latin America earn miles
Don't know how this one slipped by me last May, but ALL fares to ALL destinations on AA now earn full mileage (RDM, EQM) credit.
• How can I qualify for AA elite status?
AAdvantage members can qualify for elite status annually based on calendar year butt-in-seat elite-qualifying miles (25K / 50K / 100K), elite-qualifying points (25K / 50K / 100K), or elite-qualifying segments (30 / 60 / 100). All fares on AA earn 100% elite-qualifying miles, 50–150% elite-qualifying points, and 100% elite-qualifying segments (including previously excluded O fares between North America and Latin America as of May 1, 2012). Flights on oneworld partner airlines and Alaska Airlines also earn elite-qualifying miles, points, and segments, but may be subject to various fare restrictions and multipliers. Flights on other partner airlines do not earn elite-qualifying miles, points, or segments. Non-flying miles (credit card, dining, etc.) do not count toward annual elite status qualification and, as of Dec 1, 2011, no longer count toward Lifetime / Million Miler Status.
N.B.: On Jul 18, 2011, AA launched a new Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard that awards 10,000 elite-qualifying miles after $40,000 in calendar year spending. All miles earned from purchases also count toward Lifetime / Million Miler Status through at least Dec 31, 2012.
AA is not currently running any Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotions but has run a number of such promotions in the past:
Wiki: Elite Status
AA.com: Elite Qualification Requirements
FT: AA Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard
AAdvantage members can qualify for elite status annually based on calendar year butt-in-seat elite-qualifying miles (25K / 50K / 100K), elite-qualifying points (25K / 50K / 100K), or elite-qualifying segments (30 / 60 / 100). All fares on AA earn 100% elite-qualifying miles, 50–150% elite-qualifying points, and 100% elite-qualifying segments (including previously excluded O fares between North America and Latin America as of May 1, 2012). Flights on oneworld partner airlines and Alaska Airlines also earn elite-qualifying miles, points, and segments, but may be subject to various fare restrictions and multipliers. Flights on other partner airlines do not earn elite-qualifying miles, points, or segments. Non-flying miles (credit card, dining, etc.) do not count toward annual elite status qualification and, as of Dec 1, 2011, no longer count toward Lifetime / Million Miler Status.
N.B.: On Jul 18, 2011, AA launched a new Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard that awards 10,000 elite-qualifying miles after $40,000 in calendar year spending. All miles earned from purchases also count toward Lifetime / Million Miler Status through at least Dec 31, 2012.
AA is not currently running any Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotions but has run a number of such promotions in the past:
Code:
- 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 DFW-BOS roundtrip flights (same fare class both directions; open jaws eligible) from Apr 3, 2012 – Jun 30, 2012. Routing rules have been confirmed by AmericanAirlines.
- DEQAA - Double EQM systemwide from Dec 13, 2011 – Jan 31, 2012.
- DEQSL - Double EQM for residents of CA and TX, on roundtrip flights between DFW-LAX and DFW-SFO from Apr 7, 2011 – Aug 31, 2011.
- DECSL - Double EQM for residents of CA and IL, on roundtrip flights between ORD-LAX and ORD-SFO from May 6, 2011 – Aug 31, 2011.
- LHREQ - Double EQM on roundtrip flights between BOS-LHR and MIA-LHR in full fare Economy Class or above on AA and BA flights from Mar 29, 2011 – Aug 15, 2011.
- LASF2 - Double EQM on roundtrip flights between DFW-SFO or DFW-LAX from Nov 29, 2010 – Feb 28, 2011.
- BNATD, PITTD, RDUTD, STLTD - Double EQM on itineraries originating and terminating at BNA, PIT, RDU, and STL from Jul 2–Dec 31, 2010.
- NYTPL - Triple EQM for LGA-ORD, ORD-LGA, LGA-BOS, and BOS-LGA flight segments ONLY (NYTPL) from Jun 14 – Aug 31, 2010.
- DBLEQ - Double EQM systemwide from Sep 2 – Dec 15, 2009.
- DBEQM - Double EQM systemwide from Mar 18 – Jun 15, 2009, following fleetwide MD80 groundings due to maintenance issues.
AA.com: Elite Qualification Requirements
FT: AA Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite Mastercard
Oct 25, 2012, 11:14 am
#332
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,097
Wow. Thanks for catching this!
