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
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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 2, 2018, 6:28 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
I have a question on the award booking - I remember previously we are not allowed to get upgraded on the award booking even if we are EXP, but does this mean the new AAdvantage program now allows the upgrade on the award booking? Is the allowance applicable only for domestic routes? How we can get upgraded on long routes such as, e.g. CDG - PHL? Thank you!
Jan 2, 2018, 6:30 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Sadly, I'm currently doing a Platinum challenge that ends in Feb 2018, however the bulk of my EQMs and EQDs are from CX J KULSFO roundtrip, which do not count towards the challenge because CX is not AA's joint venture partner. I'm 1.1k Short of EQDs for Plat Challenge, but good for EQM.
Jan 2, 2018, 6:39 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: AA EXP, GA Gold, CX Green
Posts: 35
However, unlike CX's system where you could play the "remove MPC number" trick, the rollover system does not work for AA. As such, your 2018 activities will bee reset to 0 on Jan 1, 2019. (so 2017's was reset on Jan 1, 2018)
Please also be aware that certain Y tickets on CX flights earn no AA credits. And if you completely give up MPC SL, earning AA gold won't allow you to enter CX's J lounges (which is permitted for MPC SL.)
Please also be aware that certain Y tickets on CX flights earn no AA credits. And if you completely give up MPC SL, earning AA gold won't allow you to enter CX's J lounges (which is permitted for MPC SL.)
I used to be CX MPC Gold, and I used to get in Admirals Club for free and life was great since I'm based in the US.
Unfortunately, I was one of the victims of the MPC makeover. I switched to AA because I fly AA Y (discount) more than I fly CX Y, and MPC doesn't credit me for those (obvi).
Last edited by BB8Dreamliner; Jan 2, 2018 at 6:45 am
Jan 2, 2018, 6:43 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Jan 2, 2018, 7:39 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,829
I'm a no status AA flyer who has recently redeemed miles for 2 one way tix from Jamaica to ORD.
I'm considering cancelling the tix and re-booking to a different destination. I'm not familiar with AA's policy...can someone let me know if I would get my mileage/fees back? Flight is for Feb. 6th.
Thanks!
I'm considering cancelling the tix and re-booking to a different destination. I'm not familiar with AA's policy...can someone let me know if I would get my mileage/fees back? Flight is for Feb. 6th.
Thanks!
Jan 2, 2018, 7:50 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,517
My 3000 EQDs, 3500 EQMs, and Segments reseted to 0.
This is confusing to me because I'm new to AA. I was a CX member before, and miles doesn't reset on Jan 1st of the year. I joined AA on Oct 2017 (after getting tired of CXs revamped MPC earning system), earned my Gold status on Dec 20, 2017-- And I still have excess EQMs and EQDs as of yesterday (Dec 31). So did they all just go to waste after midnight of Dec 31 2017?
This is confusing to me because I'm new to AA. I was a CX member before, and miles doesn't reset on Jan 1st of the year. I joined AA on Oct 2017 (after getting tired of CXs revamped MPC earning system), earned my Gold status on Dec 20, 2017-- And I still have excess EQMs and EQDs as of yesterday (Dec 31). So did they all just go to waste after midnight of Dec 31 2017?
Sadly, I'm currently doing a Platinum challenge that ends in Feb 2018, however the bulk of my EQMs and EQDs are from CX J KULSFO roundtrip, which do not count towards the challenge because CX is not AA's joint venture partner. I'm 1.1k Short of EQDs for Plat Challenge, but good for EQM.
Jan 2, 2018, 7:50 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
I'm a no status AA flyer who has recently redeemed miles for 2 one way tix from Jamaica to ORD.
I'm considering cancelling the tix and re-booking to a different destination. I'm not familiar with AA's policy...can someone let me know if I would get my mileage/fees back? Flight is for Feb. 6th.
Thanks!
I'm considering cancelling the tix and re-booking to a different destination. I'm not familiar with AA's policy...can someone let me know if I would get my mileage/fees back? Flight is for Feb. 6th.
Thanks!
Jan 2, 2018, 10:40 am
#23
Join Date: May 2017
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 369
Just like with award/upgrade inventory, not necessarily. When an award or revenue ticket is cancelled, it doesn't necessarily mean that the original fare/award/upgrade bucket will return automatically. AA's revenue management system will crunch the numbers to determine what happens with the extra space.
