Dec 31, 2016, 10:20 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the 2017 "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).
Advanced questions posed by veteran FT users may be moved and / or merged into existing master or GUIDE threads, most of which have Wikiposts at the top of the page that contain summaries of important information.
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).
Advanced questions posed by veteran FT users may be moved and / or merged into existing master or GUIDE threads, most of which have Wikiposts at the top of the page that contain summaries of important information.
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.)
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?)
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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.
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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.)
Thanks for reading!
[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Aug 21, 2017, 4:28 am
#1561
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
AA reward on OW partners - luggage lost
Having an AA reward flight (001- ticket) HEL-TXL-LCY, with AB and BA segments, with a 23 hrs stopover in Berlin. Bag checked through to LCY, but did not arrived. Filled out a claim at LCY, they said that they have no info (yet) for any luggage in Berlin.
Should this not work out in the next couple of days, where to chase it? AA, AB or BA?
Should this not work out in the next couple of days, where to chase it? AA, AB or BA?
Aug 21, 2017, 7:53 am
#1562
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,733
Having an AA reward flight (001- ticket) HEL-TXL-LCY, with AB and BA segments, with a 23 hrs stopover in Berlin. Bag checked through to LCY, but did not arrived. Filled out a claim at LCY, they said that they have no info (yet) for any luggage in Berlin.
Should this not work out in the next couple of days, where to chase it? AA, AB or BA?
Should this not work out in the next couple of days, where to chase it? AA, AB or BA?
Aug 21, 2017, 9:25 am
#1563
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
Aug 21, 2017, 1:27 pm
#1564
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: BAEC Blue, Flying Blue Silver, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold
Posts: 817
How much would american charge me to select a standard window seat , no MCE or extra leg room, on a main cabin non basic economy fare?
Aug 21, 2017, 3:58 pm
#1566
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1
What to expect trying to use miles.
Can't tell you how glad I was to discover this thread! I hope I post correctly...
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
Aug 21, 2017, 5:22 pm
#1567
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: BAEC Blue, Flying Blue Silver, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold
Posts: 817
Aug 22, 2017, 5:48 am
#1568
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL; Lifetime Gold
Posts: 256
AA has agreed to change the routing so that I connect through EWR where the connection time is 3 hours, which I'm comfortable with. It's a paid ticket booked through AA.
Aug 22, 2017, 7:33 am
#1569
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: san francisco
Posts: 236
Can't tell you how glad I was to discover this thread! I hope I post correctly...
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
I always book as far in advance as possible for a group. Lots of flyers here do solo travel, so doing something at the last minute is much easier.
I don't think what you are looking for is particularly difficult - especially if you move now. There's a fair amount of award space next summer from IAH-HEL in all classes. However, I'd recommend flying to Paris instead; that way you get AA metal and avoid BA's ridiculous fuel surcharges.
I would not bother with a booking service. AA has a pretty good search for what you're trying to do.
Aug 22, 2017, 8:58 am
#1570
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
Can't tell you how glad I was to discover this thread! I hope I post correctly...
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
For the better part of the last decade and a half my wife and I traveled all over the world for work. For the last several, though, we have not and as such have ZERO status with AA. We have a BUHZILLION miles though and now want to take a trip with our 2 kids (7 and 4 by then) using said miles.
We are looking at traveling from Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland then Venice, Italy in June/July of 2018. I realize that the combination is a a little strange but there is a reason.
I have several questions that I'd like to pose to the learned.
1) How far in advance should we book?
2) Are the booking services worth it?
3) Any other advice for making best use of points for this trip?
4) Any other advice to minimize headaches during the booking process?
Thanks in advance!
JH
I'd recommend some reading for familiarizing yourself with the AA MileSAAver booking process, peculiarities of searching for a number of airlines that won't be searchable on aa.com, etc. In particular, read the Wikipost at the top of the page.
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance (link)
The Wikipost for that thread also has links to other resource threads, such as one on detailed rules for awards, surcharges on BA, suppliers that will organize your awards for you, etc.
Aug 22, 2017, 3:36 pm
#1571
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
A post regarding SAAver availability has been moved to the SAAver thread linked to immediately above. /Moderator
Aug 23, 2017, 11:24 am
#1572
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
Hi all, I've been here for a long time but I can't find the information that I'm looking for, so here goes:
Is there a resource similar to http://www.cwsi.net/aa.htm out for 2017? Or could it be confirmed that the information there is still valid today? I'm trying to do research into current AA fare codes and their "real" meanings beyond full-fare, discount, and upgrades/awards.
Thanks!
Is there a resource similar to http://www.cwsi.net/aa.htm out for 2017? Or could it be confirmed that the information there is still valid today? I'm trying to do research into current AA fare codes and their "real" meanings beyond full-fare, discount, and upgrades/awards.
Thanks!
Aug 23, 2017, 11:39 am
#1573
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 21
Hi folks, I have a very interesting situation here and want to get your opinions.
I first booked a HKG/LAX RT-ticket in Main Cabin, two days later I paid an extra $300 to upgrade to MCE for both ways. Then a schedule change (of less than 60min) happened, and a week later I noticed the upgrade fee was refunded to me.
At first I thought that means I have lost my MCE seat and have to redo the upgrade. To my surprise, AA.com still shows my previous MCE seat assignment and the cost summary still reflects the MCE upgrade fee!!
At this point I gave AA a call, I think the agent was also confused of how this could have happened, but her theory is that this is caused by some computer glitches, and I basically got the MCE for free because they won't charge me again.
Have anyone ever experienced this? Would they found this out at check-in time and deny my boarding/MCE seats?
I first booked a HKG/LAX RT-ticket in Main Cabin, two days later I paid an extra $300 to upgrade to MCE for both ways. Then a schedule change (of less than 60min) happened, and a week later I noticed the upgrade fee was refunded to me.
At first I thought that means I have lost my MCE seat and have to redo the upgrade. To my surprise, AA.com still shows my previous MCE seat assignment and the cost summary still reflects the MCE upgrade fee!!
At this point I gave AA a call, I think the agent was also confused of how this could have happened, but her theory is that this is caused by some computer glitches, and I basically got the MCE for free because they won't charge me again.
Have anyone ever experienced this? Would they found this out at check-in time and deny my boarding/MCE seats?
Aug 23, 2017, 3:51 pm
#1574
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 all, I've been here for a long time but I can't find the information that I'm looking for, so here goes:
Is there a resource similar to http://www.cwsi.net/aa.htm out for 2017? Or could it be confirmed that the information there is still valid today? I'm trying to do research into current AA fare codes and their "real" meanings beyond full-fare, discount, and upgrades/awards.
Thanks!
Is there a resource similar to http://www.cwsi.net/aa.htm out for 2017? Or could it be confirmed that the information there is still valid today? I'm trying to do research into current AA fare codes and their "real" meanings beyond full-fare, discount, and upgrades/awards.
Thanks!
Interpreting AA Fare Basis Codes (merged threads)
Advanced search, search titles, return as threads, search term fare+codes.
There have definitely been some changes since CWSI published their chart.
B is now Basic Economy, no free checked baggage, no overhead size carryon, no assistance during OSO / IROPS unless B is available, last to board, crAAp seats, etc. (Has its own thread.)
W is, iirc, Economy Plus.
Etc.
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 23, 2017 at 6:51 pm Reason: Fix dropped link
Aug 23, 2017, 4:08 pm
#1575
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887