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)
Dec 26, 2018, 10:36 am
#2056
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
We have AA flight ord-san tomorrow in 23 and half hours from now but I still don't see the " check in" option and AA site is not allowing to assign seats.
We are 4, 2 couple, an autistic minor child and a senior citizen. 3 of us have TSA precheck except for the senior. Do you think I am hit with SSSS?
If yes, we will make sure the senior get wheel chair assistance as she needs that and I will have hang bags carried by my wife. Hope only I am hit with SSSS. not them. I used to get SSSS when returning from international trip. I applied for , got redress number and I always enter it. Hope it is not SSSS that is causing us to not be able to "check in" or get seatings.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
We are 4, 2 couple, an autistic minor child and a senior citizen. 3 of us have TSA precheck except for the senior. Do you think I am hit with SSSS?
If yes, we will make sure the senior get wheel chair assistance as she needs that and I will have hang bags carried by my wife. Hope only I am hit with SSSS. not them. I used to get SSSS when returning from international trip. I applied for , got redress number and I always enter it. Hope it is not SSSS that is causing us to not be able to "check in" or get seatings.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Dec 26, 2018, 10:53 am
#2057
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
« Show all trips
Please check in at the airport
We couldn’t assign seats for everyone. We’ll assign seats when you check in at the airport.
We couldn’t assign seats for everyone. We’ll assign seats when you check in at the airport.
Check in beginning 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 minutes for international).
regarding the seats, the rep said they can't do it on phone and have to do at airport. I just hope it is due to seats that we couldn't check in online and not due to potential SSSS.
UPDATE: I called the number for special assistance team and was able to obtain seats for all four of us and confirmed the wheelchair request..
I was able to email the boarding passes to myself.
All good now! Thanks
Last edited by Blueskyheaven; Dec 26, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Dec 27, 2018, 9:55 am
#2058
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 532
Is it possible to only check luggage to the stopover city on AA
Is it possible to fly on AA with a stopover in Dallas, but have my bags delivered to me at baggage claim in Dallas? Apparently, this is cheaper than paying to have two heavy boxes delivered to Dallas! Especially if I'm already flying somewhere anyways.
Dec 27, 2018, 10:07 am
#2059
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
If your connection exceeds 12 hours, AA has a policy of ot through-checking Bags. Otherwise, expect difficulties, as it looks like “hidden city ticketing” to AA, a practice prohibited by the Conditions of Carriage.
Dec 27, 2018, 12:41 pm
#2061
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
Dec 27, 2018, 12:51 pm
#2062
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2
I have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
Should I just take this all to the dedicated BE thread?
Thanks!
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
Should I just take this all to the dedicated BE thread?
Thanks!
Dec 27, 2018, 12:58 pm
#2063
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 have a small number of AA Business Extra miles about to expire (about 900 out of 4900). I'm trying to figure out what to do with them. My travel has greatly decreased since earning them, so I have no particular plans for next year. In theory, it seems like domestic upgrades would be nice, but I'm reading they are challenging to actually use. Are PlanAhead flights somewhat easily used?
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
Should I just take this all to the dedicated BE thread?
Thanks!
Other ideas? I still have status from BA so getting that doesn't seem highly useful. And I have PriorityPass so lounge access may add options but doesn't seem as important either.
Should I just take this all to the dedicated BE thread?
Thanks!
Let’s see what replies you get here for a bit, and then, if you’re ready to move these posts to the BE thread notify the Moderators (click / press on the radio button that looks like a red triangle with an exclamation mark next to your post and message us) and we’ll do the deed.
Moderator
Dec 28, 2018, 12:21 pm
#2064
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy LT Plat, AA Gold
Posts: 96
Quick basic economy question.
I see clear explanation of EQM and EQS at 50% for AA for BE.
what about lifetime mileage accrual? 0, 50, or 100% of a normal economy ticket?
thx
I see clear explanation of EQM and EQS at 50% for AA for BE.
what about lifetime mileage accrual? 0, 50, or 100% of a normal economy ticket?
thx
Dec 28, 2018, 1:26 pm
#2065
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
Which miles will count for the AAdvantage® Million MilerSM program?
Flight distance on American marketed flights or the base miles earned for travel on eligible partner marketed flights will count toward AAdvantage® Million MilerSM status.
Flight distance on American marketed flights or the base miles earned for travel on eligible partner marketed flights will count toward AAdvantage® Million MilerSM status.
Dec 28, 2018, 6:35 pm
#2066
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Plat, DL FO/1MM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 2,102
EXP > Plat
I'll be dropping down to Plat from EXP next year. As I mentioned in another thread, the primary benefit I will miss is free award routing changes/redeposits. Is it correct that I will be permitted to make free changes to any award up until 1/31/19 - even for travel dates beyond 1/31/19? Will any award reservations made prior to 1/31/19 carry this benefit forward with them beyond 1/31/19?
