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)
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(This post can only be edited by moderators.)
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
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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.)
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Thanks for reading!
[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Apr 8, 2017, 6:55 am
#721
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BA executive club, AAdvantage
Posts: 44
I don't have status. If I book an anytime award JFK-OGG and sometime down the road a milesaver award opens can I change to the anytime award?? I would do this to try and save some miles. Is there a cost for this if my departing and arriving airport do not change?
Thanks
Thanks
good luck.
Apr 9, 2017, 6:52 am
#722
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27999182-post483.html
(that redeposit fee applies for change in award type)
Apr 9, 2017, 7:54 am
#723
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
I don't have status. If I book an anytime award JFK-OGG and sometime down the road a milesaver award opens can I change to the anytime award?? I would do this to try and save some miles. Is there a cost for this if my departing and arriving airport do not change?
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 9, 2017, 2:40 pm
#724
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: American - Platinum Pro, Marriott - Platinum
Posts: 479
3 separate one-way tickets: revenue, award and voucher
Need to book 3 separate one-way tickets: revenue, award and voucher.
Revenue ticket (for wife).
Award ticket for kid (5 yrs).
Paper voucher + small portion on credit card ticket for kid (8 yrs).
How to do this? Asking since system won't allow me to book separate ticket for a minor. Also how long can I put a flight on hold since I don't want to send the voucher in, as travel date is in 1 week.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Revenue ticket (for wife).
Award ticket for kid (5 yrs).
Paper voucher + small portion on credit card ticket for kid (8 yrs).
How to do this? Asking since system won't allow me to book separate ticket for a minor. Also how long can I put a flight on hold since I don't want to send the voucher in, as travel date is in 1 week.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Apr 10, 2017, 8:14 pm
#725
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Plastic, Delta Silver Emeritus
Posts: 1,037
I booked a flight for two in December. In January I moved to main cabin extra on one leg of the flight ~$30 each. I decided the other part was more than I wanted to pay. Recently I decided to buy MCE the other leg at ~$50 each to burn up travel credit on a credit card I'm considering canceling. The fare base now shows the original purchase, and both seat upgrade charges. However AA has refunded the lower priced seat upgrades without moving me from the MCE seats.
Is purchasing MCE at different times a known bug? Is it my lucky day? Is it my unlucky day because I'll eventually lose the MCE on the outbound?
I have no status on AA, or a partner and usually only fly them to the east coast on BA award tickets once, or so per year.
(If you consider the $395 on the Ritz card a sunk cost this flight is getting quite cheap. $100 off originally and $60 or so refunded by Ritz and by AA for the outbound MCE.)
Is purchasing MCE at different times a known bug? Is it my lucky day? Is it my unlucky day because I'll eventually lose the MCE on the outbound?
I have no status on AA, or a partner and usually only fly them to the east coast on BA award tickets once, or so per year.
(If you consider the $395 on the Ritz card a sunk cost this flight is getting quite cheap. $100 off originally and $60 or so refunded by Ritz and by AA for the outbound MCE.)
Apr 11, 2017, 6:09 am
#726
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: AA Nothing, Marriott Gold
Posts: 581
I booked a discount (O class) one way economy ticket to DCA-DAY and was shocked to see to see no fee for the first checked bag. Just received my email confirmation and it says this at the bottom:
Is this new? I have no status. Maybe because it's out of the bus gates?
Baggage charges for your itinerary will be governed by American Airlines BAG ALLOWANCE -DCADAY-No free checked bags/ American Airlines 1STCHECKED BAG FEE-DCADAY-USD0.00/ American Airlines /UP TO 50 LB/23 KG AND UP TO 62 LINEAR IN/158 LINEAR CM
Apr 11, 2017, 6:22 am
#727
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,045
do youhave a credit card that provides free baggage?
Apr 11, 2017, 7:04 am
#728
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: AA Nothing, Marriott Gold
Posts: 581
Apr 11, 2017, 7:19 am
#729
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,045
Apr 11, 2017, 10:47 am
#730
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Think this is the best place for this question.
It's been a long time since I've flown AA, I'm usually a UA guy. But decided to use an AA gift card I have to book a OW CVG-ORD-YYZ itinerary in a couple of weeks. I booked this a week ago.
Was able to select a seat without charge on ORD-YYZ, no issues. On CVG-ORD, the only available seats to me are preferred seats - this is a CR7. It's $9, so not a huge deal to buy them if it makes more sense, but given the short flight, the fact I'm traveling on my own instead of with wife/kid, and a fairly long layover, so no need to rush off this plane, I figured I could just take my chances (though I don't want to be DB'd). I looked the flight up on EF, and it shows only 20 seats selected - the rest are either blocked (8 seats) or for elites (can't select at all)/preferred ($).
