JDiver

Could be - more reason to pay attention where one posts. AFAIK, US doesn't do advance meal orders; they do follow the AA /US order of taking meals described above, though it seems to be honored in the breach more often than not, from reports.


OP, use the Alert a Moderator radio button if you're flying US and want us to move your post. /Moderator

linsj

I've tried searching but can't find answers to my questions. I'm familiar with UA's economy plus seats but know nothing about MCE.

AA website says the price starts at $20. Am I correct in assuming price is tied to length of flight? What is typical price ORD to Hawaii? ORD to west coast?

Does MCE include exit rows? If not, can someone with no status book an exit row for free, or what is the cost?

ty97

MCE cost is variable based on length of flight and (I think) availability. MCE seats tend to be the first few rows of economy and the exit row seats. For example, on the 737-800 (which does most ORD to west coast flights) MCE is rows 7,8,9 and the exit rows 14 & 15 (NB: some 737s are in an old configuration where coach starts with row 8 and has more MCE seats, but this config is being phased out. Most 737s are in the new config).

For Hawaii, you'll either fly* on the 767-300 (from DFW) or 757 (out of LA). On the 763, MCE is the mini-cabin (rows 11, 12, 13) and the exit rows (20 & 21). On the 757 I believe MCE is rows 9-18 (which includes the exit rows).

It was possible previously on AA to select some exit row seats (e.g. Row 31 on the 772) without having to pay the MCE fee, but AA has since designated those seats as MCE. However, even before they were MCE, these were 'preferred' seats that only elite status members could select for free.

*Note that pre-merger US airplanes do not have MCE. So if you fly Phoenix to Hawaii, there will be no MCE option.

DallyingDingo

If I am trying to earn segments towards EXP, would it be preferred to start buying connecting flights where possible as opposed to direct flights, or is there no advantage to doing so?

JDiver

As with so many questions, the answer is "it depends".

If you fly connecting flights with discrete (different) flight numbers, you will earn miles (and points and segments) for each separate flight. Depending on your planning, this can significantly increase miles and points earned toward status.

Flying two (or more) flights with the same flight number ("through flights") gains you the same (it will be counted as one single segment) as if they were one nonstop flight, even if you must change aircraft or types of aircraft.

A side advantage is sometimes connecting flights can cost less than no stops.

Stgermainparis

When I find award space on AA (3 seats) and BA Avios (3 seats) for the same route/date/flight, are those the same seats? Or is it 6 award seats total?

I'm trying to book 5 tix and can't find 5 together on a return on either AA or BA. When I search, it's usually consistently the same # of seats on the AA and BA sites (for same flight/date), which makes me think there is only a total of, say, 3 seats, but on a few dates it's a different number of seats on AA and BA. I'd like to do 3x AA and 2x BA on UIO-MIA, for example. That way we can book separately but fly together.

54austin

Is the $75 fee for same-day standby always collected (at the gate)? There's plenty of space on an earlier flight I'd like to take, but it's not worth $75, so if AA gate agents strictly adhere to this policy, then I won't bother getting to the airport earlier. Thanks.

JDiver

You can, depending on the terms and conditions of your ticket and the good graces of the gate agent, stand by.

But that's not the same as same-day confirmed flight change, usually arranged telephonically, ticket counter or other media than the gate; and that does incur a $75 fee.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html

That's on American (why the thread above is in the AA pre-consolidation forum); I'm unaware of US' policies dealing with this issue.

rkh29

I have a credit card one day pass for Admirals Club. Will I be able to use it at JAL lounge in Frankfurt? Traveling in coach on AA.

JDiver

The Sakura lounge operates on oneworld principles, plus an agreement with departing AA Business, First (when it's available) passengers and Admirals a Club members.

So, I'm afraid not; you'd need Sapphire or Emerald status, or Admirals Club thirty day membership ($99) or annual membership.

MikailSJ

Anyone know how far in advance we can sign up for the AA status challenge for gold/plat? (and if we can even do this anymore?)

JDiver

You can still do it; iirc reports are you can sign up within a couple of weeks.

Starting your challenge on or after 16 June will give you status through the las day of February of 2017... See the wiki and challenge thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...-platinum.html

shgroamer

Hey guys, I'm flying BA F from DXB-DFW via LHR and also participating in the status challenge for AA Plat. Will I get the points (with 1.5X multiplier bc of F) for these flights on my AAdvantage account?

I know the current promotion bonus (2x on top of normal i believe) doesn't apply bc it was NOT an AA marketed flight. Bonus doesn't apply to challenges anyway..

shgroamer

I'm doing it now, they will even backdate (within reason)

JDiver

You will earn 1.5 Points per base mile.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...-platinum.html