Oct 25, 2012, 2:18 pm
#333
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Should have posted the link as well:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ay-2012-a.html
Credit to LGJ for the original catch. ^
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ay-2012-a.html
Credit to LGJ for the original catch. ^
Nov 2, 2012, 2:25 pm
#334
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: AATHX double EQM/EQP/RDM promo
• How can I qualify for AA elite status?
<snip>
AA is currently running a Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotion for Elite Members only:
AATHX - Double EQM/EQP/RDM systemwide from Nov 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012.
<snip>
FT: AATHX: Double EQM/EQP/RDP Nov 1–Dec 31, 2012
<snip>
AA is currently running a Double Elite-Qualifying Miles promotion for Elite Members only:
AATHX - Double EQM/EQP/RDM systemwide from Nov 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012.
<snip>
FT: AATHX: Double EQM/EQP/RDP Nov 1–Dec 31, 2012
Nov 4, 2012, 1:41 am
#335
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
• How do I earn 500-mile electronic upgrades / stickers?
AA awards GLD and PLT elite members four free 500-mile electronic upgrades for every 10,000 elite-qualifying miles (Miles Towards Elite Upgrades) earned during the membership year (Mar 1 – Feb 28)
...
AA.com: 500-mile Electronic and EXP upgrades
FT: How to request prorated upgrade stickers at the end of February
AA awards GLD and PLT elite members four free 500-mile electronic upgrades for every 10,000 elite-qualifying miles (Miles Towards Elite Upgrades) earned during the membership year (Mar 1 – Feb 28)
...
AA.com: 500-mile Electronic and EXP upgrades
FT: How to request prorated upgrade stickers at the end of February
1) Isn't it really during the calendar year? Not the membership year? I thought the counter resets to 0 on Jan 1.
2) (More important question ...) Is it really earned by Elite Qualifying Miles? So, miles on Alaska Airlines credited to American would count toward this?
3) And if there is a DEQM promotion (on AA), do those miles count double toward earning 500 mile upgrades?
Last edited by stc; Nov 4, 2012 at 1:41 am Reason: I can't count ...
Nov 4, 2012, 10:16 am
#336
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
So, three questions ...
1) Isn't it really during the calendar year? Not the membership year? I thought the counter resets to 0 on Jan 1.
2) (More important question ...) Is it really earned by Elite Qualifying Miles? So, miles on Alaska Airlines credited to American would count toward this?
3) And if there is a DEQM promotion (on AA), do those miles count double toward earning 500 mile upgrades?
1) Isn't it really during the calendar year? Not the membership year? I thought the counter resets to 0 on Jan 1.
2) (More important question ...) Is it really earned by Elite Qualifying Miles? So, miles on Alaska Airlines credited to American would count toward this?
3) And if there is a DEQM promotion (on AA), do those miles count double toward earning 500 mile upgrades?
1) No, the counter definitely resets on Mar 1. I always document our balances on Feb 28 so that I can call to request prorated stickers.
2) MTEU may be the same as EQM, but also may not be in the case of double EQM promotions, and also reset on different dates. AS flights credited to AA should increase both counters, though.
3) In the past, no, double EQM promos do not provide double MTEU.
Nov 23, 2012, 12:37 pm
#337
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: Preferred Plus seats now "Reserved for elite and full fare customers"
:-:
The "What are Preferred Plus seats?" entry is now obsolete and has been removed.
The "What are Preferred Plus seats?" entry is now obsolete and has been removed.
• What are Preferred seats?
Preferred seats (formerly Express seats) are at or near the front of the coach cabin, including bulkhead rows, and are available for purchase via AA.com, phone, or airport kiosk from the time of booking through the check-in deadline for a flight, even after previously checking in online. Available Preferred seats are shaded partially green on AA.com seat maps, although occupied Preferred seats are not designated. Pricing is per flight, based on flight distance. As of August 25, 2011, Preferred seats are available free of charge to elite AAdvantage, oneworld, and Alaska Airlines MVP members; AAirpass members; full fare/AAnytime award passengers (Y, B); active duty U.S. military; and traveling companions on the same reservation as any of the above. Passengers traveling on MileSAAver awards cannot purchase Preferred seats.
Certain Preferred seats (formerly Preferred Plus seats) are reserved for elite and full-fare customers only and are not available for purchase. These seats are designated with a white star on AA.com seatmaps when available, although occupied seats are not so designated.
Prior to August 25, 2011, the former Express Seat product also included Group 1 boarding, but was not available to those traveling on AAdvantage Award tickets. AAdvantage elites and full fare passengers were still charged for Expressed seats, unless selecting seats with an airport agent.