Jan 2, 2018, 1:07 pm
#24
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,414
Update: this worked! Applied BXP1 to my business (I) booking, moved to first, and the I-class inventory almost immediately become available again for my girlfriend to upfare into. Not sure if the EXP or BusinessExtra agent phoned RM and requested the inventory, but happy it worked
(RM system may have naturally decided that cabin demand was low enough that naturally released another I into the system. Or, as you mentioned, someone could have intervened for you and asked RM if they'd be wiling to open one seat in the I bucket for you.)
Jan 2, 2018, 2:26 pm
#25
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 40
Hi everyone,
I posted in the previous year's version of this thread last year about a botched AA journey my family and I were on returning from MCO-PHL-LHR-EDI with AA in Y. In short, a 5-hour delay in MCO resulting after the airline announced they were "waiting for a part to be chartered in from CLT" resulted in us missing our connection to LHR in PHL. Our first rerouting to EDI saw our first flight to DUB cancelled due to pilot timeout, resulting in us being forced to spend two days in PHL and having to fund a hotel and all other expenses ourselves. AA have since repeatedly refused to compensate for any expenses/costs, and have since said that both flights were delayed/cancelled due to a major weather system, giving the following information:
Following advice given here on my last visit I've twice contacted the DoT to claim AA misrepresented the reason for our delays, but on both occasions they have forwarded my complaint back to AA. Most recently they have stated they have no enforcement jurisdiction over the matter and have only been able to recommend complaining privately via the courts. AA have offered 2,000 AAdvantage miles per person which, given the amount of disruption caused to our journey and the resulting lack of explanation, seems completely disproportionate!
I'm starting to think I'm chasing a lost cause here - is there any merit in pursuing this further or other avenue of complaint to go down?
Thanks for any advice.
I posted in the previous year's version of this thread last year about a botched AA journey my family and I were on returning from MCO-PHL-LHR-EDI with AA in Y. In short, a 5-hour delay in MCO resulting after the airline announced they were "waiting for a part to be chartered in from CLT" resulted in us missing our connection to LHR in PHL. Our first rerouting to EDI saw our first flight to DUB cancelled due to pilot timeout, resulting in us being forced to spend two days in PHL and having to fund a hotel and all other expenses ourselves. AA have since repeatedly refused to compensate for any expenses/costs, and have since said that both flights were delayed/cancelled due to a major weather system, giving the following information:
FLT 1728./MCO/07Jan
ATC HLD DEST CODE AT3. (this means Air Traffic Control delay at destination)
FLT 722./PHL/07Jan
SEG CNLD CODEXWS-MAJ WX WXX* (this means cancelled Major Weather system).
ATC HLD DEST CODE AT3. (this means Air Traffic Control delay at destination)
FLT 722./PHL/07Jan
SEG CNLD CODEXWS-MAJ WX WXX* (this means cancelled Major Weather system).
I'm starting to think I'm chasing a lost cause here - is there any merit in pursuing this further or other avenue of complaint to go down?
Thanks for any advice.
Jan 2, 2018, 4:59 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
OK, got a whopper here.....AA is starting a CHS-ORD direct and I may have the ability to swap a decent portion of my flying....
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
Jan 2, 2018, 5:06 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
Quick question. Traveling in from St Kitts to Los Angeles, with a transit in MIA for few hours in business class, both legs. Do I qualify to use the AA flagship lounge or am I stuck in admirals lounge? Also, on a reverse, going from LAX to St Kitt, transiting in MIA for few hours also in business both legs, same question.
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much!!
Jan 2, 2018, 5:18 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
Quick question. Traveling in from St Kitts to Los Angeles, with a transit in MIA for few hours in business class, both legs. Do I qualify to use the AA flagship lounge or am I stuck in admirals lounge? Also, on a reverse, going from LAX to St Kitt, transiting in MIA for few hours also in business both legs, same question.
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much!!
Jan 2, 2018, 5:55 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
OK, got a whopper here.....AA is starting a CHS-ORD direct and I may have the ability to swap a decent portion of my flying....
