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 , 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.)
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?)
- Airport Code Guide (How do I decode an airport code / find one for a city?)
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.
- Or, if you are used to Google search, use Google Advanced Search and insert www.flyertalk.com in the "site or domain" box.
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)
#811
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: 27,042
Hi guys, I'm flying MAN-BOS next week booked on one PNR, the international leg is MAN-PHL, then a domestic PHL-BOS, all on AA. I have a couple of questions:-
1. Do I clear immigration at PHL? (UK passport, no GE)
2. Do have to collect and recheck my bag or will it go straight to BOS?
This is the first time I've done an international and domestic on the same day so I'm a bit nervous the 2 hrs 10 min at PHL won't be enough.
Thanks, T
1. Do I clear immigration at PHL? (UK passport, no GE)
2. Do have to collect and recheck my bag or will it go straight to BOS?
This is the first time I've done an international and domestic on the same day so I'm a bit nervous the 2 hrs 10 min at PHL won't be enough.
Thanks, T
#813
#815
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
Have a good trip.
#816
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Portsmouth, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR
Posts: 791
Note that the ESTA usually lasts for two years so worth checking your ESTA is still valid. Also if you have had a change of passport since your ESTA was issued you will need to apply again. Definitely sounds like your Sister will need an ESTA being her first time.
Have a good trip.
Have a good trip.
Thanks everyone, for all the advice, can't wait to show my sister NY - it's also her first time in Business Class too!
#817
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
Hi steviewire, mine ran out last August so we've both applied for (and received) new ones. I'll have to book some more trips to make sure I get value for my $14
Thanks everyone, for all the advice, can't wait to show my sister NY - it's also her first time in Business Class too!
Thanks everyone, for all the advice, can't wait to show my sister NY - it's also her first time in Business Class too!
I have flown the Man-Phl route numerous times and particularly liked the business class pods on the A330.
#818
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 1
Should I use QF or AA Status within US?
hi everyone!
ive just moved to the US from Australia (loving it here already after only 2mths!). I'll probably be in the states for 2-3yrs.
Ive got qantas gold status but will be taking a lot of domestic US flights while I'm here.
Would love any any advice on whether I should be using qantas or AA frequent flyer no when I book. It'd be great to get to AA or Qantas platinum but it's hard to work out which is the best way to do it - I'm guessing stick with booking AA flights using Qantas FF number but not sure?
i was going to use the AA app for convenience but wondering if i would need to use the AA frequent flyer number for my flights for the app to recognize the flights which wouldn't make it worthwhile of itself.
Would be very grateful for any advice! Thanks all
cheers
ive just moved to the US from Australia (loving it here already after only 2mths!). I'll probably be in the states for 2-3yrs.
Ive got qantas gold status but will be taking a lot of domestic US flights while I'm here.
Would love any any advice on whether I should be using qantas or AA frequent flyer no when I book. It'd be great to get to AA or Qantas platinum but it's hard to work out which is the best way to do it - I'm guessing stick with booking AA flights using Qantas FF number but not sure?
i was going to use the AA app for convenience but wondering if i would need to use the AA frequent flyer number for my flights for the app to recognize the flights which wouldn't make it worthwhile of itself.
Would be very grateful for any advice! Thanks all
cheers
#819
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
hi everyone!
ive just moved to the US from Australia (loving it here already after only 2mths!). I'll probably be in the states for 2-3yrs.
Ive got qantas gold status but will be taking a lot of domestic US flights while I'm here.
Would love any any advice on whether I should be using qantas or AA frequent flyer no when I book. It'd be great to get to AA or Qantas platinum but it's hard to work out which is the best way to do it - I'm guessing stick with booking AA flights using Qantas FF number but not sure?
i was going to use the AA app for convenience but wondering if i would need to use the AA frequent flyer number for my flights for the app to recognize the flights which wouldn't make it worthwhile of itself.
Would be very grateful for any advice! Thanks all
cheers
ive just moved to the US from Australia (loving it here already after only 2mths!). I'll probably be in the states for 2-3yrs.
Ive got qantas gold status but will be taking a lot of domestic US flights while I'm here.
