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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(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.)
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Thanks for reading!
[2017 NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Jun 28, 2017, 5:17 pm
#1246
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,419
I simply cannot find the relevant thread on this:
On the AA site it lists the option to upgrade for 25k AA miles + USD 350 in cash.
Apart from availability and booking class issues -> Does it work also work on AA-operated and BA-marketed flights, where the ticket was plated by BA? Basically, has the train left the station, if an AA flight was bought at ba.com? I have zero Avios - and I booked via ba.com, because the same flights were cheaper (well, here we go).
On the AA site it lists the option to upgrade for 25k AA miles + USD 350 in cash.
Apart from availability and booking class issues -> Does it work also work on AA-operated and BA-marketed flights, where the ticket was plated by BA? Basically, has the train left the station, if an AA flight was bought at ba.com? I have zero Avios - and I booked via ba.com, because the same flights were cheaper (well, here we go).
As for your current issue, I think you're out of luck, as it's BA-marketed.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...with-miles.jsp
Use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or American Eagle for yourself or anyone you designate.
Jun 28, 2017, 5:39 pm
#1247
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
So, I just tried this on a flight and didn't have much luck 
I wonder if it's because aa.com forces me to a UK POS because I'm using a UK credit card?
I would have been charged a £150 change fee on top of the £100 actual difference in fare. I was told to check at the airport, but in an ideal world I'd rather be able to book into F in advance.
Any ideas? If this works on US fares maybe I should get myself a US cash card, or potentially use a website where I can use the US POS with a UK credit card?
I wonder if it's because aa.com forces me to a UK POS because I'm using a UK credit card?I would have been charged a £150 change fee on top of the £100 actual difference in fare. I was told to check at the airport, but in an ideal world I'd rather be able to book into F in advance.
Any ideas? If this works on US fares maybe I should get myself a US cash card, or potentially use a website where I can use the US POS with a UK credit card?
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 3, 2017 at 9:37 am
Jun 28, 2017, 7:05 pm
#1248
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,467
Jun 28, 2017, 8:05 pm
#1249
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: New York, New York
Programs: AA Gold, Alaska MVP; Free Agent Super Duper Diamond Treasure Chest ;)
Posts: 4,682
Jun 30, 2017, 1:34 pm
#1250
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AAdvantage GLD
Posts: 16
I have an upcoming flight the next few days and I have a few newbie questions (provided my last trip was a good 3 years ago and policies and laws seem to change on a bi-weekly basis now):
1. I got an upgrade award from coach to business on my international flight (I'll fly to MIA in coach, then business to CNF), do I fall under coach baggage limits, or business baggage limits as the international flight has a higher service class?
1.1 If business class limits apply, does that mean 3 checked bags included, or just 2, the 3rd for an additional $85? (I'm looking forward to take 3 checked bags so I need to know lol)
2. Am I allowed to bring 2 laptops on my carry-on backpack or either American or TSA won't allow me to? (after I had an episode with brazilian customs/airport workers when one of my checked bags was sent to GRU for customs as it didn't fit on the plane I flew from MIA to CNF, all the expensive stuff goes with me wherever I go...)
Thanks for your time and answers!
1. I got an upgrade award from coach to business on my international flight (I'll fly to MIA in coach, then business to CNF), do I fall under coach baggage limits, or business baggage limits as the international flight has a higher service class?
1.1 If business class limits apply, does that mean 3 checked bags included, or just 2, the 3rd for an additional $85? (I'm looking forward to take 3 checked bags so I need to know lol)
2. Am I allowed to bring 2 laptops on my carry-on backpack or either American or TSA won't allow me to? (after I had an episode with brazilian customs/airport workers when one of my checked bags was sent to GRU for customs as it didn't fit on the plane I flew from MIA to CNF, all the expensive stuff goes with me wherever I go...)
Thanks for your time and answers!
Jun 30, 2017, 1:42 pm
#1251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,742
1.1 If business class limits apply, does that mean 3 checked bags included, or just 2, the 3rd for an additional $85? (I'm looking forward to take 3 checked bags so I need to know lol)
Jun 30, 2017, 3:31 pm
#1252
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Portland, OR.
