Last edit by: JY1024
Welcome to the 2016 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"
Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
(This post can only be edited by moderators.)
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
Welcome to Flyertalk!
The Newbie Lounge is a place for newer and less experienced members to ask their questions about American Airlines and the AAdvantage program and have answered by our more experienced and knowledgeable members. Feel free to ask any question related to American Airlines and AAdvantage here.
NOTE: This is a "flame free" thread; flaming, personal criticism for "failing to search" etc. is not allowed (if posted, the post will be summarily deleted, the poster subject to sanctions).
We volunteer Moderators monitor this "lounge" thread to assist you as well. When browsing the fora, look at the page tops of the various forums. There will be a menu, and often "sticky" threads, and threads with header "wiki posts" (created and maintained by the FlyerTalk community) with important information relating to that forum / topic.
Don't hesitate to contact a moderator or another member if you have any additional questions. You can PM the Moderators by clicking on , which pops up a message box; the message goes to all this forum's Moderators. Note that unlike some sites with paid staff moderators, FlyerTalk Moderators are volunteers, and most work, travel, go on holiday, etc. You can Private Message us using the PM system (My Flyertalk) and our handles.
We're glad you've chosen to join the Flyertalk frequent flyer community!
Your American Airlines | AAdvantage Forum Moderation Team,
AZ Travels the World, aztimm, dstan, JDiver, JY1024, Microwave
(Our thanks to thread founder / "plank owner" HNL.)
The Newbie Lounge is a place for newer and less experienced members to ask their questions about American Airlines and the AAdvantage program and have answered by our more experienced and knowledgeable members. Feel free to ask any question related to American Airlines and AAdvantage here.
NOTE: This is a "flame free" thread; flaming, personal criticism for "failing to search" etc. is not allowed (if posted, the post will be summarily deleted, the poster subject to sanctions).
We volunteer Moderators monitor this "lounge" thread to assist you as well. When browsing the fora, look at the page tops of the various forums. There will be a menu, and often "sticky" threads, and threads with header "wiki posts" (created and maintained by the FlyerTalk community) with important information relating to that forum / topic.
Don't hesitate to contact a moderator or another member if you have any additional questions. You can PM the Moderators by clicking on , which pops up a message box; the message goes to all this forum's Moderators. Note that unlike some sites with paid staff moderators, FlyerTalk Moderators are volunteers, and most work, travel, go on holiday, etc. You can Private Message us using the PM system (My Flyertalk) and our handles.
We're glad you've chosen to join the Flyertalk frequent flyer community!
Your American Airlines | AAdvantage Forum Moderation Team,
AZ Travels the World, aztimm, dstan, JDiver, JY1024, Microwave
(Our thanks to thread founder / "plank owner" HNL.)
Q. How can I find information more easily than reading through all the threads? Now that I'm here, what do I do next?
Check out the following resources:
Searching can be key to finding important information and answers without waiting for someone to drop by and answer, and it helps prevent that information fragmentation. FlyerTalk Advanced Search can seem quirky to the infrequent user, but it's fairly powerful if one knows how to use it. There are several ways to search:
Check out the following resources:
- GUIDE: FT - AA Forum, LOUNGE DASHBOARD and OSO / IRROPS (Links to most important threads, "Help Desk" assistance threads, the thread with resources for off-schedule operations / irregular operations (including links to AA weather policy and tools), hub airport threads, AA lounge Dashboard for all lounges and lounge related issues.)
- FAQ: American Airlines and AAdvantage - Please check here first! (Our FAQ were originally written for the pre-merger AA forum, but there's still a lot of useful information there.)
- New and uncertain where to start here, and it's about American Airlines? Start in our "NEWBIE LOUNGE" thread, here: link.
- Do you have questions about other travel related issues that do not pertain to AA and are unsure where to start? Visit our Information Desk Forum here: U]link. [/U]
- Especially useful to new members: FAQs (How to post like a pro and more)
- The NEW FlyerTalk: Helpful Hints, Tips and Suggestions to Enhance Your Experience (Information Desk Forum)
- FlyerTalk Glossary (What is all this jargon?)
- Airport Code Guide (How do I decode an airport code / find one for a city?)
Searching can be key to finding important information and answers without waiting for someone to drop by and answer, and it helps prevent that information fragmentation. FlyerTalk Advanced Search can seem quirky to the infrequent user, but it's fairly powerful if one knows how to use it. There are several ways to search:
- Canarsie's Using the Search Feature on FlyerTalk: The Definitive Thread has relocated to the Information Desk Forum; it can be found there.