Is there any reason to think its advantageous to paying for the seats in advance, vs. just checking in online the day before and picking something then? Seems with the map, its likely not overbooked, and can likely snag a decent seat if I check in early enough, but would appreciate input from those who know more about AA.
Also, is it problematic to check into an itinerary to Canada online/through app? I know UA didn't really let you check in until about a year ago if a passport wasn't in the system, though now you can scan in your passport on the app.
Appreciate any clarification on these issues.
It's been a long time since I've flown AA, I'm usually a UA guy. But decided to use an AA gift card I have to book a OW CVG-ORD-YYZ itinerary in a couple of weeks. I booked this a week ago.
Was able to select a seat without charge on ORD-YYZ, no issues. On CVG-ORD, the only available seats to me are preferred seats - this is a CR7. It's $9, so not a huge deal to buy them if it makes more sense, but given the short flight, the fact I'm traveling on my own instead of with wife/kid, and a fairly long layover, so no need to rush off this plane, I figured I could just take my chances (though I don't want to be DB'd). I looked the flight up on EF, and it shows only 20 seats selected - the rest are either blocked (8 seats) or for elites (can't select at all)/preferred ($).
Is there any reason to think its advantageous to paying for the seats in advance, vs. just checking in online the day before and picking something then? Seems with the map, its likely not overbooked, and can likely snag a decent seat if I check in early enough, but would appreciate input from those who know more about AA.
Also, is it problematic to check into an itinerary to Canada online/through app? I know UA didn't really let you check in until about a year ago if a passport wasn't in the system, though now you can scan in your passport on the app.
Appreciate any clarification on these issues.
Apr 11, 2017, 12:11 pm
#731
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,045
Think this is the best place for this question.
It's been a long time since I've flown AA, I'm usually a UA guy. But decided to use an AA gift card I have to book a OW CVG-ORD-YYZ itinerary in a couple of weeks. I booked this a week ago.
Was able to select a seat without charge on ORD-YYZ, no issues. On CVG-ORD, the only available seats to me are preferred seats - this is a CR7. It's $9, so not a huge deal to buy them if it makes more sense, but given the short flight, the fact I'm traveling on my own instead of with wife/kid, and a fairly long layover, so no need to rush off this plane, I figured I could just take my chances (though I don't want to be DB'd). I looked the flight up on EF, and it shows only 20 seats selected - the rest are either blocked (8 seats) or for elites (can't select at all)/preferred ($).
Is there any reason to think its advantageous to paying for the seats in advance, vs. just checking in online the day before and picking something then? Seems with the map, its likely not overbooked, and can likely snag a decent seat if I check in early enough, but would appreciate input from those who know more about AA.
Also, is it problematic to check into an itinerary to Canada online/through app? I know UA didn't really let you check in until about a year ago if a passport wasn't in the system, though now you can scan in your passport on the app.
Appreciate any clarification on these issues.
It's been a long time since I've flown AA, I'm usually a UA guy. But decided to use an AA gift card I have to book a OW CVG-ORD-YYZ itinerary in a couple of weeks. I booked this a week ago.
Was able to select a seat without charge on ORD-YYZ, no issues. On CVG-ORD, the only available seats to me are preferred seats - this is a CR7. It's $9, so not a huge deal to buy them if it makes more sense, but given the short flight, the fact I'm traveling on my own instead of with wife/kid, and a fairly long layover, so no need to rush off this plane, I figured I could just take my chances (though I don't want to be DB'd). I looked the flight up on EF, and it shows only 20 seats selected - the rest are either blocked (8 seats) or for elites (can't select at all)/preferred ($).
Is there any reason to think its advantageous to paying for the seats in advance, vs. just checking in online the day before and picking something then? Seems with the map, its likely not overbooked, and can likely snag a decent seat if I check in early enough, but would appreciate input from those who know more about AA.
Also, is it problematic to check into an itinerary to Canada online/through app? I know UA didn't really let you check in until about a year ago if a passport wasn't in the system, though now you can scan in your passport on the app.
Appreciate any clarification on these issues.
As for OLCI no issues. It'll have you enter all the info, but they'll still need to swipe your passport at the gate/ticket counter if you have bags.
