Jan 1, 2016, 11:17 pm
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
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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)
May 18, 2016, 8:38 am
#1441
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
My bad! I'd forgotten about the reduced cost of flights under 500 miles. At 7500 miles this would be a decent deal, but as noted, such awards probably won't be released on high-travel dates. 65,000 is WAY too many when a $129 paid ticket is available IMO.
May 18, 2016, 8:59 am
#1442
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: TK Elite ...and blue, lots of blue...
Posts: 746
If I have one ticket Int'l on AA metal but on Finnair stock, and another domestic ticket on AA metal and stock, all on the same day, can I get my boarding pass for my second flight when checking in for the second?
May 18, 2016, 9:13 am
#1443
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Hi guys,
I'm looking to maintain my AA gold status this year, it's been a low travel year so far and I'd like to keep it up in the hope of getting platinum soon. I save a ton on baggage with gold, I have a credit card but the gold often lets me lot the bike fee which saves me thousands a year.
Anyhow, I plan to fly to the UK in September for a week or two, leaving around 9/10 (oddly this is cheaper than 9/11 right now). I'm going with my girlfriend and I want to fly on a paid one world ticket in order to keep my status, i have 125,000 aadvantage points, i could use some of those to upgrade us or help her pay.
my questions are as follows: can anyone come up with a route that helps us avoid the hefty heathrow service fee if we leave from San Diego? I'd like to maximise EQMs if possible while still flying with my girlfriend. I may have to fly via Chicago on the way back for a meeting, so i'm not averse to routing through there. Is there a known route which might be cheaper?
Also I presume even if i book her flight I can't get any EQMs even if i cash pay, right?
I'm looking to maintain my AA gold status this year, it's been a low travel year so far and I'd like to keep it up in the hope of getting platinum soon. I save a ton on baggage with gold, I have a credit card but the gold often lets me lot the bike fee which saves me thousands a year.
Anyhow, I plan to fly to the UK in September for a week or two, leaving around 9/10 (oddly this is cheaper than 9/11 right now). I'm going with my girlfriend and I want to fly on a paid one world ticket in order to keep my status, i have 125,000 aadvantage points, i could use some of those to upgrade us or help her pay.
my questions are as follows: can anyone come up with a route that helps us avoid the hefty heathrow service fee if we leave from San Diego? I'd like to maximise EQMs if possible while still flying with my girlfriend. I may have to fly via Chicago on the way back for a meeting, so i'm not averse to routing through there. Is there a known route which might be cheaper?
Also I presume even if i book her flight I can't get any EQMs even if i cash pay, right?
The UK air passenger duty tax will be assessed on departures from any UK airport (except Northern Ireland), so avoiding LHR in particular won't solve your problem. I would suggest looking to fly into and out of Dublin, and then buying a cheap ticket to connect you from Dublin to wherever in the UK you want to go. You won't pay the APD out of DUB, and fares to DUB tend to be cheaper than fares to LON, etc. AA's ORD-DUB flight might work well for you. Of course, no guarantees that SAAver award space will be available for the days you want. CDG is another potential option.
May 18, 2016, 10:18 am
#1444
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Hi guys,
I'm looking to maintain my AA gold status this year, it's been a low travel year so far and I'd like to keep it up in the hope of getting platinum soon. I save a ton on baggage with gold, I have a credit card but the gold often lets me lot the bike fee which saves me thousands a year.
Anyhow, I plan to fly to the UK in September for a week or two, leaving around 9/10 (oddly this is cheaper than 9/11 right now). I'm going with my girlfriend and I want to fly on a paid one world ticket in order to keep my status, i have 125,000 aadvantage points, i could use some of those to upgrade us or help her pay.
my questions are as follows: can anyone come up with a route that helps us avoid the hefty heathrow service fee if we leave from San Diego? I'd like to maximise EQMs if possible while still flying with my girlfriend. I may have to fly via Chicago on the way back for a meeting, so i'm not averse to routing through there. Is there a known route which might be cheaper?
Also I presume even if i book her flight I can't get any EQMs even if i cash pay, right?
I'm looking to maintain my AA gold status this year, it's been a low travel year so far and I'd like to keep it up in the hope of getting platinum soon. I save a ton on baggage with gold, I have a credit card but the gold often lets me lot the bike fee which saves me thousands a year.
Anyhow, I plan to fly to the UK in September for a week or two, leaving around 9/10 (oddly this is cheaper than 9/11 right now). I'm going with my girlfriend and I want to fly on a paid one world ticket in order to keep my status, i have 125,000 aadvantage points, i could use some of those to upgrade us or help her pay.
my questions are as follows: can anyone come up with a route that helps us avoid the hefty heathrow service fee if we leave from San Diego? I'd like to maximise EQMs if possible while still flying with my girlfriend. I may have to fly via Chicago on the way back for a meeting, so i'm not averse to routing through there. Is there a known route which might be cheaper?
Also I presume even if i book her flight I can't get any EQMs even if i cash pay, right?
