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)
Jan 18, 2018, 5:59 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Thinking of booking LAX-HND/NRT on AA as I haven't tried out the premium economy yet. I was considering booking a separate AS ticket SEA-LAX arriving 3-4 hrs prior.
Is there any way to check in/retrieve my boarding pass airside at LAX for the Japan flight in case OLCI fails? Or will I have to return to the check-in desk?
I am aware of the risk of misconnect, I just want my extra 1900 AS EQMs
Is there any way to check in/retrieve my boarding pass airside at LAX for the Japan flight in case OLCI fails? Or will I have to return to the check-in desk?
I am aware of the risk of misconnect, I just want my extra 1900 AS EQMs
Jan 18, 2018, 6:45 pm
#152
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 42
Moved thread, per Mwenezi's reply
Last edited by bosflyer93; Jan 18, 2018 at 7:11 pm Reason: Wrong thread
Jan 18, 2018, 7:06 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,020
Jan 18, 2018, 7:31 pm
#154
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Cannot find thread on AA 787 800 seats. Looking for experience 8c amd 8H. Does bulkhead end allow decent leg room? Thanks
Jan 18, 2018, 8:09 pm
#155
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
Jan 19, 2018, 1:04 am
#156
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
Apologies if my question is in the wrong thread,
If I fly HEL-ORD-ATL, will I have Admirals Club access on arrival at ATL?
If I fly HEL-ORD-ATL, will I have Admirals Club access on arrival at ATL?
Jan 19, 2018, 6:17 am
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Assuming your HEL-ORD flight is in business, or you have oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status, or you're an AC member, then yep you can access the club after arriving in ATL.
Jan 19, 2018, 8:04 am
#158
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: CLT - daily decks
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 191
using cancelled flight credit
I feel as if I should know this ... (like most things)
Approximately four months ago I had to cancel a non-refundable (coach fare) flight. My understanding was that I could re-book within a year provided I pay the appropriate change fee. My question is: do I need to call to do this, or is it possible online? I thought there was a way to do it online, but I can no longer access my record locator.
Thanks!
Approximately four months ago I had to cancel a non-refundable (coach fare) flight. My understanding was that I could re-book within a year provided I pay the appropriate change fee. My question is: do I need to call to do this, or is it possible online? I thought there was a way to do it online, but I can no longer access my record locator.
Thanks!
Jan 19, 2018, 11:27 am
#159
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 feel as if I should know this ... (like most things)
Approximately four months ago I had to cancel a non-refundable (coach fare) flight. My understanding was that I could re-book within a year provided I pay the appropriate change fee. My question is: do I need to call to do this, or is it possible online? I thought there was a way to do it online, but I can no longer access my record locator.
Thanks!
Approximately four months ago I had to cancel a non-refundable (coach fare) flight. My understanding was that I could re-book within a year provided I pay the appropriate change fee. My question is: do I need to call to do this, or is it possible online? I thought there was a way to do it online, but I can no longer access my record locator.
Thanks!
Jan 20, 2018, 5:59 pm
#160
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3
Newbie question
Hi everyone,
New to expert flyer/flyer talk and had the most basic question for all of you...I have found the flight I want, it has availability, now how on earth do I book it? I imagine with a phone call to AA? The flight/price I want is just not popping up on their site.
Thanks for your help.
New to expert flyer/flyer talk and had the most basic question for all of you...I have found the flight I want, it has availability, now how on earth do I book it? I imagine with a phone call to AA? The flight/price I want is just not popping up on their site.
Thanks for your help.
Jan 20, 2018, 6:05 pm
#161
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Washington,DC
Posts: 1,822
Hi everyone,
New to expert flyer/flyer talk and had the most basic question for all of you...I have found the flight I want, it has availability, now how on earth do I book it? I imagine with a phone call to AA? The flight/price I want is just not popping up on their site.
Thanks for your help.
New to expert flyer/flyer talk and had the most basic question for all of you...I have found the flight I want, it has availability, now how on earth do I book it? I imagine with a phone call to AA? The flight/price I want is just not popping up on their site.
Thanks for your help.
You will get more help if you supply more information
Where did you see the flight/price you wanted?
Why not book there?
Bear in mind AA will charge a phone fee to call and book
Sometimes you can force AA.com to show specific flights...with details you will get more help
Jan 20, 2018, 6:14 pm
#162
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3
Thank you SteveinA2,
I have seen the price/flights I want via google flights
AA Bos to Syd via LAX 2:40pm departure
QT BNE to Bos via LAX 9:05 departure
getting a price of $3908 for 2 people economy. I have status on AA and hoping to get an upgrade.
On google flights - I can select this itinerary and it pops me over to AA. I fill in all passenger info hit Continue and it bounces me back. I just thought it was giving me problems as one of the legs in on Qantas. So I called. I got the explanation that AA was having website trouble and I should try again. I have been trying and trying again - to no avail.