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 606
Acronyms. I have picked up on many of the acronyms used on these boards, but has anyone actually put together a comprehensive list of them? Thanks
Jun 30, 2017, 3:37 pm
#1253
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,419
(Top menu -> Help -> Glossary)
Jul 1, 2017, 7:51 am
#1254
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ABE
Programs: AA G, UA, HH G
Posts: 141
Soon hoping to book award flights NYC-TYO-SEL (JL J). I've been watching the availability on BA and I assume I should snag NYC-TYO when they're released at the 330d mark as they seem to get snapped up pretty quickly. However the SEL flights (which usually have plenty of availability) won't be released until the following day. Since both TYO and SEL are Asia 1, can I just call the following day when they post and add that leg on to my existing award? Thanks.
Jul 1, 2017, 8:13 am
#1255
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,603
Soon hoping to book award flights NYC-TYO-SEL (JL J). I've been watching the availability on BA and I assume I should snag NYC-TYO when they're released at the 330d mark as they seem to get snapped up pretty quickly. However the SEL flights (which usually have plenty of availability) won't be released until the following day. Since both TYO and SEL are Asia 1, can I just call the following day when they post and add that leg on to my existing award? Thanks.
Jul 1, 2017, 8:48 am
#1256
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
...
2. Am I allowed to bring 2 laptops on my carry-on backpack or either American or TSA won't allow me to? (after I had an episode with brazilian customs/airport workers when one of my checked bags was sent to GRU for customs as it didn't fit on the plane I flew from MIA to CNF, all the expensive stuff goes with me wherever I go...)
Thanks for your time and answers!
2. Am I allowed to bring 2 laptops on my carry-on backpack or either American or TSA won't allow me to? (after I had an episode with brazilian customs/airport workers when one of my checked bags was sent to GRU for customs as it didn't fit on the plane I flew from MIA to CNF, all the expensive stuff goes with me wherever I go...)
Thanks for your time and answers!
If you have Pre-check, some TSA agents will want you to take one of the laptops out before the xray. Others don't seem to care, and I haven't found consistency by airport or checkpoint. Best bet is to let the xray operator know and ask them, right before you send the bags down the belt. (If you don't have pre-check, they both come out, so this is moot).
Jul 1, 2017, 10:04 am
#1257
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ABE
Programs: AA G, UA, HH G
Posts: 141
Only if you have placed the NYC-TYO award flight on a complimentary hold -- assuming that AA will still be offering complimentary holds on award reservations by the time you are ready to book. If you go ahead and ticket the NYC-TYO award, you would be subject to a $150 fee to change the award's destination from TYO to SEL.
Jul 1, 2017, 10:27 am
#1258
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,603
Traditionally, AA has allowed a complimentary, five-day hold on award tickets on most AA partners.
Jul 3, 2017, 9:08 am
#1259
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
I used a trusted BA technique of just calling in again. Different person on the phone today and different rules. I was able to upgrade to F with just the fare difference this time, but I couldn't pay over the phone unless I had a US credit card. So apparently it's noted on my reservation and I have to go process in person at the airport.
Jul 3, 2017, 2:57 pm
#1260
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW
Posts: 6
new
Super, super new to all this.
Basically, I'm about halfway to platinum for next year in all 3 qualification sections.
Would it be better for me to do mileage runs, or segment runs? Is there a general consensus which is more efficient?
Basically trying to find a way to search for just AA flights that will give me the most cost effective way to ensure I get Platinum for next year. I know all the standard sites for cheap flights and what not, but I didn't know if you happened to have any more advice? Am I just going to have to search for random trips on AA.com and try to find something crazy myself?
Basically, I'm about halfway to platinum for next year in all 3 qualification sections.
Would it be better for me to do mileage runs, or segment runs? Is there a general consensus which is more efficient?
Basically trying to find a way to search for just AA flights that will give me the most cost effective way to ensure I get Platinum for next year. I know all the standard sites for cheap flights and what not, but I didn't know if you happened to have any more advice? Am I just going to have to search for random trips on AA.com and try to find something crazy myself?