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)
Jun 17, 2018, 6:37 am
#946
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,015
Jun 18, 2018, 8:18 am
#947
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,031
(Sorry, newbie question, even though I fly AA all the time and feel confident about my knowledge of the program)
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Jun 18, 2018, 8:31 am
#948
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Constantly Positioning
Programs: SPG Plat, CX DM, DL Gold, HHonors Gold, AA Plat
Posts: 346
Hello,
I have a Business Extra Upgrade one-way upgrade certificate (BXP3) for international travel from North America to everywhere other than India excluding fares booked in B, N, O, Q, S that expires at the end of the month. I am not traveling and would to donate it to someone.
PS: Mods, please let me know if this is not the right place for this or if you want to distribute this cert. I would hate to see it go to waste.
I have a Business Extra Upgrade one-way upgrade certificate (BXP3) for international travel from North America to everywhere other than India excluding fares booked in B, N, O, Q, S that expires at the end of the month. I am not traveling and would to donate it to someone.
PS: Mods, please let me know if this is not the right place for this or if you want to distribute this cert. I would hate to see it go to waste.
Jun 18, 2018, 10:47 am
#949
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Hello,
I have a Business Extra Upgrade one-way upgrade certificate (BXP3) for international travel from North America to everywhere other than India excluding fares booked in B, N, O, Q, S that expires at the end of the month. I am not traveling and would to donate it to someone.
PS: Mods, please let me know if this is not the right place for this or if you want to distribute this cert. I would hate to see it go to waste.
I have a Business Extra Upgrade one-way upgrade certificate (BXP3) for international travel from North America to everywhere other than India excluding fares booked in B, N, O, Q, S that expires at the end of the month. I am not traveling and would to donate it to someone.
PS: Mods, please let me know if this is not the right place for this or if you want to distribute this cert. I would hate to see it go to waste.
Jun 18, 2018, 1:32 pm
#950
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Constantly Positioning
Programs: SPG Plat, CX DM, DL Gold, HHonors Gold, AA Plat
Posts: 346
Thanks!
Jun 18, 2018, 1:35 pm
#951
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
(Sorry, newbie question, even though I fly AA all the time and feel confident about my knowledge of the program)
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Jun 18, 2018, 2:27 pm
#952
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
(Sorry, newbie question, even though I fly AA all the time and feel confident about my knowledge of the program)
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Jun 18, 2018, 3:39 pm
#953
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
(Sorry, newbie question, even though I fly AA all the time and feel confident about my knowledge of the program)
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
Award ticket reinstate question:
Booked a trip for me (ExPlat) and 2 others (no status) on one PNR using my account. I am debating changing to a different route due to better options now (cancel/reinstate and book the new flights on a new PNR since I don't see how to change an award flight).
AA.com says there is a $150 for the first, plus $25 for each additional passenger, but it's waived for ExPlat members using miles from their account. Can I cancel all of our flights since we're on one PNR without penalty or will I face the fees for the 2 others on my reservation?
But to answer your question, if you were to cancel, the miles redeposit fee would be waived for all 3 awards since the miles came from your EXP account. You can cancel online, but you still have to call AA to process the miles redeposit and tax refund.
Jun 19, 2018, 4:40 am
#954
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: M&S, Radisson
Posts: 758
On a recent booking of a transatlantic flight in Basic Eco, I was surprised to get assigned a MCE seat. I am merely OW Sapphire (not with AA but BA). The flight in question was AA150 (booked under a BA codeshare).
The seat they assigned me during booking is 20D. Do they really give Sapphires MCE at the time of booking, even when booking Basic Economy? Or is the seat map shown to me somehow messed up?
I am a bit confused as the seatmap on AA.com differs from the one on Seatguru.
The seat they assigned me during booking is 20D. Do they really give Sapphires MCE at the time of booking, even when booking Basic Economy? Or is the seat map shown to me somehow messed up?
I am a bit confused as the seatmap on AA.com differs from the one on Seatguru.
Jun 19, 2018, 4:58 am
#955
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
On a recent booking of a transatlantic flight in Basic Eco, I was surprised to get assigned a MCE seat. I am merely OW Sapphire (not with AA but BA). The flight in question was AA150 (booked under a BA codeshare).
The seat they assigned me during booking is 20D. Do they really give Sapphires MCE at the time of booking, even when booking Basic Economy? Or is the seat map shown to me somehow messed up?
I am a bit confused as the seatmap on AA.com differs from the one on Seatguru.
The seat they assigned me during booking is 20D. Do they really give Sapphires MCE at the time of booking, even when booking Basic Economy? Or is the seat map shown to me somehow messed up?
I am a bit confused as the seatmap on AA.com differs from the one on Seatguru.
As to your seat, it is strange to get MCE at booking, are you positive you booked a true Basic Economy fare? I'm guessing the BA codeshare somehow confused the system. BE fares on TATL flights are still relatively new, so seating reports like this are still limited.
Jun 19, 2018, 6:47 am
#956
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
For reasons known only to AA, I got the offer of three months of Platinum Pro. While there is no chance I'll retain that status, I'll be reserving a couple reward trips for the first part of 2019 this summer. My temporary status give me access to seats in main cabin extra. Will it matter if my status is history by the time the trip actually takes place?
Jun 19, 2018, 7:23 am
#957
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
For reasons known only to AA, I got the offer of three months of Platinum Pro. While there is no chance I'll retain that status, I'll be reserving a couple reward trips for the first part of 2019 this summer. My temporary status give me access to seats in main cabin extra. Will it matter if my status is history by the time the trip actually takes place?
Jun 19, 2018, 8:16 am
#958
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: M&S, Radisson
Posts: 758
deleted
Last edited by 1flyer; Dec 11, 2018 at 1:26 am
Jun 19, 2018, 4:14 pm
#959
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,556
My wife bought 3 F tickets for us for 6/30-7/6
now she wants to fly sooner and return 7/6, but my son and I would still fly 6/30-7/6
what are our options for this?
now she wants to fly sooner and return 7/6, but my son and I would still fly 6/30-7/6
what are our options for this?