There is another flight I would like to try and get is BOS to SYD via DFW - first leg is on AA to DFW then Qantas to SYD. Flight home BNE to BOS via DFW. First flight on Qantas, DFW leg to BOS is on AA. Why can't I book all of this on AA.com/call....I know they are codeshare partners.
Then next question, can I upgrade on a Qantas flight if I have AA miles?
Thank you
I have seen the price/flights I want via google flights
AA Bos to Syd via LAX 2:40pm departure
QT BNE to Bos via LAX 9:05 departure
getting a price of $3908 for 2 people economy. I have status on AA and hoping to get an upgrade.
On google flights - I can select this itinerary and it pops me over to AA. I fill in all passenger info hit Continue and it bounces me back. I just thought it was giving me problems as one of the legs in on Qantas. So I called. I got the explanation that AA was having website trouble and I should try again. I have been trying and trying again - to no avail.
There is another flight I would like to try and get is BOS to SYD via DFW - first leg is on AA to DFW then Qantas to SYD. Flight home BNE to BOS via DFW. First flight on Qantas, DFW leg to BOS is on AA. Why can't I book all of this on AA.com/call....I know they are codeshare partners.
Then next question, can I upgrade on a Qantas flight if I have AA miles?
Thank you
Jan 20, 2018, 6:24 pm
#163
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,783
What is the charge for a fourth checked bag for a oneworld Emerald? I assume three checked bags is the complimentary limit, and that includes the oneworld Emerald additional bag/piece benefit.
Jan 20, 2018, 7:55 pm
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,020
jen.junk Welcome to FT
So considering flights
BOS-LAX-SYD on AA/AA or AA/QF
and
BNE-LAX-BOS on QF/AA or maybe
BNE-SYD-LAX-BOS on QF/AA/AA or QF/QF/AA
2nd
BOS-DFW-SYD on AA/QF
"BNE to BOS via DFW" would be
BNE-SYD-DFW-BOS on QF/QF/AA or
BNE-LAX-DFW-BOS on QF/AA/AA
QF only fly to/from DFW from/to SYD
You cannot upgrade QF flights with AA ff miles.
You cannot upgrade QF/AA codeshares with AA ff miles.
What AA status? Upgrading the AA LAX SYD flight is getting harder.
Dedicated AA thread for this flight https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...iscussion.html
Enjoy Australia when you get here.
I have seen the price/flights I want via google flights
AA Bos to Syd via LAX 2:40pm departure
QT BNE to Bos via LAX 9:05 departure
getting a price of $3908 for 2 people economy. I have status on AA and hoping to get an upgrade.
On google flights - I can select this itinerary and it pops me over to AA. I fill in all passenger info hit Continue and it bounces me back. I just thought it was giving me problems as one of the legs in on Qantas. So I called. I got the explanation that AA was having website trouble and I should try again. I have been trying and trying again - to no avail.
There is another flight I would like to try and get is BOS to SYD via DFW - first leg is on AA to DFW then Qantas to SYD. Flight home BNE to BOS via DFW. First flight on Qantas, DFW leg to BOS is on AA. Why can't I book all of this on AA.com/call....I know they are codeshare partners.
Then next question, can I upgrade on a Qantas flight if I have AA miles?
AA Bos to Syd via LAX 2:40pm departure
QT BNE to Bos via LAX 9:05 departure
getting a price of $3908 for 2 people economy. I have status on AA and hoping to get an upgrade.
On google flights - I can select this itinerary and it pops me over to AA. I fill in all passenger info hit Continue and it bounces me back. I just thought it was giving me problems as one of the legs in on Qantas. So I called. I got the explanation that AA was having website trouble and I should try again. I have been trying and trying again - to no avail.
There is another flight I would like to try and get is BOS to SYD via DFW - first leg is on AA to DFW then Qantas to SYD. Flight home BNE to BOS via DFW. First flight on Qantas, DFW leg to BOS is on AA. Why can't I book all of this on AA.com/call....I know they are codeshare partners.
Then next question, can I upgrade on a Qantas flight if I have AA miles?
BOS-LAX-SYD on AA/AA or AA/QF
and
BNE-LAX-BOS on QF/AA or maybe
BNE-SYD-LAX-BOS on QF/AA/AA or QF/QF/AA
2nd
BOS-DFW-SYD on AA/QF
"BNE to BOS via DFW" would be
BNE-SYD-DFW-BOS on QF/QF/AA or
BNE-LAX-DFW-BOS on QF/AA/AA
QF only fly to/from DFW from/to SYD
You cannot upgrade QF flights with AA ff miles.
You cannot upgrade QF/AA codeshares with AA ff miles.
What AA status? Upgrading the AA LAX SYD flight is getting harder.
Dedicated AA thread for this flight https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...iscussion.html
Enjoy Australia when you get here.
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 20, 2018 at 8:06 pm