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)
Mar 15, 2018, 3:08 am
#451
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
just flew LHR-LAX-LHR and one leg had 77W went to PE equipped plane morning of departure. As poster replied they are nit selling PE on some routes at present and treated as MCE. However when I checked with agent, equipment is being fitted with PE on a schedule to complete by the time they start selling PE. Until that time, it is always possible a non PE equipped 77W could be rostered. As seat width is main difference, it should not be an issue but as PE is 2 4 2 and MCE is 3 3 3 you might want to think about that if you want them to sit in adjacent seats. Have fun.
Mar 15, 2018, 12:44 pm
#452
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 11
just flew LHR-LAX-LHR and one leg had 77W went to PE equipped plane morning of departure. As poster replied they are nit selling PE on some routes at present and treated as MCE. However when I checked with agent, equipment is being fitted with PE on a schedule to complete by the time they start selling PE. Until that time, it is always possible a non PE equipped 77W could be rostered. As seat width is main difference, it should not be an issue but as PE is 2 4 2 and MCE is 3 3 3 you might want to think about that if you want them to sit in adjacent seats. Have fun.
I put them in 19 D-G. I hope that if they start selling PE for this flight they won't be bumped out of there.
Mar 16, 2018, 8:31 am
#453
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: American - Platinum Pro, Marriott - Platinum
Posts: 479
Basic Economy fare - benefits for Citi Mastercard holder with Gold Status
First time trying to buy basic economy ticket.
Total 5 passengers - me, wife, 2 kids, and mother-in-law. I am AA Gold and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard holder. All on same flight. Buying tickets partially with OU voucher and paying balance with above mentioned Citi credit card. Flying tomorrow so going to airport for ticketing.
Will I be able to check-in 4 bags and carry-on 4 bags free of charge, as per my Credit Card benefits?
Thanks.
Total 5 passengers - me, wife, 2 kids, and mother-in-law. I am AA Gold and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard holder. All on same flight. Buying tickets partially with OU voucher and paying balance with above mentioned Citi credit card. Flying tomorrow so going to airport for ticketing.
Will I be able to check-in 4 bags and carry-on 4 bags free of charge, as per my Credit Card benefits?
Thanks.
Last edited by raj_cl; Mar 16, 2018 at 8:46 am Reason: More info
Mar 16, 2018, 9:27 am
#454
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 550
First time trying to buy basic economy ticket.
Total 5 passengers - me, wife, 2 kids, and mother-in-law. I am AA Gold and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard holder. All on same flight. Buying tickets partially with OU voucher and paying balance with above mentioned Citi credit card. Flying tomorrow so going to airport for ticketing.
Will I be able to check-in 4 bags and carry-on 4 bags free of charge, as per my Credit Card benefits?
Thanks.
Total 5 passengers - me, wife, 2 kids, and mother-in-law. I am AA Gold and Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard holder. All on same flight. Buying tickets partially with OU voucher and paying balance with above mentioned Citi credit card. Flying tomorrow so going to airport for ticketing.
Will I be able to check-in 4 bags and carry-on 4 bags free of charge, as per my Credit Card benefits?
Thanks.
Mar 16, 2018, 9:31 am
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,530
If it is all on one PNR you should be fine for the checked bags. Make sure your AA flyer number is on the reservation when you book it because sometimes there might be an issue with the timing of things. Technically your AA frequent flyer number needs to be on the reservation 7 days before you fly to get the bags per the T&Cs of your card. I am not sure if AA would withhold the baggage benefits if the ticket is purchased right before travel though if you have had the card for a while.
Mar 16, 2018, 10:39 am
#456
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: American - Platinum Pro, Marriott - Platinum
Posts: 479
Does me being Gold mean up to 4 passengers with me on the same reservation check-in 1 bag each?
I thought the check in bag benefit was only for the Gold member and did not apply to other passengers even though on the same reservation.
However the credit card benefit states up to 4 people can check in 1 bag each, so asking.
Thanks.
I thought the check in bag benefit was only for the Gold member and did not apply to other passengers even though on the same reservation.
However the credit card benefit states up to 4 people can check in 1 bag each, so asking.
Thanks.
Mar 16, 2018, 11:50 am
#457
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,438
Does me being Gold mean up to 4 passengers with me on the same reservation check-in 1 bag each?
I thought the check in bag benefit was only for the Gold member and did not apply to other passengers even though on the same reservation.
However the credit card benefit states up to 4 people can check in 1 bag each, so asking.
Thanks.
I thought the check in bag benefit was only for the Gold member and did not apply to other passengers even though on the same reservation.
However the credit card benefit states up to 4 people can check in 1 bag each, so asking.
Thanks.
The checked bag fees will be waived for all elite members and guests traveling on the same reservation (excluding group reservations) for travel in the Main Cabin on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or marketed by American or American Eagle. The number of waived bag fees depends on your elite status.
