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 19, 2018, 7:24 pm
#961
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
Jun 19, 2018, 9:30 pm
#962
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 909
Hypothetical question given the DFW Flagship Lounge is not open yet but I were flying first and business XXX - DFW - MIA - PTY, could I access Flagship at DFW in addition to MIA? I realize no Flagship Dining
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jun 20, 2018, 4:47 am
#963
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
Yes, if you have a qualifying itinerary like that then you can access any of the Flagship Lounges (or ACs) along the way.
Jun 20, 2018, 9:04 am
#964
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
As pointed out, there is no Flagship lounge operating at DFW at this time. There are Admirals Clubs, and an interim Premium Lounge operating in D at the moment.
Jun 20, 2018, 1:02 pm
#965
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: San Francisco
Programs: GM on VX, UA, AA, HA, AS, SY; Budget Fastbreak
Posts: 27,597
Jun 20, 2018, 2:40 pm
#966
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
You shouldn't have any issues, its not that uncommon for a third party to be paying for the flights. Any later changes to your reservation that requires an additional fee they will ask for a credit card again anyways..
Jun 21, 2018, 9:17 am
#967
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
If you don't have the credit card or elite status, there's little downside to splitting the PNR.
Jun 21, 2018, 10:37 am
#968
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 132
Saver awards now one class below?
I've been searching saver awards (Biz & First) for a TATL next year. No matter what combo I select it seems that EVERY domestic AA connection books into economy unless it's a full (non-saver) award.
Is this now AA policy, that I can redeem for Biz or First on AA or BA but must sit in eco on the domestic leg?
Example: SAN-CDG can be booked any number of ways in the premium cabins but no matter what the SAN-DFW leg is in economy. If I go in and select the same SAN-DFW leg as a standalone I am able to book a biz saver in the premium cabin.
If this is their new direction I might just be abandoning AAdv after decades...
Is this now AA policy, that I can redeem for Biz or First on AA or BA but must sit in eco on the domestic leg?
Example: SAN-CDG can be booked any number of ways in the premium cabins but no matter what the SAN-DFW leg is in economy. If I go in and select the same SAN-DFW leg as a standalone I am able to book a biz saver in the premium cabin.
If this is their new direction I might just be abandoning AAdv after decades...
Jun 21, 2018, 12:02 pm
#969
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
I've been searching saver awards (Biz & First) for a TATL next year. No matter what combo I select it seems that EVERY domestic AA connection books into economy unless it's a full (non-saver) award.
Is this now AA policy, that I can redeem for Biz or First on AA or BA but must sit in eco on the domestic leg?
Example: SAN-CDG can be booked any number of ways in the premium cabins but no matter what the SAN-DFW leg is in economy. If I go in and select the same SAN-DFW leg as a standalone I am able to book a biz saver in the premium cabin.
If this is their new direction I might just be abandoning AAdv after decades...
Is this now AA policy, that I can redeem for Biz or First on AA or BA but must sit in eco on the domestic leg?
Example: SAN-CDG can be booked any number of ways in the premium cabins but no matter what the SAN-DFW leg is in economy. If I go in and select the same SAN-DFW leg as a standalone I am able to book a biz saver in the premium cabin.
If this is their new direction I might just be abandoning AAdv after decades...
Jun 21, 2018, 1:37 pm
#970
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 132
Thanks JD- I understand some of the methods in that thread for requesting a seat in the award class booked (I've attempted this in the past with no success and have flown transpac several times behind premium cabins with literally one or two passengers, so have little wish to rely on such). However, based on searches today it looks like AA has now made this domestic eco for Biz & First saver awards a policy. I checked many different destinations randomly and it looks like they're now just "forcing" a voluntary downgrade on any Saver awards using domestic connections.
Starting to look to me like an end-around way to gouge redemptions instead of a more PR-unfriendly bump. The cabins in question are totally empty and available to single leg Saver awards, just not as part of multi-leg routes. Sad development if so....
Starting to look to me like an end-around way to gouge redemptions instead of a more PR-unfriendly bump. The cabins in question are totally empty and available to single leg Saver awards, just not as part of multi-leg routes. Sad development if so....
Jun 21, 2018, 3:28 pm
#971
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New Zealand (when I'm home!)
Programs: Air NZ Elite
Posts: 1,218
Question: Can you get status with EQD's if you're flying only partner airlines?
I have a lot of travel planned with Oneworld this year. It's going to get me gold with Qantas but only just (their earnings for partner airlines are pretty bad). I'm thinking of attributing it to AA, especially because I do a lot of USA travel (and plan to fly business class with them next next Tokyo to Austin). Here is my Oneworld flights:
Latam Airlines, CHC to SCL (economy)
Latam Airlines, SCL to CUZ (economy)
Qatar, DPS to TBS (economy)
Royal Jordanian, TLV to BKK (business class)
Qantas, BKK to CHC (economy)
Qantas, CHC to LAX return (business class)
No AA flights planned in there for the rest of the year (but who knows). Am I still eligible for status?
I have a lot of travel planned with Oneworld this year. It's going to get me gold with Qantas but only just (their earnings for partner airlines are pretty bad). I'm thinking of attributing it to AA, especially because I do a lot of USA travel (and plan to fly business class with them next next Tokyo to Austin). Here is my Oneworld flights:
Latam Airlines, CHC to SCL (economy)
Latam Airlines, SCL to CUZ (economy)
Qatar, DPS to TBS (economy)
Royal Jordanian, TLV to BKK (business class)
Qantas, BKK to CHC (economy)
Qantas, CHC to LAX return (business class)
No AA flights planned in there for the rest of the year (but who knows). Am I still eligible for status?