AA.com: Seating Options | Terms & Conditions
AA.com: Special Assistance: Prereserved Seating
FT: Former "Preferred Plus" seats now "Reserved for elite and full fare customers" (Nov 9, 2012)
FT: Express Seats rebranded as Preferred Seats; Preferred Seats rebranded as Preferred Plus Seats (Aug 25, 2011)
FT: Express Seats - Paid premium seating in economy
Preferred seats (formerly Express seats) are at or near the front of the coach cabin, including bulkhead rows, and are available for purchase via AA.com, phone, or airport kiosk from the time of booking through the check-in deadline for a flight, even after previously checking in online. Available Preferred seats are shaded partially green on AA.com seat maps, although occupied Preferred seats are not designated. Pricing is per flight, based on flight distance. As of August 25, 2011, Preferred seats are available free of charge to elite AAdvantage, oneworld, and Alaska Airlines MVP members; AAirpass members; full fare/AAnytime award passengers (Y, B); active duty U.S. military; and traveling companions on the same reservation as any of the above. Passengers traveling on MileSAAver awards cannot purchase Preferred seats.
Certain Preferred seats (formerly Preferred Plus seats) are reserved for elite and full-fare customers only and are not available for purchase. These seats are designated with a white star on AA.com seatmaps when available, although occupied seats are not so designated.
Prior to August 25, 2011, the former Express Seat product also included Group 1 boarding, but was not available to those traveling on AAdvantage Award tickets. AAdvantage elites and full fare passengers were still charged for Expressed seats, unless selecting seats with an airport agent.
AA.com: Seating Options | Terms & Conditions
AA.com: Special Assistance: Prereserved Seating
FT: Former "Preferred Plus" seats now "Reserved for elite and full fare customers" (Nov 9, 2012)
FT: Express Seats rebranded as Preferred Seats; Preferred Seats rebranded as Preferred Plus Seats (Aug 25, 2011)
FT: Express Seats - Paid premium seating in economy
• Why is my seat Unassigned?
Reservations made when there are no seats available for prereservation by the passenger will be left without a seat assignment. This does not necessarily mean that the flight is overbooked or that the passenger will be bumped if the flight is oversold at the gate. Additional seats generally become available closer to departure as elites are upgraded from the Coach cabin (beginning 100 hours prior to departure), and as Preferred Seats are released to airport control and assigned for free at check in or at the gate. Thus, passengers with unassigned seats should check the seatmap frequently, especially within the elite upgrade windows beginning 100 hours prior to departure. FlyerTalk member paulmcgrath has created a web tool that generates bookmarkable URLs to specific AA seatmaps: http://thisispaul.com/aaseats/
<snip>
Reservations made when there are no seats available for prereservation by the passenger will be left without a seat assignment. This does not necessarily mean that the flight is overbooked or that the passenger will be bumped if the flight is oversold at the gate. Additional seats generally become available closer to departure as elites are upgraded from the Coach cabin (beginning 100 hours prior to departure), and as Preferred Seats are released to airport control and assigned for free at check in or at the gate. Thus, passengers with unassigned seats should check the seatmap frequently, especially within the elite upgrade windows beginning 100 hours prior to departure. FlyerTalk member paulmcgrath has created a web tool that generates bookmarkable URLs to specific AA seatmaps: http://thisispaul.com/aaseats/
<snip>
Nov 23, 2012, 12:41 pm
#338
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
REQUEST: Please contribute new FAQ entries
For some time now, we have been working on putting the technical footing in place for a new FAQ, to resolve the navigation problems that have arisen due to the insertion of new entries into this FAQ by post duplication. We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue moving forward on this important but also sizable project.
At this time, if anyone has suggestions for new entries that should be added to the new FAQ, please post them here. Whenever possible, please include a brief synopsis of the correct response, along with links to relevant resources on AA.com, the FlyerGuide Wiki, and/or FlyerTalk threads.
Thank you in advance for your contributions!
At this time, if anyone has suggestions for new entries that should be added to the new FAQ, please post them here. Whenever possible, please include a brief synopsis of the correct response, along with links to relevant resources on AA.com, the FlyerGuide Wiki, and/or FlyerTalk threads.
Thank you in advance for your contributions!
Dec 4, 2012, 3:31 pm
#339
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA PLT (fmr CK), SPG Platinum, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 209
Drink prices in economy
• Will there be food and beverages available on my flight?
