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)
Apr 16, 2018, 11:56 am
#616
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Correct, when an award hold is cancelled, there's absolutely no guarantee that the seat will go back into award inventory. But the actual seat assignment will free up as soon as its cancelled.
Apr 17, 2018, 8:51 am
#617
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: AA EXP, UA Gold,Marriott PP,Hilton Diamond, National EX, Hertz PC
Posts: 114
I am flying DFW-NRT with my son and his friend. I am flying in J and my son is in coach. Will the GA let him board with me? I know on domestic flights they let them, I have never tried it on an international flight.
Apr 17, 2018, 8:57 am
#618
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
(Until he sees your cushy seat and he sees his instrument of torture.
)
Apr 17, 2018, 8:55 pm
#619
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 13
Hey all -
Looking for suggestions for creative routing and not sure this is the right place to post, so please direct me to a better thread if need be.
I have 2 business saver AA awards on 6/23 PEK-HND-SFO. I am trying to adjust the award to pass through Chicago, any airport. I know this is possible per AA rules but am just looking for suggestions of where to route through to get there.
Thanks!
Looking for suggestions for creative routing and not sure this is the right place to post, so please direct me to a better thread if need be.
I have 2 business saver AA awards on 6/23 PEK-HND-SFO. I am trying to adjust the award to pass through Chicago, any airport. I know this is possible per AA rules but am just looking for suggestions of where to route through to get there.
Thanks!
Apr 17, 2018, 9:55 pm
#620
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
Hey all -
Looking for suggestions for creative routing and not sure this is the right place to post, so please direct me to a better thread if need be.
I have 2 business saver AA awards on 6/23 PEK-HND-SFO. I am trying to adjust the award to pass through Chicago, any airport. I know this is possible per AA rules but am just looking for suggestions of where to route through to get there.
Thanks!
Looking for suggestions for creative routing and not sure this is the right place to post, so please direct me to a better thread if need be.
I have 2 business saver AA awards on 6/23 PEK-HND-SFO. I am trying to adjust the award to pass through Chicago, any airport. I know this is possible per AA rules but am just looking for suggestions of where to route through to get there.
Thanks!
Apr 19, 2018, 5:29 pm
#621
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I recently crossed the 25k EQM threshold but my EQMs to 500 mile upgrades still say 1100 or so. Are the counters sometimes out of sync or is there some EQMs that don't qualify for 500 milers? Will this sync/correct over the coming days?
Apr 19, 2018, 7:51 pm
#622
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 you find they’ve not posted by Monday, call AAsdvantage Customer Service. Screen shoot your current account stats.
Apr 19, 2018, 10:29 pm
#623
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,969
So on Monday I finally made Platinum (through a status fast track) after hitting EQM/EQD requirements. So I changed seats to the complimentary MCE seats on 1 of 2 flights for tomorrow during the week, and was added to the upgrade list for one of my segments that's less than 500 at T-48.
I logged on tonight and noticed some MCE seats in the bulkhead were open that I wanted compared to where I was at (5C) and tried to take it, but kept getting an error. When I hit my AA account, I noticed that ~2500 EQMs and ~200 EQDs were no longer there, dropping me back to Gold. I could no longer select an MCE seat until I was T-24 (finally was able to select it right when I hit T-24). Still shows Plat, but my plat benefits don't seem to be there anymore.
Why would EQMs and EQDs all of a sudden disappear from my account?
I logged on tonight and noticed some MCE seats in the bulkhead were open that I wanted compared to where I was at (5C) and tried to take it, but kept getting an error. When I hit my AA account, I noticed that ~2500 EQMs and ~200 EQDs were no longer there, dropping me back to Gold. I could no longer select an MCE seat until I was T-24 (finally was able to select it right when I hit T-24). Still shows Plat, but my plat benefits don't seem to be there anymore.
Why would EQMs and EQDs all of a sudden disappear from my account?
Apr 19, 2018, 10:45 pm
#624
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
So on Monday I finally made Platinum (through a status fast track) after hitting EQM/EQD requirements. So I changed seats to the complimentary MCE seats on 1 of 2 flights for tomorrow during the week, and was added to the upgrade list for one of my segments that's less than 500 at T-48.
I logged on tonight and noticed some MCE seats in the bulkhead were open that I wanted compared to where I was at (5C) and tried to take it, but kept getting an error. When I hit my AA account, I noticed that ~2500 EQMs and ~200 EQDs were no longer there, dropping me back to Gold. I could no longer select an MCE seat until I was T-24 (finally was able to select it right when I hit T-24). Still shows Plat, but my plat benefits don't seem to be there anymore.
Why would EQMs and EQDs all of a sudden disappear from my account?
I logged on tonight and noticed some MCE seats in the bulkhead were open that I wanted compared to where I was at (5C) and tried to take it, but kept getting an error. When I hit my AA account, I noticed that ~2500 EQMs and ~200 EQDs were no longer there, dropping me back to Gold. I could no longer select an MCE seat until I was T-24 (finally was able to select it right when I hit T-24). Still shows Plat, but my plat benefits don't seem to be there anymore.
Why would EQMs and EQDs all of a sudden disappear from my account?
Apr 20, 2018, 8:05 am
#625
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,969
That's the plan, I was wondering if anyone else had a similar issue. Just thought it was strange.
Apr 20, 2018, 8:13 am
#626
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
Apr 20, 2018, 11:20 am
#627
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Now my EQMs to next 500 milers are saying 11,000! I think I know what happened. I achieved Platinum through the challenge, so my account screen shows the countdown to my next upgrades. I just crossed 25k and normally should not earn any but the counter was enabled (since I am Plat) and it seems like it was running behind and showing a countdown to 25k. Yesterday I added approx, another 2340 EQMs, so it crossed the 1100 I needed and now shows how many until 37.5k milestone. I did not collect any upgrades (at least as it shows right now - am I supposed to but another sweep will drop them in?).
Apr 20, 2018, 11:55 am
#628
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
Yep, that makes sense. I think that’s it. We don’t have an earned status until after the flight we cross the threshold on. And unless you paid for interim status with the Challenge, you had no status until after you crossed the status threshold.
But with status you earn upgrades at every 12,500 milestone.
For someone earning Gold the usual way, their first EQM would count; they’d start earning after they became Gold with EQM and EQD. The earliest that could happen would be at 37,500 (and likely a few) EQM. Earning Platinum with a Challenge, your “sticker”earning odometer starts running after you’re Platinum (without interim status).
But with status you earn upgrades at every 12,500 milestone.
For someone earning Gold the usual way, their first EQM would count; they’d start earning after they became Gold with EQM and EQD. The earliest that could happen would be at 37,500 (and likely a few) EQM. Earning Platinum with a Challenge, your “sticker”earning odometer starts running after you’re Platinum (without interim status).
Apr 20, 2018, 1:41 pm
#629
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I was advanced Platinum status but have earned Gold at this point.
Apr 20, 2018, 2:07 pm
#630
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 you paid for the Platinum Challenge alone, you don’t have any status until after you cross your EQD and EQM thresholds, so until then EQM earned don’t count toward 500mile upgrades.