Would love any any advice on whether I should be using qantas or AA frequent flyer no when I book. It'd be great to get to AA or Qantas platinum but it's hard to work out which is the best way to do it - I'm guessing stick with booking AA flights using Qantas FF number but not sure?
i was going to use the AA app for convenience but wondering if i would need to use the AA frequent flyer number for my flights for the app to recognize the flights which wouldn't make it worthwhile of itself.
Would be very grateful for any advice! Thanks all
cheers
If it's just 2-3 years, my gut reaction would be to stick with QF. Unless QF, like other airlines, has a "must take 4 flights on QF to earn status" rule -- you would know better than I. In any case, there is a forum dedicated to the "which OneWorld FF program is best for me?" question.
As to your question about finding AA flights, you can do so with the AA PNR, whether you've attached your AA FF# to the flight or not. Folks here do it all the time in reverse, to choose their seat on a QF, BA, et al flight, even if they don't even have a FF# for that airline.
And on that note, if you decided to not even get an AA FF# (but why not?), both AA.com and the AA app apparently let you log in with a "username" instead of an AA FF#; I haven't tried it, though.
#820
After the massive devaluation last year I decided to do away with AA and went from EXP to zip on 1 March. Or at least I thought I did.
Two days ago I flew a flight with QR using AA miles that I'd booked several months ago. My boarding pass had my AA number and Emerald. When I login to my AA account it shows me nothing status.
Any thoughts as to why the boarding pass would show the Emerald status?
Two days ago I flew a flight with QR using AA miles that I'd booked several months ago. My boarding pass had my AA number and Emerald. When I login to my AA account it shows me nothing status.
Any thoughts as to why the boarding pass would show the Emerald status?
#822
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: 27,042
After the massive devaluation last year I decided to do away with AA and went from EXP to zip on 1 March. Or at least I thought I did.
Two days ago I flew a flight with QR using AA miles that I'd booked several months ago. My boarding pass had my AA number and Emerald. When I login to my AA account it shows me nothing status.
Any thoughts as to why the boarding pass would show the Emerald status?
Two days ago I flew a flight with QR using AA miles that I'd booked several months ago. My boarding pass had my AA number and Emerald. When I login to my AA account it shows me nothing status.
Any thoughts as to why the boarding pass would show the Emerald status?
#823
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: United Premier Platinum
Posts: 638
Have a discounted Y r/t ticket from Japan to the US and back with some domestic US segments as well.
Booking code for the outbound is Q and inbound is S.
I called AA Plat desk to try and make a date change and was told that I cannot make changes on this ticket at all, even with a change fee. That it is essentially a use it or lose it ticket.
Is this standard for the Q booking codes on transpac flights?
Booking code for the outbound is Q and inbound is S.
I called AA Plat desk to try and make a date change and was told that I cannot make changes on this ticket at all, even with a change fee. That it is essentially a use it or lose it ticket.
Is this standard for the Q booking codes on transpac flights?
#824
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: 27,042
Have a discounted Y r/t ticket from Japan to the US and back with some domestic US segments as well.
Booking code for the outbound is Q and inbound is S.
I called AA Plat desk to try and make a date change and was told that I cannot make changes on this ticket at all, even with a change fee. That it is essentially a use it or lose it ticket.
Is this standard for the Q booking codes on transpac flights?
Booking code for the outbound is Q and inbound is S.
I called AA Plat desk to try and make a date change and was told that I cannot make changes on this ticket at all, even with a change fee. That it is essentially a use it or lose it ticket.
Is this standard for the Q booking codes on transpac flights?
Basically some discounted coach/discounted business/discounted first fares (usually ex-outside the US) have use it or lose it restrictions. It just happens in ypur case to be pbe tgat books into Q.
#825
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: United Premier Platinum
Posts: 638
Booking codes have zero to do with it. The fare rules are what govern. This could happen with any fare class. Even those used for business.
Basically some discounted coach/discounted business/discounted first fares (usually ex-outside the US) have use it or lose it restrictions. It just happens in ypur case to be pbe tgat books into Q.
Basically some discounted coach/discounted business/discounted first fares (usually ex-outside the US) have use it or lose it restrictions. It just happens in ypur case to be pbe tgat books into Q.
Thanks. Any way to view fare rules after buying the ticket?