- One can search FlyerTalk with Google with this web form.
- Or, if you are used to Google search, use Google Advanced Search and insert www.flyertalk.com in the "site or domain" box.
Forum basics: Now that the new AA has become by some measures "the world's largest airline", this new, combined has become a "mega-forum", very large, very active - and theoretically very difficult to find information and easy to lose one's place. Having to search for and sort through dozens - or more - of threads on baggage, airports, minimum connect times or the like could soon become unproductive and discouraging.
To prevent this from occurring, please note we try to:
Keep a few "sticky" threads: such as GUIDE posts, OSO / IROPS, etc. for urgent and quick reference, such as basic "where do I find" reasons
Keep threads to specific topics: Prevent information fragmentation and loss by consolidating questions, answers and discussion of one topic contained in one thread. (This also honors those members who have already shared valuable information and experiences.)
"Popular" threads are likely to have a wikipost at the head that will summarize important information and have resource links. These are "community property", and as any wiki are established, maintained and updated by the members (with 90 days of tenure and 90 posts on FlyerTalk).
You may find your question or post merged into one of those threads. Be sure that we will leave a link behind from your original thread, and to look up to see if there's a wiki with information. We apologize for any possible inconvenience or difference between this forum and others, but we think you'll like some of the resources and tools here to enable more convenient, comfortable travel on AA and greater knowledge sharing.
Keep it welcoming: We're proud the members of both FFPs have kept the brickbats to a minimum; we want this forum to be welcoming, civil and information rich, so name calling (including calling a member one disagrees with "AApologist") and snark are not tolerated. Posts with such are likely to be summarily deleted in their entirety; repeated such behavior may result in suspension of one's membership privileges or being banned from this forum. Let's keep it friendly and in accordance with the FT Rules.
FlyerTalk Rules (We all agree to abide by these, and are held accountable.)[/LIST]
To prevent this from occurring, please note we try to:
Keep a few "sticky" threads: such as GUIDE posts, OSO / IROPS, etc. for urgent and quick reference, such as basic "where do I find" reasons
Keep threads to specific topics: Prevent information fragmentation and loss by consolidating questions, answers and discussion of one topic contained in one thread. (This also honors those members who have already shared valuable information and experiences.)
"Popular" threads are likely to have a wikipost at the head that will summarize important information and have resource links. These are "community property", and as any wiki are established, maintained and updated by the members (with 90 days of tenure and 90 posts on FlyerTalk).
You may find your question or post merged into one of those threads. Be sure that we will leave a link behind from your original thread, and to look up to see if there's a wiki with information. We apologize for any possible inconvenience or difference between this forum and others, but we think you'll like some of the resources and tools here to enable more convenient, comfortable travel on AA and greater knowledge sharing.
Keep it welcoming: We're proud the members of both FFPs have kept the brickbats to a minimum; we want this forum to be welcoming, civil and information rich, so name calling (including calling a member one disagrees with "AApologist") and snark are not tolerated. Posts with such are likely to be summarily deleted in their entirety; repeated such behavior may result in suspension of one's membership privileges or being banned from this forum. Let's keep it friendly and in accordance with the FT Rules.
FlyerTalk Rules (We all agree to abide by these, and are held accountable.)[/LIST]
Thanks for reading!
[2016 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
#1651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
I formerly had elite status with AA but no longer.
What I do have is fourteen (14) 500 mile upgrades in my account.
As a non-elite, is there any way I can attempt to use these upgrades?
What I do have is fourteen (14) 500 mile upgrades in my account.
As a non-elite, is there any way I can attempt to use these upgrades?
#1652
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,933
Travel on the same PNR as an elite and ask AA to use your coupons if you are upgraded.
#1653
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
Another question: my lady and I just booked Saver award travel in Y MSY-MIA-GCM which has now ticketed. However, when I attempted to purchase MCE seats, I was told by AA this is not allowed for such Y Saver awards. Sound correct? And if so, might we be offered the chance to purchase MCE seats on-line at the 24 hour check-in time?
#1654
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Thanks. I will not be traveling with an elite anytime soon so it appears I will not be able to use these upgrades (but it's my understanding that at least they do not expire).
Another question: my lady and I just booked Saver award travel in Y MSY-MIA-GCM which has now ticketed. However, when I attempted to purchase MCE seats, I was told by AA this is not allowed for such Y Saver awards. Sound correct? And if so, might we be offered the chance to purchase MCE seats on-line at the 24 hour check-in time?
