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!
Dec 16, 2009, 3:44 pm
#121
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Thread link added:
• Can I standby for a different flight?
<snip>
FT: No Standby on International Flights (consolidated)
<snip>
FT: No Standby on International Flights (consolidated)
Dec 16, 2009, 3:56 pm
#122
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Updates:
• How can I upgrade on AA?
<snip>
500-mile Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
These can be requested by elites and full-fare passengers on AA flights within North America, the Caribbean, and Central America at the time of booking. These upgrades are only valid from Economy to the next class of service and cannot be used to upgrade from Business to First on 3-class flights. Requests can be made via the online reservation page, or by phone with an AA agent. Sticker/EXP upgrades may clear at any time between the beginning of the appropriate elite upgrade window prior to departure (EXP 100 hrs, PLT 72 hrs, GLD 24 hrs, non-status 24 hrs) and the departure of the aircraft (‘battlefield upgrade’). Upgrades for EXP, as well as other elites traveling on full-fare economy tickets, are free. In all other cases, upgrades require an appropriate number of 500-mile electronic upgrades (also called stickers). All fares are eligible for 500-mile upgrades by elites, while non-elites must be booked in Y or B to use 500-mile upgrades when traveling alone. Elites can request an upgrade for one companion traveling on the same flight (not necessarily the same itinerary or reservation). As of Jul 2009, if both passengers are elites, 500-mile upgrades will be debited separately from each member’s account. (Previously, the default was to debit the upgrades from the requestor’s account, which could be overridden at the airport by asking an agent to remove the ADC code on the Passenger Item List after the upgrade had cleared.)
Upgrades to First Class book into X inventory and upgrades to Business Class book into R inventory, which are not publicly available but can be monitored within 24 hours of departure time by using ExpertFlyer, a subscription service that also offers a free 5-day trial.
Wiki: Upgrades: EXP and 500-Mile Upgrades
AA.com: 500-mile and Complimentary Elite Upgrades
FT: 500-Mile upgrades / stickers pulled separately for elites traveling together
FT: Use of 500-mile upgrades / stickers by non-elites (consolidated)
FT: Requesting prorated stickers after the end of February (consolidated)
FT: How to deduct stickers from separate accounts (removing the ADC code) (historical interest only)
<snip>
500-mile Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
These can be requested by elites and full-fare passengers on AA flights within North America, the Caribbean, and Central America at the time of booking. These upgrades are only valid from Economy to the next class of service and cannot be used to upgrade from Business to First on 3-class flights. Requests can be made via the online reservation page, or by phone with an AA agent. Sticker/EXP upgrades may clear at any time between the beginning of the appropriate elite upgrade window prior to departure (EXP 100 hrs, PLT 72 hrs, GLD 24 hrs, non-status 24 hrs) and the departure of the aircraft (‘battlefield upgrade’). Upgrades for EXP, as well as other elites traveling on full-fare economy tickets, are free. In all other cases, upgrades require an appropriate number of 500-mile electronic upgrades (also called stickers). All fares are eligible for 500-mile upgrades by elites, while non-elites must be booked in Y or B to use 500-mile upgrades when traveling alone. Elites can request an upgrade for one companion traveling on the same flight (not necessarily the same itinerary or reservation). As of Jul 2009, if both passengers are elites, 500-mile upgrades will be debited separately from each member’s account. (Previously, the default was to debit the upgrades from the requestor’s account, which could be overridden at the airport by asking an agent to remove the ADC code on the Passenger Item List after the upgrade had cleared.)
Upgrades to First Class book into X inventory and upgrades to Business Class book into R inventory, which are not publicly available but can be monitored within 24 hours of departure time by using ExpertFlyer, a subscription service that also offers a free 5-day trial.
