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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Thanks for reading!
[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Nov 29, 2017, 2:15 pm
#2102
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 145
Hi all. I'm thinking of using some Avios I have for 3 one way award tickets in coach, MIA-AMS.
BA shows availability on both their metal via LHR, and on an American 777 from MIA-LHR, connecting on to a BA flight for LHR-AMS.
If I book on AA metal, can I then use my BA confirmation number to select coach seats on the AA website for the MIA-LHR leg right away? I did a dummy booking on AA, and there are plenty of coach seats that can be reserved free of charge on the specific flight at this time.
We're a family of 3, so I'm not too concerned with whether BA or AA have wider seats, etc. I just want the 3 of us to sit together, ideally in the 3 across rows on either side of the plane that abut a window. But my understanding is BA will charge me if I try to reserve the seats far in advance on their transatlantic flights (close to $100). Trying to keep the costs down (and using Avios on Aer Lingus for cheaper taxes doesn't work for my date), so I thought flying the AA flight would help save money as advance seat reservations are important to us. Am I missing anything?
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
BA shows availability on both their metal via LHR, and on an American 777 from MIA-LHR, connecting on to a BA flight for LHR-AMS.
If I book on AA metal, can I then use my BA confirmation number to select coach seats on the AA website for the MIA-LHR leg right away? I did a dummy booking on AA, and there are plenty of coach seats that can be reserved free of charge on the specific flight at this time.
We're a family of 3, so I'm not too concerned with whether BA or AA have wider seats, etc. I just want the 3 of us to sit together, ideally in the 3 across rows on either side of the plane that abut a window. But my understanding is BA will charge me if I try to reserve the seats far in advance on their transatlantic flights (close to $100). Trying to keep the costs down (and using Avios on Aer Lingus for cheaper taxes doesn't work for my date), so I thought flying the AA flight would help save money as advance seat reservations are important to us. Am I missing anything?
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
Nov 29, 2017, 5:05 pm
#2103
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'm thinking of using some Avios I have for 3 one way award tickets in coach, MIA-AMS.
BA shows availability on both their metal via LHR, and on an American 777 from MIA-LHR, connecting on to a BA flight for LHR-AMS.
If I book on AA metal, can I then use my BA confirmation number to select coach seats on the AA website for the MIA-LHR leg right away? I did a dummy booking on AA, and there are plenty of coach seats that can be reserved free of charge on the specific flight at this time.
We're a family of 3, so I'm not too concerned with whether BA or AA have wider seats, etc. I just want the 3 of us to sit together, ideally in the 3 across rows on either side of the plane that abut a window. But my understanding is BA will charge me if I try to reserve the seats far in advance on their transatlantic flights (close to $100). Trying to keep the costs down (and using Avios on Aer Lingus for cheaper taxes doesn't work for my date), so I thought flying the AA flight would help save money as advance seat reservations are important to us. Am I missing anything?
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
BA shows availability on both their metal via LHR, and on an American 777 from MIA-LHR, connecting on to a BA flight for LHR-AMS.
If I book on AA metal, can I then use my BA confirmation number to select coach seats on the AA website for the MIA-LHR leg right away? I did a dummy booking on AA, and there are plenty of coach seats that can be reserved free of charge on the specific flight at this time.
We're a family of 3, so I'm not too concerned with whether BA or AA have wider seats, etc. I just want the 3 of us to sit together, ideally in the 3 across rows on either side of the plane that abut a window. But my understanding is BA will charge me if I try to reserve the seats far in advance on their transatlantic flights (close to $100). Trying to keep the costs down (and using Avios on Aer Lingus for cheaper taxes doesn't work for my date), so I thought flying the AA flight would help save money as advance seat reservations are important to us. Am I missing anything?
Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
Nov 29, 2017, 7:42 pm
#2104
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 30
Hi everyone! I have a question about changing details on existing reservations. If a family of 4 is traveling together on AA miles on a partner (i.e. JAL), with 2 people in F, and 2 in J, is it possible to swap the class of the ticket with someone in your party? In other words, would I be able to call AA and have one of the people on the J reservation switch with one of the people on the F reservation (different reservation numbers ), knowing that both family members want to make this change?
Nov 29, 2017, 8:19 pm
#2105
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,933
Hi everyone! I have a question about changing details on existing reservations. If a family of 4 is traveling together on AA miles on a partner (i.e. JAL), with 2 people in F, and 2 in J, is it possible to swap the class of the ticket with someone in your party? In other words, would I be able to call AA and have one of the people on the J reservation switch with one of the people on the F reservation (different reservation numbers ), knowing that both family members want to make this change?
Nov 29, 2017, 9:49 pm
#2106
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 everyone! I have a question about changing details on existing reservations. If a family of 4 is traveling together on AA miles on a partner (i.e. JAL), with 2 people in F, and 2 in J, is it possible to swap the class of the ticket with someone in your party? In other words, would I be able to call AA and have one of the people on the J reservation switch with one of the people on the F reservation (different reservation numbers ), knowing that both family members want to make this change?