AA provides complimentary non-alcoholic beverages in all cabins on all flights. Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, mixed drinks) are also complimentary in First and Business, and are available for purchase in Economy at $6 per drink on all flights.
AA provides complimentary non-alcoholic beverages in all cabins on all flights. Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, mixed drinks) are also complimentary in First and Business, and are available for purchase in Economy at $6 per drink on all flights.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...dBeverages.jsp
Dec 5, 2012, 5:37 pm
#340
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Not sure exactly when it was raised, but liquor and wine are $7, while beer has remained at $7.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...dBeverages.jsp
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...dBeverages.jsp
Dec 12, 2012, 2:11 pm
#341
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update: Changes to free standby rules
• Can I standby for a different flight?
AA offers standby on all “domestic” flights (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Canada) at the airport on the same day of scheduled travel. Standby is free for AA and oneworld elites, F/J passengers, full fare (Y) passengers, AAirpass members, and active military, but is no longer free for others for tickets booked on/after Feb 22, 2010, nor for B or H fares as of approximately Dec 2012. Also, elites and AAirpass members may standby for earlier or later flights on the same day while all others may only standby for earlier flights on the same day.
<snip>
FT: Free standby now limited to elites and premium passengers (Feb 22, 2010)
FT: Free standby eliminated for B, H fares; non-elites can only standby earlier (Dec 2012)
AA offers standby on all “domestic” flights (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Canada) at the airport on the same day of scheduled travel. Standby is free for AA and oneworld elites, F/J passengers, full fare (Y) passengers, AAirpass members, and active military, but is no longer free for others for tickets booked on/after Feb 22, 2010, nor for B or H fares as of approximately Dec 2012. Also, elites and AAirpass members may standby for earlier or later flights on the same day while all others may only standby for earlier flights on the same day.
<snip>
FT: Free standby now limited to elites and premium passengers (Feb 22, 2010)
FT: Free standby eliminated for B, H fares; non-elites can only standby earlier (Dec 2012)
Dec 12, 2012, 2:23 pm
#342
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Update 2: Changes to free standby rules
• Can I standby for a different flight?
AA offers standby on all “domestic” flights (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Canada) at the airport on the same day of scheduled travel. Standby is free for AA and oneworld elites, F/J passengers, full fare (Y) passengers, AAirpass members, active military, and those purchasing special fares (ending in 7, 8, or 9) but is no longer free for others for tickets booked on/after Feb 22, 2010, nor for B or H fares as of approximately Dec 2012. Also, elites and AAirpass members may standby for earlier or later flights on the same day while all others may only standby for earlier flights on the same day.
AA offers standby on all “domestic” flights (U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Canada) at the airport on the same day of scheduled travel. Standby is free for AA and oneworld elites, F/J passengers, full fare (Y) passengers, AAirpass members, active military, and those purchasing special fares (ending in 7, 8, or 9) but is no longer free for others for tickets booked on/after Feb 22, 2010, nor for B or H fares as of approximately Dec 2012. Also, elites and AAirpass members may standby for earlier or later flights on the same day while all others may only standby for earlier flights on the same day.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ds-number.html
Dec 12, 2012, 4:45 pm
#343
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 210
where to find elite credits
Does anyone know how you can find out what elite credits you have earned over the past few months? When I check online, it breaks down spendable mileage earned from flying and credit cards, but the elite miles, points and segments are only totalled at the top so its impossible to tell how much I've earned for each leg i've flown or to see if i have received proper credit. is there a way to see this?
Dec 12, 2012, 5:08 pm
#344
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Does anyone know how you can find out what elite credits you have earned over the past few months? When I check online, it breaks down spendable mileage earned from flying and credit cards, but the elite miles, points and segments are only totalled at the top so its impossible to tell how much I've earned for each leg i've flown or to see if i have received proper credit. is there a way to see this?
Your question is addressed in this entry:
• How are miles and points calculated?
Thanks for your understanding.
Dec 31, 2012, 1:41 pm
#345
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Was wondering if anyone knew if AA's systems are based on GMT? Reason for asking is I am thinking about taking a CX flight that leaves on 1/1 Hong Kong Time but arrives on 9:05 PM 12/31 Pacific time into SFO. Would EQM/EQP points be counted towards 2013-2014 or 2012-2013? Thanks.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ns-issues.html
Last edited by dstan; Dec 31, 2012 at 1:48 pm