May 18, 2016, 1:13 pm
#1445
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR, YYC
Posts: 99
With the recent TATL bonus promo, do you still get the long flight bonus (as per here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/aadvantage-currency.jsp
So let's say I fly JFK-LHR RT in business, would I get 25K bonus miles for roundtrip AND long flight bonus (whatever it is depending on the ticket class and my status)?
So let's say I fly JFK-LHR RT in business, would I get 25K bonus miles for roundtrip AND long flight bonus (whatever it is depending on the ticket class and my status)?
Last edited by JDiver; May 18, 2016 at 3:54 pm Reason: Repair link
May 18, 2016, 2:31 pm
#1446
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
With the recent TATL bonus promo, do you still get the long flight bonus (as per here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/aadvantage-currency.jsp
So let's say I fly JFK-LHR RT in business, would I get 25K bonus miles for roundtrip AND long flight bonus (whatever it is depending on the ticket class and my status)?
So let's say I fly JFK-LHR RT in business, would I get 25K bonus miles for roundtrip AND long flight bonus (whatever it is depending on the ticket class and my status)?
Nonetheless, this NAS16 bonus is one of those lovely stackable bonuses. Enjoy!
Last edited by JDiver; May 18, 2016 at 3:55 pm Reason: Repair link
May 18, 2016, 2:51 pm
#1447
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
May 18, 2016, 3:48 pm
#1448
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR, YYC
Posts: 99
cwwmbm's link doesn't work because the trailing )? somehow got included in the URL. What it should have been was https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/aadvantage-currency.jsp.
Thanks guys!
May 18, 2016, 4:38 pm
#1449
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 792
I'll be traveling with two friends (neither have status) on an AA intl. flight and was wondering if there is any chance I'd be able to bring both of them into a FC lounge?
Or should I bring one in, wait a bit for staff to change, then bring the other in?
Thanks,
G
Or should I bring one in, wait a bit for staff to change, then bring the other in?
Thanks,
G
May 18, 2016, 5:42 pm
#1450
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
- Qualifying international First Class service
"First Class passengers may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld airline."
- Your AAdvantage Executive or oneworld Emerald status
"Emerald and Sapphire members may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld carrier."
This will determine the number of allowable guests (one, unless they're also in qualifying First Class). Exceeding that could subject you to embarrassing eviction or other action. And inquiring about how to commit fraud is against FlyerTalk Rules. /Moderator
May 18, 2016, 6:20 pm
#1451
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 792
It'll be from my OW Emerald, as we're all flying coach. Also, I apologize if it seemed as if I was asking how to commit anything fraudulent.
Would it be possible to ask someone, who's already in the FC lounge and seems to be traveling alone, if they would mind bringing in my second friend as a guest?
Would it be possible to ask someone, who's already in the FC lounge and seems to be traveling alone, if they would mind bringing in my second friend as a guest?
May 18, 2016, 6:26 pm
#1452
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
It's possible to ask, but I'd argue it goes against the spirit of the rules; not to mention being rather tacky. In this situation, I would just ask nicely at the lounge front desk whether it'd be possible to bring in your two traveling companions. They'll probably say no, but I've had exceptions made in a similar situation when the lounge was fairly empty. If ultimately you can't beg your way in, either hang out with your friends in the terminal, or let one join you in the lounge on the outbound trip and the other on the return.
May 18, 2016, 6:39 pm
#1453
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
You're lucky you're in the flame-free forum, as this type of thing usually leads to highly heated arguments
It's possible to ask, but I'd argue it goes against the spirit of the rules; not to mention being rather tacky. In this situation, I would just ask nicely at the lounge front desk whether it'd be possible to bring in your two traveling companions. They'll probably say no, but I've had exceptions made in a similar situation when the lounge was fairly empty. If ultimately you can't beg your way in, either hang out with your friends in the terminal, or let one join you in the lounge on the outbound trip and the other on the return.
It's possible to ask, but I'd argue it goes against the spirit of the rules; not to mention being rather tacky. In this situation, I would just ask nicely at the lounge front desk whether it'd be possible to bring in your two traveling companions. They'll probably say no, but I've had exceptions made in a similar situation when the lounge was fairly empty. If ultimately you can't beg your way in, either hang out with your friends in the terminal, or let one join you in the lounge on the outbound trip and the other on the return.
Don't get me started on the "spirit of the rules"...how many of us here on FT spend way too much time thinking of ways to take advantage of the "rules" (myself included)?
May 18, 2016, 6:46 pm
#1454
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Meh...no harm in asking in my opinion. If I were traveling alone and someone had multiple guests, I'd help them out...
Don't get me started on the "spirit of the rules"...how many of us here on FT spend way too much time thinking of ways to take advantage of the "rules" (myself included)?
Don't get me started on the "spirit of the rules"...how many of us here on FT spend way too much time thinking of ways to take advantage of the "rules" (myself included)?
May 18, 2016, 6:48 pm
#1455
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846