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
2. The same applies to RDMs. It is based on how the flight is marketed.
3. Flights marketed by another OW or partner carrier (as well as Special Fares) usually earn EQDs based on a percentage of miles flown, so yes the ticket price does not factor in to the calculation in those cases.
4. If you are an EXP with available SWUs in your account, you will see a link indicating if an upgrade is available when you are searching on aa.com and logged in to your account. You will need to call the EXP desk to apply the upgrade.
5. EXPs receive a free snack/meal and drink when flying in economy.
6. The standard bonus offer for the AA Executive card is 50,000 miles, I believe. Occasionally there have been higher bonuses—the highest has been 100,000, if memory serves. Most recently, it was 75,000 miles. I don't know if there is a "good" time at which bonus offers tend to be higher.
Jan 2, 2018, 6:09 pm
#30
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
OK, got a whopper here.....AA is starting a CHS-ORD direct and I may have the ability to swap a decent portion of my flying....
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
1. The website eludes to it, but doesn't say it as clearly as UA, if you are on 001 ticket stock is the earning of EQM, EQD and EQS the same no matter if you are on AA metal or any other OW partner?
2. Same question as #1 but for rewards miles - all based on ticket price x elite status multiplier?
3. How is the EQD figured for partner - one I saw was BA earns EQM for business at 25% of miles flown....so is ticket price immaterial, you just get a percentage of the miles flown as EQD and you are done with it?
4. SWU - Is there a way to tell before booking if they will be usable ie CLEAR (I understand you can "Use" on any flight)
5. As a 1K (UA equiv of EXP) in economy, I get a free alcoholic drink and a "Snack Box" for free on every trip - does AA have any sort of the same type thing? (I care more about the snack as I don't really drink)
6. If i do this, I'll get the AA credit card for admirals club access - is there a "Good time" to apply to maximize bonuses? or do you just watch the bloggers and wait for them to squeal?
TIA
1. Ticketing stock actually doesn't matter. What matters is how the flight is marketed. If it's AA-marketed, you will earn based on the AA earnings chart; if the flight is marketed by another OW or partner carrier (even if it's on 001 stock) you will earn based on the earnings chart for that carrier (usually some percentage of miles flown). Some AA-marketed flights—for example, some flights that are booked through AA Vacations—are "special fares" and earn miles based on a separate chart for such fares.
2. The same applies to RDMs. It is based on how the flight is marketed.
3. Flights marketed by another OW or partner carrier (as well as Special Fares) usually earn EQDs based on a percentage of miles flown, so yes the ticket price does not factor in to the calculation in those cases.
4. If you are an EXP with available SWUs in your account, you will see a link indicating if an upgrade is available when you are searching on aa.com and logged in to your account. You will need to call the EXP desk to apply the upgrade.
5. EXPs receive a free snack/meal and drink when flying in economy.
6. The standard bonus offer for the AA Executive card is 50,000 miles, I believe. Occasionally there have been higher bonuses—the highest has been 100,000, if memory serves. Most recently, it was 75,000 miles. I don't know if there is a "good" time at which bonus offers tend to be higher.
2. The same applies to RDMs. It is based on how the flight is marketed.
3. Flights marketed by another OW or partner carrier (as well as Special Fares) usually earn EQDs based on a percentage of miles flown, so yes the ticket price does not factor in to the calculation in those cases.
4. If you are an EXP with available SWUs in your account, you will see a link indicating if an upgrade is available when you are searching on aa.com and logged in to your account. You will need to call the EXP desk to apply the upgrade.
5. EXPs receive a free snack/meal and drink when flying in economy.
6. The standard bonus offer for the AA Executive card is 50,000 miles, I believe. Occasionally there have been higher bonuses—the highest has been 100,000, if memory serves. Most recently, it was 75,000 miles. I don't know if there is a "good" time at which bonus offers tend to be higher.
1,2,3: Eventually, if your boarding pass shows a flight number as AA XXXX, RDM/EQD/EQM will be based on dollars except for the special fare mentioned. If the flight number is CX/BA/IB/QF/QR XXXX, then it will be in accordance with OW table (distance based), depending on the fare code.
6. 75k opening bonus was available this past fall, but with higher spending requirement (7,500 in 3 months IIRC).