Jan 1, 2018, 1:26 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
The 2019 Newbie Lounge thread can be found here.
Q. How can I find information more easily than reading through all the threads? Now that I'm here, what do I do next?
Check out the following resources:
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:
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.) NOTE: The 2016 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
NOTE: The 2017 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
Thanks for reading!
Welcome to the 2018 "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.)
NOTE: The 2017 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
Thanks for reading!
ARCHIVE: 2018 NEWBIE LOUNGE Ask Your "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Sep 29, 2018, 3:01 am
#1606
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
I have found AA and JL the best integrated in Asia though it is still far from perfect as they have different policies. I would call as on request can mean the award non revenue seats on tge flights you selected in the class you selected are awaiting the carrier to release them.
Sep 29, 2018, 9:27 am
#1607
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: WAS
Programs: Virtuoso TA, UA 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 445
I called and after being put on hold for almost an hour, the tickets are finally confirmed. The phone agent checked up on me every 15-20 minutes. She said she had to call her manager, who had to call some department, who had to call some liaison department.
Sep 29, 2018, 12:23 pm
#1608
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
Thanks for reporting back. It was a pain, but you got an agent who stuck with the issue and that’s great. The Liaison is the person designated to solve these interairline issues, and is not infrequently the person who ultimately makes things happen (or occasionally not happen).
Sep 30, 2018, 10:17 am
#1610
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: DUS/AMS/HAM
Programs: HH-D / IHG-Sp / Marriott-P / LH-SEN / BA-S
Posts: 215
Question: Does BA Silver get OW benefits on domestic basic economy?
Like 1st complimentary bag, Admirals Club access, and complimentary seat reservation on main cabin extra?
Like 1st complimentary bag, Admirals Club access, and complimentary seat reservation on main cabin extra?
Sep 30, 2018, 10:22 am
#1611
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
Sep 30, 2018, 10:38 am
#1612
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: DUS/AMS/HAM
Programs: HH-D / IHG-Sp / Marriott-P / LH-SEN / BA-S
Posts: 215
Please see AA basic economy fare with BA Silver.
Oct 2, 2018, 7:32 am
#1613
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: ORD
Programs: aadvantage, mileage plus, millemiglia
Posts: 100
I'm looking to book a series of flights on AA/BA that originates in London. (LHR-ORD-SCL-ORD-SCL-FCO). I'm looking to book this in J. I'm also planning to get my wife a J-award for ORD-SCL-ORD on the same flight as me . Before I book I have two questions I'm hoping to answer. First, will I still have the 24 hour cancellation window even though the flight originates outside the U.S.? Second, would it likely matter which I book first, the award seat or the paid seat. I know that sometimes price/availability changes after the first ticket is booked. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Oct 2, 2018, 8:50 am
#1614
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'm looking to book a series of flights on AA/BA that originates in London. (LHR-ORD-SCL-ORD-SCL-FCO). I'm looking to book this in J. I'm also planning to get my wife a J-award for ORD-SCL-ORD on the same flight as me . Before I book I have two questions I'm hoping to answer. First, will I still have the 24 hour cancellation window even though the flight originates outside the U.S.? Second, would it likely matter which I book first, the award seat or the paid seat. I know that sometimes price/availability changes after the first ticket is booked. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
As to which to book first, by all means grab the award seat first. There's always a chance that the sale of one paid seat could cause the award inventory to go away. Of course when using AA miles you can always put the award flights on a free 5 day hold, then book the paid ticket, then go back and ticket the award flights.
Oct 3, 2018, 1:17 am
#1615
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Assuming that you're booking this through AA, then it doesn't matter AFAIK that your trip starts outside the US with regards to the 24 hr cancellation. If you're booking it through BA, you'll need to check their policy.
As to which to book first, by all means grab the award seat first. There's always a chance that the sale of one paid seat could cause the award inventory to go away. Of course when using AA miles you can always put the award flights on a free 5 day hold, then book the paid ticket, then go back and ticket the award flights.
As to which to book first, by all means grab the award seat first. There's always a chance that the sale of one paid seat could cause the award inventory to go away. Of course when using AA miles you can always put the award flights on a free 5 day hold, then book the paid ticket, then go back and ticket the award flights.
Last edited by JDiver; Oct 3, 2018 at 3:18 am Reason: Correct spelling
Oct 3, 2018, 12:40 pm
#1616
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 576
I'm going to be flying from RNO to LHR in around a year's time (16th September 2019) in Business class. I want to book reward flights via BA using Avios. Not too bothered about the route back but would prefer a single connection, not two and would prefer both sectors to be with AA.
I've been checking the AA site to look for availability.
At the moment I can see decent continental US availability from RNO to places like LAX and ORD but no AA availability for the TATL, it's usually returning BA flights.
Are AA TATL Award flights likely to become available? Is there any science to when? Thanks!
I've been checking the AA site to look for availability.
At the moment I can see decent continental US availability from RNO to places like LAX and ORD but no AA availability for the TATL, it's usually returning BA flights.
Are AA TATL Award flights likely to become available? Is there any science to when? Thanks!
Oct 3, 2018, 3:25 pm
#1617
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 11
I've been designated travel coordinated for my girlfriend and her family. They have 3 traveling to Europe. They have acquired points through sign-up bonuses and plan to fly Economy there for 30k points (60k RT).
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
Oct 3, 2018, 3:49 pm
#1618
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I've been designated travel coordinated for my girlfriend and her family. They have 3 traveling to Europe. They have acquired points through sign-up bonuses and plan to fly Economy there for 30k points (60k RT).
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
Oct 3, 2018, 7:57 pm
#1619
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,933
I've been designated travel coordinated for my girlfriend and her family. They have 3 traveling to Europe. They have acquired points through sign-up bonuses and plan to fly Economy there for 30k points (60k RT).
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
The question they/I have is can I change 1 of 3 to Business (57.5k points) after purchasing the economy for 30k?
I dont' want to get charged the $150 cancel/rebook fee but haven't found any info on a reward to reward upgrade
Thanks
Oct 4, 2018, 2:37 am
#1620
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
I'm going to be flying from RNO to LHR in around a year's time (16th September 2019) in Business class. I want to book reward flights via BA using Avios. Not too bothered about the route back but would prefer a single connection, not two and would prefer both sectors to be with AA.
I've been checking the AA site to look for availability.
At the moment I can see decent continental US availability from RNO to places like LAX and ORD but no AA availability for the TATL, it's usually returning BA flights.
Are AA TATL Award flights likely to become available? Is there any science to when? Thanks!
I've been checking the AA site to look for availability.
At the moment I can see decent continental US availability from RNO to places like LAX and ORD but no AA availability for the TATL, it's usually returning BA flights.
Are AA TATL Award flights likely to become available? Is there any science to when? Thanks!
BA will also impose fees on all flights purchased with miles in addition to the UK departure tax and tge airport fees.
Since the JBA, AA has been pushing BA flughts though if you are determined some AA saver award do come up TATL.
There are many suggested reasons for this. One is that BA are still using their elderly fleet if 747’s to many US destinations along with A380’s to some key routes. This could result in excess capacity particularly in coach. Secondly, BA charge high fees for a fuel supplement which is payable when booked on BA or AA website however AA flights on AA website do not attract these fees. Thus the JBA makes more money if you are put onto a BA flight. Thirdly BA fly to mire US destinations such as Las Vegas, San Diego etc so they may have the shortest routing.in any case if you want to make a BA booking check with BA. Expertflyer will show you non rev seats if you take out a subscription.