Wiki: Upgrades: EXP and 500-Mile Upgrades
AA.com: 500-mile and Complimentary Elite Upgrades
FT: 500-Mile upgrades / stickers pulled separately for elites traveling together
FT: Use of 500-mile upgrades / stickers by non-elites (consolidated)
FT: Requesting prorated stickers after the end of February (consolidated)
FT: How to deduct stickers from separate accounts (removing the ADC code) (historical interest only)
Dec 16, 2009, 4:19 pm
#123
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
New entry:
• What are preferred seats?
AA reserves a certain number of seats on each flight that can only be reserved at the time of booking by
by elites, AAirpass members, and full fare (Y/B) passengers. These often include exit row seats and aisle and window seats near the front of the cabin, and the number can vary for every flight. These seats are generally released for selection by all passengers when online checkin begins, 24 hours prior to departure. Additional seats, including bulkhead seats, may be reserved for 'airport control' and cannot be prereserved online, although passengers with disabilities may request bulkhead seats by calling AA Reservations at 1-800-433-7300.
AA.com: View Available Seats
AA.com: Special Assistance: Prereserved Seating
FT: Preferred seat - what does it mean?
AA reserves a certain number of seats on each flight that can only be reserved at the time of booking by
by elites, AAirpass members, and full fare (Y/B) passengers. These often include exit row seats and aisle and window seats near the front of the cabin, and the number can vary for every flight. These seats are generally released for selection by all passengers when online checkin begins, 24 hours prior to departure. Additional seats, including bulkhead seats, may be reserved for 'airport control' and cannot be prereserved online, although passengers with disabilities may request bulkhead seats by calling AA Reservations at 1-800-433-7300.
AA.com: View Available Seats
AA.com: Special Assistance: Prereserved Seating
FT: Preferred seat - what does it mean?
Dec 16, 2009, 4:50 pm
#124
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
New entry (that's it for now, I'm tired!):
• 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.
On longhaul international flights (to/from Asia, Europe, South America, and NYC-Haiti) complimentary meals are provided in all cabins. On other flights, complimentary meals or snacks are generally provided in First and Business and available for purchase in Economy. Meal orders in First and Business are taken based on FEBO (Front Even / Back Odd), but service is always generally front-to-back. EXP elites traveling in Coach on any flight and PLT elites traveling on American Eagle or American Connection are entitled to a free shelf-stable snack and alcoholic beverage.
Special meals are available on transcontinental flights in First and Business and on international flights in all classes and must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling AA Reservations.
As of June 1, 2009, AA accepts payment by credit card only on mainline flights and by cash only on American Eagle and American Connection flights.
Wiki: Planes and Seats: Food and Beverages
AA.com: Dining | Meal Service | Beverages | Special Meals
FT: 'Traditional meal times' on AA
FT: Free snack / drink for PLT/EXP on American Eagle
FT: Free snack / drink for EXP in mainline Economy
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.
On longhaul international flights (to/from Asia, Europe, South America, and NYC-Haiti) complimentary meals are provided in all cabins. On other flights, complimentary meals or snacks are generally provided in First and Business and available for purchase in Economy. Meal orders in First and Business are taken based on FEBO (Front Even / Back Odd), but service is always generally front-to-back. EXP elites traveling in Coach on any flight and PLT elites traveling on American Eagle or American Connection are entitled to a free shelf-stable snack and alcoholic beverage.
Special meals are available on transcontinental flights in First and Business and on international flights in all classes and must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling AA Reservations.
As of June 1, 2009, AA accepts payment by credit card only on mainline flights and by cash only on American Eagle and American Connection flights.
Wiki: Planes and Seats: Food and Beverages
AA.com: Dining | Meal Service | Beverages | Special Meals
FT: 'Traditional meal times' on AA
FT: Free snack / drink for PLT/EXP on American Eagle
FT: Free snack / drink for EXP in mainline Economy
Dec 16, 2009, 4:56 pm
#125
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
Suggestion:
- How quickly do eVIPs / SWU post to my account after (re)qualifying EXP
Last edited by serfty; Dec 17, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Dec 16, 2009, 5:12 pm
#126
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
- How quickly do eVIPs / SWU post to my account after (re)qualifying EXP
Do these post with a successful Platinum Challenge?