Mar 16, 2018, 2:16 pm
#458
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AY+ Gold
Posts: 147
Hi there!
I'm collecting miles (we call them points) at AY+ but I plan on booking a decent amount of AA flights this year. I usually prefer booking on the the official website AA.com. I've done some research but it seems like promo codes are very rare. Do you guys use cashback or something similiar? Is there any known, common (but for me unknown) way to safe money?
Thank you!
I'm collecting miles (we call them points) at AY+ but I plan on booking a decent amount of AA flights this year. I usually prefer booking on the the official website AA.com. I've done some research but it seems like promo codes are very rare. Do you guys use cashback or something similiar? Is there any known, common (but for me unknown) way to safe money?
Thank you!
Mar 16, 2018, 4:05 pm
#459
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Munich, Deutscheland
Programs: Try to be elite again... :)
Posts: 488
Is there an Admirals Club Meet-up thread? Quick search does not yield positive results...
Mar 16, 2018, 4:16 pm
#460
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,107
Mar 16, 2018, 9:50 pm
#461
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Rochester, NY USA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Platinum
Posts: 1,423
I booked a MileSAAver award in F from PDX to ROC, connecting in ORD. A schedule change took the 8:00 AM departure to 6:40 AM. This is a leisure trip and 8:00 AM was early for this retired couple, but 6:40 AM is just way too early.
The only other connections with just one stop is an 11:20 AM departure connecting in CLT or a redeye departing at 11:59 PM There are several itineraries with 2 stops, but I choose the original one based on just one stop. However, this itinerary is not available as a MileSAAver, only as an AAnytime award. Is there any chance I can get AA to move us to the 11:20 itinerary without adding miles ( which I don't have; I was actually using up some miles on this trip) based on the schedule change?
The only other connections with just one stop is an 11:20 AM departure connecting in CLT or a redeye departing at 11:59 PM There are several itineraries with 2 stops, but I choose the original one based on just one stop. However, this itinerary is not available as a MileSAAver, only as an AAnytime award. Is there any chance I can get AA to move us to the 11:20 itinerary without adding miles ( which I don't have; I was actually using up some miles on this trip) based on the schedule change?
Mar 17, 2018, 7:27 am
#462
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,438
I booked a MileSAAver award in F from PDX to ROC, connecting in ORD. A schedule change took the 8:00 AM departure to 6:40 AM. This is a leisure trip and 8:00 AM was early for this retired couple, but 6:40 AM is just way too early.
The only other connections with just one stop is an 11:20 AM departure connecting in CLT or a redeye departing at 11:59 PM There are several itineraries with 2 stops, but I choose the original one based on just one stop. However, this itinerary is not available as a MileSAAver, only as an AAnytime award. Is there any chance I can get AA to move us to the 11:20 itinerary without adding miles ( which I don't have; I was actually using up some miles on this trip) based on the schedule change?
The only other connections with just one stop is an 11:20 AM departure connecting in CLT or a redeye departing at 11:59 PM There are several itineraries with 2 stops, but I choose the original one based on just one stop. However, this itinerary is not available as a MileSAAver, only as an AAnytime award. Is there any chance I can get AA to move us to the 11:20 itinerary without adding miles ( which I don't have; I was actually using up some miles on this trip) based on the schedule change?
If you happen to get an unhelpful AAgent that is unwilling to switch it or insists that there needs to be sAAver space on the new flights, just HUCA (hang up call again).
Mar 17, 2018, 12:34 pm
#463
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ORD/MKE
Programs: UA General Member, AA Gold, SPG (Bonvoy) Gold; IHG Plat. Ambassador
Posts: 399
Just booked a one-way ticket to Doha with AA miles. Have to connect in Philly since no business space on the Chicago>Doha. Hoping to switch to the direct flight but don’t think they’ll open seats as my flight is only a few days after the route is supposedly getting QSuites.
Do I get lounge access in Chicago before my first leg?In domestic first if that matters
Do I get lounge access in Chicago before my first leg?In domestic first if that matters
Mar 17, 2018, 1:13 pm
#464
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
Long-time Listener, First-time Caller
Greetings from Texas. I’ve appreciated all of the information and help I’ve gotten here over the years, and wanted to return the favor with an AA trip report from this week. Not entirely sure where to post it, though....
Help, guidance, or pointing-in-the-right-direction appreciated.
Help, guidance, or pointing-in-the-right-direction appreciated.
Mar 17, 2018, 7:30 pm
#465
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,990
allankoenig Welcome to FT
Here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...advantage-733/ (if any complaints / questions on AA service)
Or here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports-177/ if a real trip report.
Greetings from Texas. I’ve appreciated all of the information and help I’ve gotten here over the years, and wanted to return the favor with an AA trip report from this week. Not entirely sure where to post it, though....
Help, guidance, or pointing-in-the-right-direction appreciated.
Help, guidance, or pointing-in-the-right-direction appreciated.
Or here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports-177/ if a real trip report.