Another question: my lady and I just booked Saver award travel in Y MSY-MIA-GCM which has now ticketed. However, when I attempted to purchase MCE seats, I was told by AA this is not allowed for such Y Saver awards. Sound correct? And if so, might we be offered the chance to purchase MCE seats on-line at the 24 hour check-in time?
#1655
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 52
Change Fee for different airport?
Hi, I made reservations last month for a trip to South American next spring break. The only reward flight back I could find was an indirect flight from Lima through NY and back to DCA. Award availability just opened up for the next day (which was preferred day all along) for a direct flight from Lima to IAD. Dulles and National both serve Washington DC but they are charging me a "change fee" for all the tickets. Is this correct? My airline (LAN) and the cities don't change just the last airport. They consider different airports serving the same city as "change in itinerary". Really? There are three of us, so the change fee really adds up.
#1656
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Hi, I made reservations last month for a trip to South American next spring break. The only reward flight back I could find was an indirect flight from Lima through NY and back to DCA. Award availability just opened up for the next day (which was preferred day all along) for a direct flight from Lima to IAD. Dulles and National both serve Washington DC but they are charging me a "change fee" for all the tickets. Is this correct? My airline (LAN) and the cities don't change just the last airport. They consider different airports serving the same city as "change in itinerary". Really? There are three of us, so the change fee really adds up.
#1657
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
Thanks. I will not be traveling with an elite anytime soon so it appears I will not be able to use these upgrades (but it's my understanding that at least they do not expire).
Another question: my lady and I just booked Saver award travel in Y MSY-MIA-GCM which has now ticketed. However, when I attempted to purchase MCE seats, I was told by AA this is not allowed for such Y Saver awards. Sound correct? And if so, might we be offered the chance to purchase MCE seats on-line at the 24 hour check-in time?
Another question: my lady and I just booked Saver award travel in Y MSY-MIA-GCM which has now ticketed. However, when I attempted to purchase MCE seats, I was told by AA this is not allowed for such Y Saver awards. Sound correct? And if so, might we be offered the chance to purchase MCE seats on-line at the 24 hour check-in time?
Also, yes, 500 mile upgrades do not expire; they'll still be available whenever you regain status.
#1658
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 52
Unfortunately, DCA and IAD are considered different destinations when it comes to awards. As long as all 3 of you are on the same PNR, you should be able to redeposit for $200 in total ($150 for the first and $25 for each additional person). The $150 per person charge applies if you want to make a change to an award--but in this case, you don't want to keep any of your original flights so it makes more sense just to redeposit and start over.
We will get a direct flight which worth something, plus the extra day. I just wish I had realized it before booking the first time. I figured I could always change it for free if something else opened up. Lesson learned...
#1659
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: American - Platinum Pro, Marriott - Platinum
Posts: 479
How to find cheapest domestic one-way USA flight on AA?
Don't care about the origin or destination, as long as both are in USA, and on AA.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by raj_cl; Jun 14, 2016 at 8:03 pm Reason: add one-way
#1660
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
It's going to be tough to narrow this down if your origin, destination, and date are truly unconstrained. I'd start by playing with flights.google.com, and choosing origin cities that are served by discount carriers like Spirit (where AA is likely to be engaged in fare wars), and the iterating to find the cheapest date(s).
#1661
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
Total of 370,000 points about available.
As far as I can tell, all the milesaaver seats are taken for both economy and first class. This means I have to use Aanytime points which are 40k for economy and 67.5K for 1st. =107.5K miles round trip.
Given this, I figure I can do 3 tickets round trip (outbound coach, return 1st class) and 2 purchased round trip tickets that are outbound coach and return 1st class.
As far as I can tell, all the milesaaver seats are taken for both economy and first class. This means I have to use Aanytime points which are 40k for economy and 67.5K for 1st. =107.5K miles round trip.
Given this, I figure I can do 3 tickets round trip (outbound coach, return 1st class) and 2 purchased round trip tickets that are outbound coach and return 1st class.
#1662
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
Thanks. Also interesting to note that we recently flew MRY-PHX-DFW-LFT on AAnytime award tix in Y and were allowed to select MCE seats on all three flights at no additional charge (which I thought was a nice benefit).
#1663
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
#1664
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,814
Whatever you find, OP, is likely to be quite ephemeral.
#1665
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3
They aren't booked yet, so 3 isn't a factor. I'll have to find that out when we do the booking. I am not sure if we will be flying Cathay Pacific or Qatar yet... It isn't for some time. I was hoping for an easy answer Thanks