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)
#1261
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW
Posts: 6
question 2
I was reading about the EQD % and all of that, and I really want to go to Europe from the US, and I want to take advantage of that.
I'm in Texas (will be flying out of Dallas or Houston) can you recommend the best way for me to find a cheap flight to Europe on a partner airline when I really don't care about the destination? I just want to get there to earn the miles while also getting to go hang out for a bit there...don't really care where I end up.
I'm subbed to Scott's cheap flights, which is nice, but still it's not often I get a good one out of Texas. and usually flying to NY and back to leave from there kind of negates the really sick deal..unless there's a better way to do that.
Thanks!
I know I sound like a noob, but I kind of am so be gentle.
thank you
I'm in Texas (will be flying out of Dallas or Houston) can you recommend the best way for me to find a cheap flight to Europe on a partner airline when I really don't care about the destination? I just want to get there to earn the miles while also getting to go hang out for a bit there...don't really care where I end up.
I'm subbed to Scott's cheap flights, which is nice, but still it's not often I get a good one out of Texas. and usually flying to NY and back to leave from there kind of negates the really sick deal..unless there's a better way to do that.
Thanks!
I know I sound like a noob, but I kind of am so be gentle.
thank you
#1262
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
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?
Most of the discussion seems to focus on EQM runs rather than EQS runs, probably because people tend to be much closer to the goal on the former than the latter. And the need to meet the EQD goal might make one choice better than the other.
There is a thread for advice on AA MRs which you should find very helpful. Be sure to be specific in indicating where you would be starting MRs from, the number you still need for EQM/EQS/EQD, the Challenge deadline, any other date constraints, any spending constraints, any preferences (or passport/visa-imposed limits) on foreign travel.
#1263
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW
Posts: 6
I'm assuming that this is for a Platinum Challenge. Otherwise, this is rather early in the year to be thinking about MRs. If not a Challenge, any advice would have to take into account other flights you have planned.
Most of the discussion seems to focus on EQM runs rather than EQS runs, probably because people tend to be much closer to the goal on the former than the latter. And the need to meet the EQD goal might make one choice better than the other.
There is a thread for advice on AA MRs which you should find very helpful. Be sure to be specific in indicating where you would be starting MRs from, the number you still need for EQM/EQS/EQD, the Challenge deadline, any other date constraints, any spending constraints, any preferences (or passport/visa-imposed limits) on foreign travel.
Most of the discussion seems to focus on EQM runs rather than EQS runs, probably because people tend to be much closer to the goal on the former than the latter. And the need to meet the EQD goal might make one choice better than the other.
There is a thread for advice on AA MRs which you should find very helpful. Be sure to be specific in indicating where you would be starting MRs from, the number you still need for EQM/EQS/EQD, the Challenge deadline, any other date constraints, any spending constraints, any preferences (or passport/visa-imposed limits) on foreign travel.
Thanks again!
#1264
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,714
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.
#1265
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
that's great, thank you so much for that. yea, i know it's early, but my work is purely freelance travel and i have a really good estimate of how much i'm going to fly to the end of the year, so i know i'll probably need about 10 segments, 10-15k miles, and maybe $1000. EQD might be off because who knows, but the other two are going to be pretty spot on so I figured I would start planning now because I want to try to go to Europe in September.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
#1266
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA ExPl, DL PM, UA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, probably some others
Posts: 4,077
Can I change the frequent flier number on a ticket inbetween the outbound and return? I have a ZRH-BOS business ticket that leaves in August and returns in April and was going to credit to AS, but given today's news, think I'm going to try and credit the outbound to AS and the return to either AA or BA. Does AA's IT allow for this?
#1267
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,922
Can I change the frequent flier number on a ticket inbetween the outbound and return? I have a ZRH-BOS business ticket that leaves in August and returns in April and was going to credit to AS, but given today's news, think I'm going to try and credit the outbound to AS and the return to either AA or BA. Does AA's IT allow for this?
#1268
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: AAdvantage, Skymiles
Posts: 8
Could someone explain the systemwide upgrades a bit more clearly when you achieve executive platinum status? Do the upgrades reset every year the user is exec platinum or are they only achievable by the amount of miles earned through flying (2 per 50 ADEs above 100k)?
