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)
Aug 19, 2018, 11:53 am
#1321
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
Is there a way to see how many award seats remain on a certain days flight? I'd like to wait if possible, but if there are only 1-2 seats left, I'd book straight away. But if it's more I'd wait. Is it possible to see?
Aug 19, 2018, 11:55 am
#1322
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
ExpertFlyer will tell you the exact amount, alternatively you can always do a dummy booking at aa.com for 1, 2, 3 people etc. to see how many are available.
Aug 19, 2018, 12:01 pm
#1323
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
Aug 19, 2018, 12:15 pm
#1324
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: St. Paul, MN
Programs: Walmart Super Elite
Posts: 727
The Gold and PLT reservations number will use the same agents, your PLT status just puts you higher up in the waiting queue if there is any. So you can still call the Gold number, when you say your AA# the system will recognize that you're PLT and sort your call appropriately.
Aug 19, 2018, 12:19 pm
#1325
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
Re award reservations, I find this page https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ard-travel.jsp but it is unclear to me if a fee is required if I solely make a date change to an award but leave destination/origin the same. It appears there is no charge for such a change, assuming said change is done >21 days out, correct? And if such date change is done <21 days I would solely incur a $75 close in change fee, correct?
Aug 19, 2018, 12:24 pm
#1326
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,593
Re award reservations, I find this page https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ard-travel.jsp but it is unclear to me if a fee is required if I solely make a date change to an award but leave destination/origin the same. It appears there is no charge for such a change, assuming said change is done >21 days out, correct? And if such date change is done <21 days I would solely incur a $75 close in change fee, correct?
Regardless of when you change the date of travel on an award ticket, as long as the new date of travel is more than 21 days after the award ticket was originally issued, there is no $75 fee applicable.
Aug 19, 2018, 12:32 pm
#1327
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
So if I understand what you are saying, assuming I book award travel today for Sep 30, I can make numerous changes between now and Sep 9 without fee (assuming the new flight is on Oct 1, for example). Or until Sep 10th assuming the new flight is on Oct 2nd, and so on. Correct?
Aug 19, 2018, 12:37 pm
#1328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,593
So if I understand what you are saying, assuming I book award travel today for Sep 30, I can make numerous changes between now and Sep 9 without fee (assuming the new flight is on Oct 1, for example). Or until Sep 10th assuming the new flight is on Oct 2nd, and so on. Correct?
If your award travel is actually ticketed today, August 19, for travel on September 30, you can change the date of travel to October 1 at any time -- even on September 29 -- since the new date of travel is more than 21 days after August 19, the date of original award ticketing.
Aug 19, 2018, 12:43 pm
#1329
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
No.
If your award travel is actually ticketed today, August 19, for travel on September 30, you can change the date of travel to October 1 at any time -- even on September 29 -- since the new date of travel is more than 21 days after August 19, the date of original award ticketing.
If your award travel is actually ticketed today, August 19, for travel on September 30, you can change the date of travel to October 1 at any time -- even on September 29 -- since the new date of travel is more than 21 days after August 19, the date of original award ticketing.
So basically AA is saying as long as you take the time to plan in advance (i.e. >21 days), you'll never get charged a fee for changing and changing and changing. Perhaps this is why there is never any inventory for award seats? People just keep changing rather than cancelling and incurring a $150 redeposit fee. So they "hold" award space easily.
Anyway, thanks again, I realize now I can book the day that is available asap - and then if the day after opens up at any time (which is my preferred day), I can swap to it at no cost.
Aug 19, 2018, 5:01 pm
#1330
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: USA
Programs: AA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 310
No.
If your award travel is actually ticketed today, August 19, for travel on September 30, you can change the date of travel to October 1 at any time -- even on September 29 -- since the new date of travel is more than 21 days after August 19, the date of original award ticketing.
If your award travel is actually ticketed today, August 19, for travel on September 30, you can change the date of travel to October 1 at any time -- even on September 29 -- since the new date of travel is more than 21 days after August 19, the date of original award ticketing.
Aug 19, 2018, 5:24 pm
#1331
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
I've got the chance to do a challenge to Platinum Pro. I understand the rule about only one challenge every five years, but does this affect elite buy-back status? I've got a potential trip that will earn me Platinum again for next year, but it's iffy. Not sure what the right strategy here is. Any input?
Aug 19, 2018, 9:28 pm
#1332
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Aug 19, 2018, 11:58 pm
#1333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,421
I'm somewhat unfamiliar with OW and AA in general, so I had a couple of questions regarding award availability.