I don't undestand what you are asking (or suggesting). One does not earn any eVIPS (SWUs) for completing a Platinum Challenge.
Dec 17, 2009, 9:23 am
#127
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DEN - MAD
Programs: AS 100K/F9 100K/*A-Gold/AA 1.6mm/HyattGlobal/IHG SPIRE/Hilt-Caes-Wynd DIAM/Rad & Crown&Anch GOLD
Posts: 466
actually, an IM program such as apple's "ichat" works perfectly on the gogo network. i was actually surprised to find that the bandwidth is sufficient enough for me to do a video connection with my office (though this is prohibited in the gogo terms of service.) i have no doubt that i could have easily used ichat for voip as well.
i think it's important to respect the "private space" of those flyers around me, so i'm always careful to limit cell calls or conversations. but i have found that on multiple occasions, i've carried on IM conversations (via text, not voice) with multiple clients around the world, traded files (including large audio and video files) and generally conducted the same kind of business on the plane that i would in my office.
i think it's important to respect the "private space" of those flyers around me, so i'm always careful to limit cell calls or conversations. but i have found that on multiple occasions, i've carried on IM conversations (via text, not voice) with multiple clients around the world, traded files (including large audio and video files) and generally conducted the same kind of business on the plane that i would in my office.
I haven't ever searched FT for threads on this topic, but perhaps you (or I) could start one.
Thanks, dstan, for your tremendous effort in compiling this informative wiki/sticky/etc. I appreciate it!
Dec 17, 2009, 5:07 pm
#128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Posts: 21,995
Dec 18, 2009, 11:27 am
#129
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
- How quickly do eVIPs / SWU post to my account after (re)qualifying EXP
Jan 10, 2010, 3:42 pm
#130
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
A few updates
• How many 500-mile upgrades / stickers do I need?
<...>
Elites can request an upgrade for one companion traveling on the same flight (not necessarily the same itinerary or reservation). As of Jul 2009, if both passengers are elites, 500-mile upgrades will be debited separately from each member’s account. (Previously, the default was to debit the upgrades from the requestor’s account, which could be overridden at the airport by asking an agent to remove the ADC code on the Passenger Item List after the upgrade had cleared.)
<...>
FT: 500-Mile upgrades / stickers pulled separately for elites traveling together
<...>
Elites can request an upgrade for one companion traveling on the same flight (not necessarily the same itinerary or reservation). As of Jul 2009, if both passengers are elites, 500-mile upgrades will be debited separately from each member’s account. (Previously, the default was to debit the upgrades from the requestor’s account, which could be overridden at the airport by asking an agent to remove the ADC code on the Passenger Item List after the upgrade had cleared.)
<...>
FT: 500-Mile upgrades / stickers pulled separately for elites traveling together
Jan 26, 2010, 3:43 pm
#131
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Thread links updated:
• I just missed requalifying, will AA make any exceptions or can I buy back status?
<...>
Wiki: Elite Status: Buyback
AA.com: Elite Status Buyback: An Exclusive AAdvantage Special Offer
FT: 2010 AAdvantage status year repurchase/buyback (consolidated)
<...>
Wiki: Elite Status: Buyback
AA.com: Elite Status Buyback: An Exclusive AAdvantage Special Offer
FT: 2010 AAdvantage status year repurchase/buyback (consolidated)
Feb 26, 2010, 10:29 am
#132
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Student Advantage discount & thread added
• Does anyone have a discount or promotion code?
<...>
Student Advantage is also offering members a 10% discount valid for travel from Aug 16–Dec 16, 2010 and purchased between Jul 1–Sep 30, 2010.