But as MADPhil says you may well be able to accomplish this on board. (Or not, if they’re Rules sticklers.)
Nov 30, 2017, 1:33 am
#2107
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
yes, informally switching on board is the best solution. For the entire duration of the flight, of course. If the pax in question were of the same gender, it may even be possible to switch boarding passes without saying anything. But, ideally, I would suggest informing the purser of the swap.
Nov 30, 2017, 4:59 pm
#2108
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cape Cod
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 1,535
If I'm booking an AA flight via Finnair codeshare, will I be able to control the ticket on my AA app and AA.com with the record locator? I asked a similar question up above but I've never booked a codeshare flight and I'm a bit nervous.
Nov 30, 2017, 9:08 pm
#2109
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 36
AA Award Travel Questions
Hello, I'm looking to fly on AA award miles to South America next December '18 / January '19. I've noticed that AA posts availability for award seats roughly about 11 months prior to date of travel. For example, AA awards are now posted for 27 October 2019.
However, I noticed that, for the entire month of October, till the 27th, they have zero availability for AA Economy Milesavers and only one date, Oct 24, available for Business Milesaver. Does this mean that all of the Milesaver awards are taken? Or does AA only release a certain amount of Economy and Business Milesavers 10 months prior, and then releases more haphazardly in the following months?
When the December '18 dates come available sometime in January 18, is there anything else I can do to improve my chance that I'll be able to book Milesaver Awards?
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance / guidance you can provide for me.
However, I noticed that, for the entire month of October, till the 27th, they have zero availability for AA Economy Milesavers and only one date, Oct 24, available for Business Milesaver. Does this mean that all of the Milesaver awards are taken? Or does AA only release a certain amount of Economy and Business Milesavers 10 months prior, and then releases more haphazardly in the following months?
When the December '18 dates come available sometime in January 18, is there anything else I can do to improve my chance that I'll be able to book Milesaver Awards?
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance / guidance you can provide for me.
Nov 30, 2017, 11:53 pm
#2110
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
You'll be able to do things like select seats, but you won't be able to do anything to the underlying ticket. If you want to make any changes, it will have to be through Finnair.
Nov 30, 2017, 11:57 pm
#2111
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
Hello, I'm looking to fly on AA award miles to South America next December '18 / January '19. I've noticed that AA posts availability for award seats roughly about 11 months prior to date of travel. For example, AA awards are now posted for 27 October 2019.
However, I noticed that, for the entire month of October, till the 27th, they have zero availability for AA Economy Milesavers and only one date, Oct 24, available for Business Milesaver. Does this mean that all of the Milesaver awards are taken? Or does AA only release a certain amount of Economy and Business Milesavers 10 months prior, and then releases more haphazardly in the following months?
When the December '18 dates come available sometime in January 18, is there anything else I can do to improve my chance that I'll be able to book Milesaver Awards?
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance / guidance you can provide for me.
However, I noticed that, for the entire month of October, till the 27th, they have zero availability for AA Economy Milesavers and only one date, Oct 24, available for Business Milesaver. Does this mean that all of the Milesaver awards are taken? Or does AA only release a certain amount of Economy and Business Milesavers 10 months prior, and then releases more haphazardly in the following months?
When the December '18 dates come available sometime in January 18, is there anything else I can do to improve my chance that I'll be able to book Milesaver Awards?
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance / guidance you can provide for me.
The best thing to do is to get an ExpertFlyer subscription and set up an alert for award space on the flights. Alternatively you could check on award availability on LATAM (using the BA Executive Club website), and book with AA miles. All partner awards are at MileSAAver levels
Dec 1, 2017, 4:49 am
#2112
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Experts Opinions
i have award tickets scheduled for December 30. Should I be worried and what should I do proactively?
Business JFK to SFO.
Thanks.
i have award tickets scheduled for December 30. Should I be worried and what should I do proactively?
Business JFK to SFO.
Thanks.
Dec 1, 2017, 6:20 am
#2113
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 36
Thank you!!!
AA releases MileSAAver awards slowly and sparingly in the lead-up to a flight. Over the last couple years, it has gotten worse. There are no awards taken, most likely. They just haven't released them. AAnytime awards are available for all seats.
The best thing to do is to get an ExpertFlyer subscription and set up an alert for award space on the flights. Alternatively you could check on award availability on LATAM (using the BA Executive Club website), and book with AA miles. All partner awards are at MileSAAver levels
The best thing to do is to get an ExpertFlyer subscription and set up an alert for award space on the flights. Alternatively you could check on award availability on LATAM (using the BA Executive Club website), and book with AA miles. All partner awards are at MileSAAver levels
You mention an ExpertFlyer subscription. What is that? If there a cost to subscribe?
I'll also consider the LATAM / BA option. Is it easier to obtain LATAM frequent flier award tickets?
Dec 1, 2017, 7:18 am
#2114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Dec 1, 2017, 8:12 am
#2115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,606