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 30, 2018, 2:00 am
#1396
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AC SE100K, AA EXP, SPG Plt, HH Dmnd
Posts: 1,507
So I was told by a agent today that I (EXP) upgrading a friend on the same reservation as me with a SWU from my account - that friend HAS to credit to AA or the upgrade will not go through (he is crediting to AS, separate reservations).
Is this true>
Is this true>
Aug 30, 2018, 5:28 am
#1397
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'm ExecPlat, so can see if flights have System Wide Upgrade space available. Is SWU space the same as miles+copay space? If a flight has an SWU upgrade available, can I upgrade with miles+copay?
I am looking at flight itineraries from Upstate, NY to PHL (arriving F terminal) and then connecting (with relatively short connecting times) to mainline flights departing out of other PHL terminals.
If I am able to upgrade using miles+copay on the connecting flight AND miss the flight because of the short (but still legal) connection time....will I be rebooked into F on a later flight...or will they rebook me in economy and refund the miles+copay?
I am looking at flight itineraries from Upstate, NY to PHL (arriving F terminal) and then connecting (with relatively short connecting times) to mainline flights departing out of other PHL terminals.
If I am able to upgrade using miles+copay on the connecting flight AND miss the flight because of the short (but still legal) connection time....will I be rebooked into F on a later flight...or will they rebook me in economy and refund the miles+copay?
If you were to miss a connecting flight, then AA will generally keep you in F on whatever flight you're rebooked on. That said, it's not uncommon to have lazy and/or poorly trained agents try to rebook you in Y on whatever the easiest option is just to get you to go away.
Also, in a lot of cases you may find a situation where the next available option doesn't have F available, then it can be your decision of taking an earlier flight in Y or waiting for the option with F.
If you were to get rebooked and downgraded for whatever the reason, you can typically get a few miles back from AA after the fact.
Aug 30, 2018, 5:30 am
#1398
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
AFAIK there's no requirement that a companion even be an AAdvantage member, so the idea that they must credit to AA seems silly. Did you HUCA?
Aug 30, 2018, 6:37 am
#1399
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
I'm ExecPlat, so can see if flights have System Wide Upgrade space available. Is SWU space the same as miles+copay space? If a flight has an SWU upgrade available, can I upgrade with miles+copay?
I am looking at flight itineraries from Upstate, NY to PHL (arriving F terminal) and then connecting (with relatively short connecting times) to mainline flights departing out of other PHL terminals.
If I am able to upgrade using miles+copay on the connecting flight AND miss the flight because of the short (but still legal) connection time....will I be rebooked into F on a later flight...or will they rebook me in economy and refund the miles+copay?
I am looking at flight itineraries from Upstate, NY to PHL (arriving F terminal) and then connecting (with relatively short connecting times) to mainline flights departing out of other PHL terminals.
If I am able to upgrade using miles+copay on the connecting flight AND miss the flight because of the short (but still legal) connection time....will I be rebooked into F on a later flight...or will they rebook me in economy and refund the miles+copay?
Aug 30, 2018, 2:16 pm
#1400
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 3,359
Thanks JJeffrey & MathMusic!
Many of my options would have me on an ERJ-145 to PHL and then just one mainline flight from PHL to my destination. So hopefully if I misconnect and end up in Y, AA will refund all the miles+copay since all of it would have just been for the mainline flight!
Many of my options would have me on an ERJ-145 to PHL and then just one mainline flight from PHL to my destination. So hopefully if I misconnect and end up in Y, AA will refund all the miles+copay since all of it would have just been for the mainline flight!
Aug 30, 2018, 9:48 pm
#1401
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 33
I'm looking to buy AA miles to top off my balance so I can buy a one way business class flight from SFO - CDG for me and my husband, and am having trouble deciding between two options. Was hoping to get some opinions with two caveats: 1. I don't like AA miles because most availability has connections so I want to use our points up, and 2. we each have an AA account with between 41k, and 43k miles in each.
