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 27, 2018, 1:28 pm
#1381
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 138
Thanks so much, MathMusic! That's a nice bonus. 
Aug 28, 2018, 12:46 pm
#1382
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards Select, Maika'i Card
Posts: 257
I have purchased tickets for a 60-year-old couple to take their first flight ever from CLT to SEA in F on an AA 321. I don't fly much either... my last flight on AA was around 1980 on a DC-10.
Anyway, will they be given blankets and pillows?
Anyway, will they be given blankets and pillows?
Aug 28, 2018, 1:32 pm
#1383
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
If I booked a flight using miles, can I still get upgraded due to being a Platinum on a flight less than 500 miles?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Aug 28, 2018, 1:38 pm
#1384
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
Aug 29, 2018, 11:10 am
#1386
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 42
What is the chance (or policy) that AA releases another U class (business SAAver) on the PHL-ATH route late September? There are currently 3 seats available + 1 blocked (3 for sale, EF shows a 4th blocked). Assuming no one cancels their award flight booking, will AA release more SAAver inventory or just let them fly empty / upgrade someone from coach?
Aug 29, 2018, 11:16 am
#1387
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: AAdvantage EXP | United Silver | HH Diamond | Bonvoy Platinum | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 718
No more blankets or pillows. If thy are flying in first they would get a blanket.
Aug 29, 2018, 11:20 am
#1388
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: AAdvantage EXP | United Silver | HH Diamond | Bonvoy Platinum | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 718
Just booked 5 milesaver tickets. Spouse is in the middle of a gold challenge and I was surprised to see his gold benefit of 50% off MCE applied to all of us on booking. Does it work the same way for checked bags? Will we all get one free bag or just him?
Thanks so much for all your your invaluable help!
Thanks so much for all your your invaluable help!
Aug 29, 2018, 11:48 am
#1389
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 138
Thanks, Adam. We are all ticketed together. Having the free bags will make it much easier to travel!
I have one other newbie question: When I was booking the milesaver tickets, I noticed that AA would also let us book flight between islands even though HA operates the flights. (I didn't do so at the time because the redemption rate was not good.) However, we still need to book our return tickets. Can I add on inter-island tickets to our tickets home? (Basically, it does not look like AA will let us book and pay for only HA flights on aa.com. I am interested in booking them through AA so I can get the AA miles and free checked bag. Is that possible?)
Thanks so much!
I have one other newbie question: When I was booking the milesaver tickets, I noticed that AA would also let us book flight between islands even though HA operates the flights. (I didn't do so at the time because the redemption rate was not good.) However, we still need to book our return tickets. Can I add on inter-island tickets to our tickets home? (Basically, it does not look like AA will let us book and pay for only HA flights on aa.com. I am interested in booking them through AA so I can get the AA miles and free checked bag. Is that possible?)
Thanks so much!
Aug 29, 2018, 11:58 am
#1390
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 138
Thanks, Adam. We are all ticketed together. Having the free bags will make it much easier to travel!
I have one other newbie question: When I was booking the milesaver tickets, I noticed that AA would also let us book flight between islands even though HA operates the flights. (I didn't do so at the time because the redemption rate was not good.) However, we still need to book our return tickets. Can I add on inter-island tickets to our tickets home? (Basically, it does not look like AA will let us book and pay for only HA flights on aa.com. I am interested in booking them through AA so I can get the AA miles and free checked bag. Is that possible?)
Thanks so much!
I have one other newbie question: When I was booking the milesaver tickets, I noticed that AA would also let us book flight between islands even though HA operates the flights. (I didn't do so at the time because the redemption rate was not good.) However, we still need to book our return tickets. Can I add on inter-island tickets to our tickets home? (Basically, it does not look like AA will let us book and pay for only HA flights on aa.com. I am interested in booking them through AA so I can get the AA miles and free checked bag. Is that possible?)
Thanks so much!
Aug 29, 2018, 1:37 pm
#1391
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 33
AA generally has very good award availability, but on high demand routes it of course is a challenge to get availability as with any airline.
Bear in mind that with miles in two accounts, you will need to have enough miles in each individual account to ticket an entire award, i.e. a one way portion of a round trip or other itinerary. You cannot just combine any odd number of miles from account A and account B, unless you pay a large fee to “give” miles to another account - which could defeat the purpose of the award redemption in some cases if large number of miles needed to be transferred.
You have not said where you are or where you want to fly with AA miles. That information is necessary if you want advice.
By the way, when you say two accounts, are both in your own name? Or is one account in your name and the other in a family member’s name? In the former case, the accounts could possibly be merged into one. In the latter case, what I said above would be the case re award ticketing and “gifting” miles.
Two accounts are separate, one for me, one for my husband. Base airport is SFO, and as for where to fly, even just LHR would be great, but there's always connections, even on routes I know have frequent non-stop flights. I've actually been looking to use the miles anywhere it will give me a direct flight, but haven't found anything.
In each of the accounts, I have about 45k, so am trying to book for my husband and me.
Aug 29, 2018, 1:43 pm
#1392
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Thanks for your reply.
Two accounts are separate, one for me, one for my husband. Base airport is SFO, and as for where to fly, even just LHR would be great, but there's always connections, even on routes I know have frequent non-stop flights. I've actually been looking to use the miles anywhere it will give me a direct flight, but haven't found anything.
In each of the accounts, I have about 45k, so am trying to book for my husband and me.
Two accounts are separate, one for me, one for my husband. Base airport is SFO, and as for where to fly, even just LHR would be great, but there's always connections, even on routes I know have frequent non-stop flights. I've actually been looking to use the miles anywhere it will give me a direct flight, but haven't found anything.
In each of the accounts, I have about 45k, so am trying to book for my husband and me.
As noted below, off peak Y to Europe could be possible.
You can find all information on the AA website.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Aug 29, 2018 at 8:13 pm Reason: corrected
Aug 29, 2018, 8:01 pm
#1393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
Thanks for your reply.
Two accounts are separate, one for me, one for my husband. Base airport is SFO, and as for where to fly, even just LHR would be great, but there's always connections, even on routes I know have frequent non-stop flights. I've actually been looking to use the miles anywhere it will give me a direct flight, but haven't found anything.
In each of the accounts, I have about 45k, so am trying to book for my husband and me.
Two accounts are separate, one for me, one for my husband. Base airport is SFO, and as for where to fly, even just LHR would be great, but there's always connections, even on routes I know have frequent non-stop flights. I've actually been looking to use the miles anywhere it will give me a direct flight, but haven't found anything.
In each of the accounts, I have about 45k, so am trying to book for my husband and me.
Aug 30, 2018, 12:01 am
#1395
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 3,359
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?