<...>
FT: 2010 Student Advantage Discount (travel 8/16-12/16/2010; purchase 7/1-9/30/2010)
<...>
Student Advantage is also offering members a 10% discount valid for travel from Aug 16–Dec 16, 2010 and purchased between Jul 1–Sep 30, 2010.
<...>
FT: 2010 Student Advantage Discount (travel 8/16-12/16/2010; purchase 7/1-9/30/2010)
Last edited by dstan; Mar 15, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Mar 15, 2010, 3:24 pm
#133
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Century in the Making promo added
• Does anyone have a discount or promotion code?
<...>
From March to September 2010, AA is running a Century in the Making promotion that provides 10% discount codes valid during four separate travel periods.
<...>
FT: 2010 Century in the Making Promotion (four travel periods Mar-Sep 2010)
<...>
From March to September 2010, AA is running a Century in the Making promotion that provides 10% discount codes valid during four separate travel periods.
<...>
FT: 2010 Century in the Making Promotion (four travel periods Mar-Sep 2010)
Last edited by dstan; Mar 15, 2010 at 3:35 pm Reason: fixed link to promo thread
Mar 29, 2010, 1:39 pm
#134
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Upgrade, checked bag fee updates
• How can I upgrade on AA?
<...>
500-mile Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
<...>
Note that schedule changes resulting in a flight number change will result in upgrade requests being dropped. The upgrade requests can be restored to the original date/time by calling AA Reservations.
<...>
FT: 500-Mile upgrade / sticker protocols (2009, consolidated)
<...>
500-mile Upgrades (stickers / EXP)
<...>
Note that schedule changes resulting in a flight number change will result in upgrade requests being dropped. The upgrade requests can be restored to the original date/time by calling AA Reservations.
<...>
FT: 500-Mile upgrade / sticker protocols (2009, consolidated)
• How does the upgrade waitlist work?
<...>
Elites requesting a companion upgrade will, by default, only clear if both upgrades become available simultaneously, and may be passed over if only one upgrade inventory slot becomes available. This ‘no-split’ designation can be removed manually by calling AA Reservations.
<...>
Elites requesting a companion upgrade will, by default, only clear if both upgrades become available simultaneously, and may be passed over if only one upgrade inventory slot becomes available. This ‘no-split’ designation can be removed manually by calling AA Reservations.
• Will I have to pay baggage fees?
<...>
Fees for travel between Canada and the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U. S. Virgin Islands, for the first and second checked bag each way are as follows:
FT: AA increases Canada checked bag fees (Mar 2010)
<...>
Fees for travel between Canada and the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U. S. Virgin Islands, for the first and second checked bag each way are as follows:
- Purchsed on/before Mar 28, 2010: $15 / $25
- Purchased on/after Mar 29, 2010: $25 / $35 [AA.com Link]
FT: AA increases Canada checked bag fees (Mar 2010)
Mar 29, 2010, 2:13 pm
#135
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
Upgrade priority
• How does the upgrade waitlist work?
<...>
AA.com: 500-mile and EXP upgrades | EXP Upgrade Info | PLT Upgrade Info | GLD Upgrade Info
FT: Impact of Y & B Fares on EXP and 500-mile Sticker Upgrade Priority
<...>
1) Elite status – EXP, PLT, GLD, non-status AAdvantage
2) Connecting status – passengers connecting from another flight receive higher priority
3) Fare class – passengers traveling on full Y/B fares receive higher priority over other fares
4) Time of upgrade request – when you click the ‘Request Upgrade’ box on AA.com
<...>2) Connecting status – passengers connecting from another flight receive higher priority
3) Fare class – passengers traveling on full Y/B fares receive higher priority over other fares
4) Time of upgrade request – when you click the ‘Request Upgrade’ box on AA.com
AA.com: 500-mile and EXP upgrades | EXP Upgrade Info | PLT Upgrade Info | GLD Upgrade Info
FT: Impact of Y & B Fares on EXP and 500-mile Sticker Upgrade Priority