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
#1269
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
Could someone explain the systemwide upgrades a bit more clearly when you achieve executive platinum status? Do the upgrades reset every year the user is exec platinum or are they only achievable by the amount of miles earned through flying (2 per 50 ADEs above 100k)?
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
Four SWUs are earned by Executive Platinum AAdvantage members when they cross the threshold to EXP, and their expiration is essentially the same as the earned status - the last day of February of the ensuing status year (e.g. earn May 15 2017, the status and SWUs are good through 31 Jan 2019).
Two SWUs are earned by Executive Platinum AAdvantage members when they cross the 150,000 and 200,000 EQ EQ Miles; their expiration is essentially the same as the earned status as described above. (Further increments of 50,000 EQM past 200,000 earn no more SWU.)
Four SWUs are earned by those crossing Million Miler thresholds of 2MM and every Million Miles milestone thereafter.
Two SWUs are earned by Executive Platinum AAdvantage members when they cross the 150,000 and 200,000 EQ EQ Miles; their expiration is essentially the same as the earned status as described above. (Further increments of 50,000 EQM past 200,000 earn no more SWU.)
Four SWUs are earned by those crossing Million Miler thresholds of 2MM and every Million Miles milestone thereafter.
#1270
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: AAdvantage, Skymiles
Posts: 8
^^Thanks. I did read that. It seems that this doesn't renew every year of status unless i am misreading.
#1271
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: AA LP pleb, QR Plat., Bonvoy Ti, IHG Diamond Amb, Foolish Hoarder of Miles, Fid. Def.
Posts: 125
You do get a fresh batch of four SWUs (with the chance for four more at 150k and 200k EQM as noted) EACH year you qualify or requalify, yes. They are not a perk just for new Exec Plats.
#1272
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
Could someone explain the systemwide upgrades a bit more clearly when you achieve executive platinum status? Do the upgrades reset every year the user is exec platinum or are they only achievable by the amount of miles earned through flying (2 per 50 ADEs above 100k)?
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
I.e, lets assume i achieve exec platinum for year 2018 and use up all eight of my systemwide upgrades (assuming i get the additional 4 per 50k miles above 100k).
If i achieve exec platinum in year 2019 as well, do i recieve an additional 4 systemwide upgrades (as well as the ability to get 4 more each time i fly 50k over 100k again)?
Please let me know if my question does not make good sense.
When you have earned 150,000 EQM, you earn two more SWU. When you have earned 200,000 EQM you earn two more SWU.
#1273
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,748
Is there a particular time of day when AA releases reward seats?
Seems to be sometime in the afternoon here in the UK (4pm or 11am EST seems to be when I've noticed things appearing but I don't constantly check).
Seems to be sometime in the afternoon here in the UK (4pm or 11am EST seems to be when I've noticed things appearing but I don't constantly check).
#1274
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 152
And remember all within the same calendar year since EQM or EQD will reset to zero on Jan 1.
#1275
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BHX, UK
Programs: Skywards Gold, Hilton gold, BA
Posts: 50
Newbie question regarding lounge access
Hi there. I have looked on AA website and also forum - however if I am honest I lost the will to live. OK. My basic question is where will I have Lounge access? I am really confused about how this works as never usually fly AA
LHR-PHL AA Business (know we have lounge access here)
PHL-YUW (Economy as nothing else)
Staying in canada
YUW-PHL ( as above)
PHL-LAX (first class) - same say as earlier flight
Staying in LA
LAX-HNL (First class)
Staying in HNL
HNL-LAX-LHR (first and business)
Any help or advice would be great - traveling in 2 weeks
LHR-PHL AA Business (know we have lounge access here)
PHL-YUW (Economy as nothing else)
Staying in canada
YUW-PHL ( as above)
PHL-LAX (first class) - same say as earlier flight
Staying in LA
LAX-HNL (First class)
Staying in HNL
HNL-LAX-LHR (first and business)
Any help or advice would be great - traveling in 2 weeks