I'm looking to do some domestic travel in Australia, from SYD to CNS, and then down to HBA, and then back to SYD. I have 63,000 AA miles right now (thanks to a CC signup), and I already have cash tickets for the HBA-SYD segment. It seems like QF awards are an excellent way to get around Australia, and I already see lots of sub-optimal itineraries available (SYD-BNE-CNS, CNS-BNE-MEL-HBA, things like that). In general, it seems like circuitous routings in J are quite common, with more direct routes opening from time to time in Y.
My question is basically asking what I should expect here. I have about 90 days left until travel, and my dates are roughly set. I could book what's available today and live with it, but since I don't have any status with AA that means I'm stuck with what I book. How does availability change as departure gets closer? So far I've watched things for about a month and it looks pretty stable, but I know sometimes bigger shifts happen closer in. Is it reasonable to hold out for better options?
Thanks!
I'm looking to do some domestic travel in Australia, from SYD to CNS, and then down to HBA, and then back to SYD. I have 63,000 AA miles right now (thanks to a CC signup), and I already have cash tickets for the HBA-SYD segment. It seems like QF awards are an excellent way to get around Australia, and I already see lots of sub-optimal itineraries available (SYD-BNE-CNS, CNS-BNE-MEL-HBA, things like that). In general, it seems like circuitous routings in J are quite common, with more direct routes opening from time to time in Y.
My question is basically asking what I should expect here. I have about 90 days left until travel, and my dates are roughly set. I could book what's available today and live with it, but since I don't have any status with AA that means I'm stuck with what I book. How does availability change as departure gets closer? So far I've watched things for about a month and it looks pretty stable, but I know sometimes bigger shifts happen closer in. Is it reasonable to hold out for better options?
Thanks!
Aug 20, 2018, 12:30 am
#1334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,029
I'm somewhat unfamiliar with OW and AA in general, so I had a couple of questions regarding award availability.
I'm looking to do some domestic travel in Australia, from SYD to CNS, and then down to HBA, and then back to SYD. I have 63,000 AA miles right now (thanks to a CC signup), and I already have cash tickets for the HBA-SYD segment. It seems like QF awards are an excellent way to get around Australia, and I already see lots of sub-optimal itineraries available (SYD-BNE-CNS, CNS-BNE-MEL-HBA, things like that). In general, it seems like circuitous routings in J are quite common, with more direct routes opening from time to time in Y.
My question is basically asking what I should expect here. I have about 90 days left until travel, and my dates are roughly set. I could book what's available today and live with it, but since I don't have any status with AA that means I'm stuck with what I book. How does availability change as departure gets closer? So far I've watched things for about a month and it looks pretty stable, but I know sometimes bigger shifts happen closer in. Is it reasonable to hold out for better options?
I'm looking to do some domestic travel in Australia, from SYD to CNS, and then down to HBA, and then back to SYD. I have 63,000 AA miles right now (thanks to a CC signup), and I already have cash tickets for the HBA-SYD segment. It seems like QF awards are an excellent way to get around Australia, and I already see lots of sub-optimal itineraries available (SYD-BNE-CNS, CNS-BNE-MEL-HBA, things like that). In general, it seems like circuitous routings in J are quite common, with more direct routes opening from time to time in Y.
My question is basically asking what I should expect here. I have about 90 days left until travel, and my dates are roughly set. I could book what's available today and live with it, but since I don't have any status with AA that means I'm stuck with what I book. How does availability change as departure gets closer? So far I've watched things for about a month and it looks pretty stable, but I know sometimes bigger shifts happen closer in. Is it reasonable to hold out for better options?
No one knows if business class QF awards on non stop flights will open up.
QF timetable link----> https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlin...able/global/en
Flying QF business class will give access to QF business lounges
Aug 20, 2018, 12:54 am
#1335
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,421
More of a question for the AA forum QF thread---->AA miles awards: using / redeeming AA miles on Qantas (QF) & related (consolidated)
No one knows if business class QF awards on non stop flights will open up.
QF timetable link----> https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlin...able/global/en
Flying QF business class will give access to QF business lounges
No one knows if business class QF awards on non stop flights will open up.
QF timetable link----> https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlin...able/global/en
Flying QF business class will give access to QF business lounges
I'm mostly after general impressions - is seeing any way to get between these city pairs in November already better than normal? Does the general number of award seats increase as departure gets closer? I'm familiar with award travel in general and I know there are no hard-and-fast rules, but usually the local experts have some rules of thumb
I'm generally ok with either Y or J for the current rates; with 60k I'm obviously targeting one in J and one in Y (2 pax, so that's 60k exactly).