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)
Sep 1, 2018, 5:35 pm
#1412
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
Sep 2, 2018, 9:10 am
#1413
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 5,577
Quick question about credit cards. I have both the Barclays and the Citibank cards. Barclays has given me a lot of grief and I am planning
of cancelling the card. Is the 10% refund of award miles tied to that card or is Citibank also offering this deal?
of cancelling the card. Is the 10% refund of award miles tied to that card or is Citibank also offering this deal?
Sep 2, 2018, 12:50 pm
#1414
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
...”the Citibank card”... Er, which Citi card? (I’d look at my card, Google the name of the actual card - e.g. Citi American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or whatever and “benefits” or perhaps “terms and conditions”.
Sep 2, 2018, 4:47 pm
#1415
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Japan
Posts: 5,577
Guess I will lose out on that benefit. Thanks for your help.
Sep 2, 2018, 5:38 pm
#1416
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,584
I'm afraid that you are mistaken. Some Citi/AA credit cards -- including my Citi/AA Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard® -- offer the 10% mileage rebate also.
Sep 2, 2018, 10:03 pm
#1417
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 120
Does anyone know what AA's current policy for car seat usage on paid seats is?
We're been using car seats since years without issues. Now today we've had the first time two seats with us, for two kiddos. Our seats were a right row plus aisle on left (C-F).
The GA refused to board the second car seat because we only had one window seat. Is that the correct policy?
I've seen pictures of folks flying with kids next to each other, with in car seats... That would not be possible under this policy.
We're been using car seats since years without issues. Now today we've had the first time two seats with us, for two kiddos. Our seats were a right row plus aisle on left (C-F).
The GA refused to board the second car seat because we only had one window seat. Is that the correct policy?
I've seen pictures of folks flying with kids next to each other, with in car seats... That would not be possible under this policy.
Sep 2, 2018, 10:51 pm
#1418
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,640
On single aisle planes, car seats must go in the window seat per FAA regulations. You can't have a car seat in a middle or aisle because in the event of an emergency, the adults in the window/middle seats are impeded from evacuating by the car seat.
I *THINK* car seats are allowed in any seat in the middle section of a two-aisle aircraft, but I could be wrong. (I have seen it happen though)
I *THINK* car seats are allowed in any seat in the middle section of a two-aisle aircraft, but I could be wrong. (I have seen it happen though)
Sep 2, 2018, 10:58 pm
#1419
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 142
Thanks for the feedback. I am going to fly again in 2 weeks.
Sep 2, 2018, 11:03 pm
#1420
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NC
Programs: AA, Marriott/SPG, AMEX
Posts: 272
Wow, that is so awesome! DH has the same card and did not get that benefit on a ticket redemption last week, I'll have to call. Thanks for the heads up that's one of the benefits. I did get it on my Silver Aviator with my ticket.
Sep 3, 2018, 6:04 am
#1421
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Just a reminder the rebate has an annual cap of 10k miles (on 100k combined redemption), so check it first. Usually the system automatically rebates at redemption, so if it is not the cap, the system might not even link your AA account with the CC.
Sep 3, 2018, 7:47 am
#1422
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,975
Seat selection fees/credit when changing award flights
I'm in the unfortunate situation that I needed to cancel an award trip to Rome leaving today because my wife is sick. I understand that I could have cancelled and had the miles on ticket numbers for rebooking, but I preferred to make a booking for dates in October with SAAver availability, which could be placeholder dates. The agent talked about giving credit for previously purchased Preferred seats on the new flights, including where an MCE pair was available. I held off buying those seats, since my wife isn't really in a situation to take part in the decision whether to go on those dates. Can I be directed to a place where these fees are explained when changing booked flights and, in particular, if we book MCE and change to a flight without MCE availability, would we be out the money? For non-status flyers on award tickets.
Sep 3, 2018, 5:44 pm
#1423
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Ohio
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 32
Frustrating AA fare rules
Long time reader, first time poster here. I’m a relatively infrequent flyer, 6-10 times per year usually in paid F/J, made PLT for the first time this year.
Trying to book a trip next summer, DAY-HKG, PVG-DAY, preferably in J. No C inventory available, and the AA fares are driving me nuts. Booking these flights separately, each are about $800 in Y, $900 in W, and $4500 in J. Booking round trip in J is about $6500 which is more than I’m willing to pay, BUT if I did DAY-DFW-HKG in J and PVG-DFW-DAY in Y the fare comes out to about $3000, which is great IMHO.
So I thought, why not do premium economy for the return flight, should be only a few hundred more right? Somehow this jacks the price up to $11K! What is this ridiculousness? AA trying to train me to always fly in J? Any advice for a workaround would be appreciated. Upgrade chances as PLT on PVG-DFW?
Trying to book a trip next summer, DAY-HKG, PVG-DAY, preferably in J. No C inventory available, and the AA fares are driving me nuts. Booking these flights separately, each are about $800 in Y, $900 in W, and $4500 in J. Booking round trip in J is about $6500 which is more than I’m willing to pay, BUT if I did DAY-DFW-HKG in J and PVG-DFW-DAY in Y the fare comes out to about $3000, which is great IMHO.
So I thought, why not do premium economy for the return flight, should be only a few hundred more right? Somehow this jacks the price up to $11K! What is this ridiculousness? AA trying to train me to always fly in J? Any advice for a workaround would be appreciated. Upgrade chances as PLT on PVG-DFW?
Sep 4, 2018, 3:34 am
#1424
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Long time reader, first time poster here. I’m a relatively infrequent flyer, 6-10 times per year usually in paid F/J, made PLT for the first time this year.
Trying to book a trip next summer, DAY-HKG, PVG-DAY, preferably in J. No C inventory available, and the AA fares are driving me nuts. Booking these flights separately, each are about $800 in Y, $900 in W, and $4500 in J. Booking round trip in J is about $6500 which is more than I’m willing to pay, BUT if I did DAY-DFW-HKG in J and PVG-DFW-DAY in Y the fare comes out to about $3000, which is great IMHO.
So I thought, why not do premium economy for the return flight, should be only a few hundred more right? Somehow this jacks the price up to $11K! What is this ridiculousness? AA trying to train me to always fly in J? Any advice for a workaround would be appreciated. Upgrade chances as PLT on PVG-DFW?
Trying to book a trip next summer, DAY-HKG, PVG-DAY, preferably in J. No C inventory available, and the AA fares are driving me nuts. Booking these flights separately, each are about $800 in Y, $900 in W, and $4500 in J. Booking round trip in J is about $6500 which is more than I’m willing to pay, BUT if I did DAY-DFW-HKG in J and PVG-DFW-DAY in Y the fare comes out to about $3000, which is great IMHO.
So I thought, why not do premium economy for the return flight, should be only a few hundred more right? Somehow this jacks the price up to $11K! What is this ridiculousness? AA trying to train me to always fly in J? Any advice for a workaround would be appreciated. Upgrade chances as PLT on PVG-DFW?
I did a couple sample DAY - HKG/PVG - DAY (7/16/19 - 7/25/19, one of them) is around $3,500 for W and $1,600 for Y. The fares you got quoted might be fully flexible.
Sep 4, 2018, 6:17 am
#1425
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Ohio
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 32
Thanks I am looking at mid May into early June, e.g. 5/17-6/1 with some flexibility. I did speak with AA about why W is more expensive than J and you are correct. Apparently a discount business fare (I) outbound cannot be combined with a discount premium economy inbound or vice versa, so it shows a fully flexible W fare.