I believe the answers would be Yes/No because the determining factor is one's status at the time of the requested routing change/redeposit, but wanted to verify that with the group here.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
I believe the answers would be Yes/No because the determining factor is one's status at the time of the requested routing change/redeposit, but wanted to verify that with the group here.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Dec 28, 2018, 8:12 pm
#2067
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
AA award date changes
Am I correct in understanding that, even without status, I can change dates on a sAAver award for free (assuming I can find sAAver space in the new dates, of course) so long as the endpoints and airlines don't change?
What about co-terminal changes or routing changes?
What about co-terminal changes or routing changes?
Dec 29, 2018, 2:09 am
#2068
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: LAX and LHR
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 230
787-8 PE Map?
Ok - help?!
(Not sure where in the forum to turn to to post this one!)
I'm on FRA-DFW tomorrow - for a month there have been 12+ empty seats in J. Last night my flight - just my flight - switched seat maps. Went from 11 available seats on EF to 5. An hour ago EF sent an alert saying C inventory was open and yet my SWU as a CK has still not cleared. Fearing the worst (that I had been attacked by electronic gremlins and overlooked/fallen off the list) I called in. 1 seat left.
Seat map changed as I'm the unlucky so-and-so who is flying N800AN! So I lost 8 seats of possible award space in J. (Thank you Dougie.)
(No seriously, I do my homework and I plan... had either DFW or CLT to connect through, had 4 days to choose from - so of the 8 possible flights - all at less that 50% filled J two weeks out, I chose the one flight that ended up getting swapped for this craptacular 787!)
Anyway, long story short - I have no idea how to pick a PE seat on the 788? Seatguru only has non-PE and the 789s loaded as maps. I've tried searching here - can't find any trip reports! Can't even find random photos in google.
Anyone know where to find info on this very specific bird?
TIA!
(Not sure where in the forum to turn to to post this one!)
I'm on FRA-DFW tomorrow - for a month there have been 12+ empty seats in J. Last night my flight - just my flight - switched seat maps. Went from 11 available seats on EF to 5. An hour ago EF sent an alert saying C inventory was open and yet my SWU as a CK has still not cleared. Fearing the worst (that I had been attacked by electronic gremlins and overlooked/fallen off the list) I called in. 1 seat left.
Seat map changed as I'm the unlucky so-and-so who is flying N800AN! So I lost 8 seats of possible award space in J. (Thank you Dougie.)
(No seriously, I do my homework and I plan... had either DFW or CLT to connect through, had 4 days to choose from - so of the 8 possible flights - all at less that 50% filled J two weeks out, I chose the one flight that ended up getting swapped for this craptacular 787!)
Anyway, long story short - I have no idea how to pick a PE seat on the 788? Seatguru only has non-PE and the 789s loaded as maps. I've tried searching here - can't find any trip reports! Can't even find random photos in google.
Anyone know where to find info on this very specific bird?
TIA!
Dec 29, 2018, 4:55 am
#2069
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'll be dropping down to Plat from EXP next year. As I mentioned in another thread, the primary benefit I will miss is free award routing changes/redeposits. Is it correct that I will be permitted to make free changes to any award up until 1/31/19 - even for travel dates beyond 1/31/19? Will any award reservations made prior to 1/31/19 carry this benefit forward with them beyond 1/31/19?
I believe the answers would be Yes/No because the determining factor is one's status at the time of the requested routing change/redeposit, but wanted to verify that with the group here.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
I believe the answers would be Yes/No because the determining factor is one's status at the time of the requested routing change/redeposit, but wanted to verify that with the group here.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
So you can make unlimited free changes or redeposits on any awards with any travel dates up to 1/31. After 1/31, you'll pay the fee on any award, any travel dates, including reservations you made before when you were EXP.
Dec 29, 2018, 5:12 am
#2070
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Am I correct in understanding that, even without status, I can change dates on a sAAver award for free (assuming I can find sAAver space in the new dates, of course) so long as the endpoints and airlines don't change?
What about co-terminal changes or routing changes?
What about co-terminal changes or routing changes?
Routing changes are fine as long as the O&D stay the same. So changing from LAX-ORD-LGA to LAX-DFW-LGA is a no fee change.
Changing your award to start or end from a different co-terminal though will trigger the fee. They are considered different airports for this so technically you're changing your origin or destination.
You can even change airlines for no fee as long as the award type doesn't change. This is where it gets confusing, but generally speaking as long as the mixture of airlines on your award stays the same, or within oneworld, there should be no fee. So changing an award that has AS/AA to just AA should trigger the fee (changing from all partner award to all AA/oneworld award). But changing an award that has CX/AA to JL/AA should be no fee (award remains all AA/oneworld).