Jun 21, 2018, 3:54 pm
#972
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
Thanks JD- I understand some of the methods in that thread for requesting a seat in the award class booked (I've attempted this in the past with no success and have flown transpac several times behind premium cabins with literally one or two passengers, so have little wish to rely on such). However, based on searches today it looks like AA has now made this domestic eco for Biz & First saver awards a policy. I checked many different destinations randomly and it looks like they're now just "forcing" a voluntary downgrade on any Saver awards using domestic connections.
Starting to look to me like an end-around way to gouge redemptions instead of a more PR-unfriendly bump. The cabins in question are totally empty and available to single leg Saver awards, just not as part of multi-leg routes. Sad development if so....
Starting to look to me like an end-around way to gouge redemptions instead of a more PR-unfriendly bump. The cabins in question are totally empty and available to single leg Saver awards, just not as part of multi-leg routes. Sad development if so....
Maybe it's something unique to your local airport (availability, not policy).
Jun 21, 2018, 6:40 pm
#973
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,017
Question: Can you get status with EQD's if you're flying only partner airlines?
I have a lot of travel planned with Oneworld this year. It's going to get me gold with Qantas but only just (their earnings for partner airlines are pretty bad). I'm thinking of attributing it to AA, especially because I do a lot of USA travel (and plan to fly business class with them next next Tokyo to Austin).
Here is my Oneworld flights:
Latam Airlines, CHC to SCL (economy)
Latam Airlines, SCL to CUZ (economy)
Qatar, DPS to TBS (economy)
Royal Jordanian, TLV to BKK (business class)
Qantas, BKK to CHC (economy)
Qantas, CHC to LAX return (business class)
No AA flights planned in there for the rest of the year (but who knows). Am I still eligible for status?
I have a lot of travel planned with Oneworld this year. It's going to get me gold with Qantas but only just (their earnings for partner airlines are pretty bad). I'm thinking of attributing it to AA, especially because I do a lot of USA travel (and plan to fly business class with them next next Tokyo to Austin).
Here is my Oneworld flights:
Latam Airlines, CHC to SCL (economy)
Latam Airlines, SCL to CUZ (economy)
Qatar, DPS to TBS (economy)
Royal Jordanian, TLV to BKK (business class)
Qantas, BKK to CHC (economy)
Qantas, CHC to LAX return (business class)
No AA flights planned in there for the rest of the year (but who knows). Am I still eligible for status?
AA is a better ffp than QF. But AA earning is now harder to determine, with revenue or the alternative distance method.
Are any flights on an *ONE* ticket?
However QF gold/plat (OW Sapphire Emerald) will get you lounge assess for USA domsetic flights, where as the equivalent AA status will not.
AA status/earning is based on calendar year, where as QF is based on the month you joined (12 months).
The flights to/from CHC will need to be via SYD or MEL, so you have more flight numbers.
CHC-SCL will need to be on JQ to AKL or via SYD. QF fly SYD-SCL. LA fly SYD-AKL-SCL & MEL-SCL.
QF flights are eligible for the AA challenge:- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ge-2017-a.html
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jun 21, 2018 at 6:45 pm
Jun 21, 2018, 10:28 pm
#974
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New Zealand (when I'm home!)
Programs: Air NZ Elite
Posts: 1,218
AA now do not have the own airline 4 segment rule for status. (QF does).
AA is a better ffp than QF. But AA earning is now harder to determine, with revenue or the alternative distance method.
Are any flights on an *ONE* ticket?
However QF gold/plat (OW Sapphire Emerald) will get you lounge assess for USA domsetic flights, where as the equivalent AA status will not.
AA status/earning is based on calendar year, where as QF is based on the month you joined (12 months).
The flights to/from CHC will need to be via SYD or MEL, so you have more flight numbers.
CHC-SCL will need to be on JQ to AKL or via SYD. QF fly SYD-SCL. LA fly SYD-AKL-SCL & MEL-SCL.
QF flights are eligible for the AA challenge:- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ge-2017-a.html
AA is a better ffp than QF. But AA earning is now harder to determine, with revenue or the alternative distance method.
Are any flights on an *ONE* ticket?
However QF gold/plat (OW Sapphire Emerald) will get you lounge assess for USA domsetic flights, where as the equivalent AA status will not.
AA status/earning is based on calendar year, where as QF is based on the month you joined (12 months).
The flights to/from CHC will need to be via SYD or MEL, so you have more flight numbers.
CHC-SCL will need to be on JQ to AKL or via SYD. QF fly SYD-SCL. LA fly SYD-AKL-SCL & MEL-SCL.
QF flights are eligible for the AA challenge:- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ge-2017-a.html
And yes, there are additional segments on all of those flights. Each flight has 2 segments a piece so it's actually double the amount of flights. I just listed my tickets.
Jun 21, 2018, 10:41 pm
#975
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,017
If you get QF status in your QF year you will have status until 12 months after your year. (ie If say your QF year is August, and you get status before 31 Aug 2018, you have status until 31 Aug 2019)
AA & QF status is OW status.
https://www.oneworld.com/ffp/my-oneworld-tier-status
https://www.oneworld.com/ffp/oneworld-benefits
Most USA domestic lounges are nothing like a Koru or QF lounge. Can be better outside at times.