Option 1:
43k miles account, buy 50000+22500 bonus for a total cost of $4045.88
pro: - max out point purchase to 2.02 cents
- still have 41k miles in other account
con: costs $500 more than option 2 and still have 41k miles in a program I have a hard time using
Option 2:
43k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
41k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
for a total cost of $3510.06
pro: - cheapest option
- uses up all our AA miles
con: cost is 2.5 cents per mile
Normally I would try to maximize points, but I hate AA redemptions because of the lack of direct flights available. What would you do??
Option 1:
43k miles account, buy 50000+22500 bonus for a total cost of $4045.88
pro: - max out point purchase to 2.02 cents
- still have 41k miles in other account
con: costs $500 more than option 2 and still have 41k miles in a program I have a hard time using
Option 2:
43k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
41k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
for a total cost of $3510.06
pro: - cheapest option
- uses up all our AA miles
con: cost is 2.5 cents per mile
Normally I would try to maximize points, but I hate AA redemptions because of the lack of direct flights available. What would you do??
Aug 31, 2018, 6:09 am
#1402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'm looking to buy AA miles to top off my balance so I can buy a one way business class flight from SFO - CDG for me and my husband, and am having trouble deciding between two options. Was hoping to get some opinions with two caveats: 1. I don't like AA miles because most availability has connections so I want to use our points up, and 2. we each have an AA account with between 41k, and 43k miles in each.
Option 1:
43k miles account, buy 50000+22500 bonus for a total cost of $4045.88
pro: - max out point purchase to 2.02 cents
- still have 41k miles in other account
con: costs $500 more than option 2 and still have 41k miles in a program I have a hard time using
Option 2:
43k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
41k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
for a total cost of $3510.06
pro: - cheapest option
- uses up all our AA miles
con: cost is 2.5 cents per mile
Normally I would try to maximize points, but I hate AA redemptions because of the lack of direct flights available. What would you do??
Option 1:
43k miles account, buy 50000+22500 bonus for a total cost of $4045.88
pro: - max out point purchase to 2.02 cents
- still have 41k miles in other account
con: costs $500 more than option 2 and still have 41k miles in a program I have a hard time using
Option 2:
43k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
41k miles account, buy 15000+3500 bonus
for a total cost of $3510.06
pro: - cheapest option
- uses up all our AA miles
con: cost is 2.5 cents per mile
Normally I would try to maximize points, but I hate AA redemptions because of the lack of direct flights available. What would you do??
2) If your main goal is to liquidate your AA miles, I see no reason not to go with option 2. Less cash out of pocket and you empty your accounts, even though the cost per mile is a little higher.
3) The only nonstop options to Europe from SFO using AA miles are limited to oneworld partners: LHR, HEL, MAD. When looking for 2 business sAAver seats, expecting the "perfect" nonstop (or even 1 stop) award itinerary without fuel surcharges is not realistic is this day, you need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
4) That said...spending $3500 or $4000 just to top up your accounts for 2 one-way business awards to Europe seems like a terrible idea, especially if the options with AA miles are as bad as you say. With a little flexibility you can typically just buy a discounted business round trip for $2k-$2500 per person.
Aug 31, 2018, 11:15 am
#1403
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 33
1) When buying miles for an award, it's imperative that you find award availability on a suitable routing first, put that on hold (free for 5 day), then buy the miles. Buying miles speculatively is almost always a terrible idea.
2) If your main goal is to liquidate your AA miles, I see no reason not to go with option 2. Less cash out of pocket and you empty your accounts, even though the cost per mile is a little higher.
4) That said...spending $3500 or $4000 just to top up your accounts for 2 one-way business awards to Europe seems like a terrible idea, especially if the options with AA miles are as bad as you say. With a little flexibility you can typically just buy a discounted business round trip for $2k-$2500 per person.
2) If your main goal is to liquidate your AA miles, I see no reason not to go with option 2. Less cash out of pocket and you empty your accounts, even though the cost per mile is a little higher.