Apr 11, 2017, 5:24 pm
#732
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: cleveland, oh, usa
Programs: HHonors Gold, Priority Club Plat, AAdvantage, Delta Skymiles, others including Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 786
Few questions if you don't mind -- I've tried searching but the information I've found isn't necessarily very recent and so I am leery to trust what I've seen!
Daughter has applied and been approved for the 50,000 Citi card, she has done required $3K spend and also $2K more, so she will have a total of 55,000 when all is said and done for honeymoon ticket booking (2 one-ways, with Chase UR for return) She has also already paid, so her first statement should show she has spent and paid $5,000. Not sure what the current turnaround time is for those miles posting to her AA account, could you please advise?
I read somewhere, again don't know how current (or true) it is, that award travel can be held up to 5 days before miles post, true? Can that be renewed every 5 days until miles post?
Finally, if she books return travel using Chase UR points/portal on an American flight, will both she and husband get the free checked bag? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!
Daughter has applied and been approved for the 50,000 Citi card, she has done required $3K spend and also $2K more, so she will have a total of 55,000 when all is said and done for honeymoon ticket booking (2 one-ways, with Chase UR for return) She has also already paid, so her first statement should show she has spent and paid $5,000. Not sure what the current turnaround time is for those miles posting to her AA account, could you please advise?
I read somewhere, again don't know how current (or true) it is, that award travel can be held up to 5 days before miles post, true? Can that be renewed every 5 days until miles post?
Finally, if she books return travel using Chase UR points/portal on an American flight, will both she and husband get the free checked bag? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!
Apr 12, 2017, 8:27 am
#733
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Few questions if you don't mind -- I've tried searching but the information I've found isn't necessarily very recent and so I am leery to trust what I've seen!
Daughter has applied and been approved for the 50,000 Citi card, she has done required $3K spend and also $2K more, so she will have a total of 55,000 when all is said and done for honeymoon ticket booking (2 one-ways, with Chase UR for return) She has also already paid, so her first statement should show she has spent and paid $5,000. Not sure what the current turnaround time is for those miles posting to her AA account, could you please advise?
I read somewhere, again don't know how current (or true) it is, that award travel can be held up to 5 days before miles post, true? Can that be renewed every 5 days until miles post?
Finally, if she books return travel using Chase UR points/portal on an American flight, will both she and husband get the free checked bag? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!
Daughter has applied and been approved for the 50,000 Citi card, she has done required $3K spend and also $2K more, so she will have a total of 55,000 when all is said and done for honeymoon ticket booking (2 one-ways, with Chase UR for return) She has also already paid, so her first statement should show she has spent and paid $5,000. Not sure what the current turnaround time is for those miles posting to her AA account, could you please advise?
I read somewhere, again don't know how current (or true) it is, that award travel can be held up to 5 days before miles post, true? Can that be renewed every 5 days until miles post?
Finally, if she books return travel using Chase UR points/portal on an American flight, will both she and husband get the free checked bag? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!
Apr 12, 2017, 10:15 am
#734
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: cleveland, oh, usa
Programs: HHonors Gold, Priority Club Plat, AAdvantage, Delta Skymiles, others including Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 786
The miles will usually post within a day of when the statement closes each month. You can hold the award for 5 days whether you have sufficient miles or not. The hold can be renewed if award availability is still there. As to the free bag on the return trip, that depends on the T&C of the specific card they have, but most AA cards do not require you to purchase the ticket with the card to get the free bag benefit.
Thank you so very much for this information, very helpful!! Keeping fingers crossed that her miles post at closing of first statement
Thank you so very much for this information, very helpful!! Keeping fingers crossed that her miles post at closing of first statement
Apr 13, 2017, 8:01 am
#735
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cape Cod
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 1,535
Hey everyone, quick question about an upcoming trip.
I have no status with AA but we're flying LGA->CLT->PNS->CLT->LGA with them over the weekend. We are on AA1954 for our last hop right now but an earlier flight AA1740 seems doable with our connection (5:30 arrival on AA4139). I know it's tight and we may not make it anyway but if we do, what's AA's policy on same-day/standby swaps? Do we pay fare difference? I know having no status with AA will hurt us but I'm just wondering if we walk up, will they let us jump over?
I have no status with AA but we're flying LGA->CLT->PNS->CLT->LGA with them over the weekend. We are on AA1954 for our last hop right now but an earlier flight AA1740 seems doable with our connection (5:30 arrival on AA4139). I know it's tight and we may not make it anyway but if we do, what's AA's policy on same-day/standby swaps? Do we pay fare difference? I know having no status with AA will hurt us but I'm just wondering if we walk up, will they let us jump over?