4) That said...spending $3500 or $4000 just to top up your accounts for 2 one-way business awards to Europe seems like a terrible idea, especially if the options with AA miles are as bad as you say. With a little flexibility you can typically just buy a discounted business round trip for $2k-$2500 per person.
Sorry I included the cost of our return trip in my final numbers. The business fares and miles purchase alone cost $2026 with less miles, and $2563 with bulk miles purchase. So what you said here is right on the nose and helps me make my decision, thanks so much!!
Aug 31, 2018, 3:54 pm
#1404
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 862
In the past when I used AA miles to book AS metal I did so through AA.com. Right now I am looking for a couple of seats on AS metal, and I'd like to get the seats using AA miles, but I'm not seeing anything on AA.com, however I am seeing availability on Alaskaair.com. Can I book those seats on AS metal using AA miles by calling AA? If so, is the cost of the seats reckoned using AA's redemption chart?
For the record I spoke to an AA rep on the phone, but unfortunately this person was not real helpful. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.
For the record I spoke to an AA rep on the phone, but unfortunately this person was not real helpful. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.
Aug 31, 2018, 4:20 pm
#1405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,596
In the past when I used AA miles to book AS metal I did so through AA.com. Right now I am looking for a couple of seats on AS metal, and I'd like to get the seats using AA miles, but I'm not seeing anything on AA.com, however I am seeing availability on Alaskaair.com. Can I book those seats on AS metal using AA miles by calling AA? If so, is the cost of the seats reckoned using AA's redemption chart?
For the record I spoke to an AA rep on the phone, but unfortunately this person was not real helpful. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.
For the record I spoke to an AA rep on the phone, but unfortunately this person was not real helpful. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.
What AS route are you looking at, and how many miles is AS asking?
Aug 31, 2018, 5:28 pm
#1406
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 862
I was looking at LAX to EWR, and for first class, AS wants 70K miles. I did not know I could not redeem the range of AS seat choices.
Aug 31, 2018, 8:26 pm
#1407
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 5
I am currently Platinum Pro and about 7000 EQM from reaching Executive Platinum (I already have EQD covered and am far from reaching via EQS). I have a few domestic flights coming up booked by my company all in Economy (O,V,G). If my addition is correct I’m going to be around 50 EQM short of 100,000 after the last flight.
Other than changing routing is there anything I can do on these flights to increase EQM? I assume if I get a complimentary upgrade my EQM earning doesn’t change, but do I have the option to pay for an upgrade in advance directly with American in order to upgrade my fare class and earn additional EQM?
Other than changing routing is there anything I can do on these flights to increase EQM? I assume if I get a complimentary upgrade my EQM earning doesn’t change, but do I have the option to pay for an upgrade in advance directly with American in order to upgrade my fare class and earn additional EQM?
Sep 1, 2018, 1:49 am
#1408
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 587
I am currently Platinum Pro and about 7000 EQM from reaching Executive Platinum (I already have EQD covered and am far from reaching via EQS). I have a few domestic flights coming up booked by my company all in Economy (O,V,G). If my addition is correct I’m going to be around 50 EQM short of 100,000 after the last flight.
Other than changing routing is there anything I can do on these flights to increase EQM? I assume if I get a complimentary upgrade my EQM earning doesn’t change, but do I have the option to pay for an upgrade in advance directly with American in order to upgrade my fare class and earn additional EQM?
Other than changing routing is there anything I can do on these flights to increase EQM? I assume if I get a complimentary upgrade my EQM earning doesn’t change, but do I have the option to pay for an upgrade in advance directly with American in order to upgrade my fare class and earn additional EQM?
Also - I have routinely found that in IRROPS if you get rerouted, or booked off of your original flights, they tend to put me into fare buckets that earn 1.5. Your current fare classes are going to all be 1.0.
Sep 1, 2018, 5:59 am
#1409
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
For 50 EQM more for EP, i’d inquire about upfaring (not upgrading) a flight or two, or use a tool like Google Flights to book a cheap Mileage Run.