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 18, 2018, 11:59 am
#1531
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,419
Yea, at LHR you'll only have access to the EY lounge in T4, which is very nice.
Sep 18, 2018, 2:06 pm
#1532
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BTS
Posts: 611
I"m trying to share my miles but after filling out the share form I get an "internal server error" popup. It's been like this for days. It is possible to do this over the phone (or some other way)?
Sep 18, 2018, 2:35 pm
#1533
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 228
BA seat selection - AA good / OW Ruby
I’m on a BA operated AA flight number next week JFK-LHR.
Seat selection should be open from 7 days out, is that correct?
Currently it’s showing that free seats are available 24 hours out.
My AA number is associated with the booking, and i’m Checking through the manage my booking section of BA’s site.
i assume i’m Going to have to call them?
Seat selection should be open from 7 days out, is that correct?
Currently it’s showing that free seats are available 24 hours out.
My AA number is associated with the booking, and i’m Checking through the manage my booking section of BA’s site.
i assume i’m Going to have to call them?
Sep 18, 2018, 2:47 pm
#1534
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: AAdvantage EXP | United Silver | HH Diamond | Bonvoy Platinum | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 718
I've have been in dark since airlines changed rules to obtain status. AA website reads $75 charge for mileage booking within 21 days. AS doesn't have this policy on their website. If I book a flight on AA using my AA miles, but the carrier is AS, do I still have to pay the $75 fee? It appears Delta's website doesn't have the fee on their website either.
Sep 18, 2018, 2:58 pm
#1535
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,980
BA seat selection - AA good / OW Ruby
I’m on a BA operated AA flight number next week JFK-LHR.
Seat selection should be open from 7 days out, is that correct?
Currently it’s showing that free seats are available 24 hours out.
My AA number is associated with the booking, and i’m Checking through the manage my booking section of BA’s site.
I assume i’m Going to have to call them?
Seat selection should be open from 7 days out, is that correct?
Currently it’s showing that free seats are available 24 hours out.
My AA number is associated with the booking, and i’m Checking through the manage my booking section of BA’s site.
I assume i’m Going to have to call them?
Dedicated thread---> BA Seat Selection Issues for AA Flyers - charges, seating, award, etc.
Sep 19, 2018, 11:24 am
#1536
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BTS
Posts: 611
If anyone else runs into this issue, the problem seems to be non US account address. Once I've changed my address to an alt. in the US, both sharing and purchasing miles works!
Sep 19, 2018, 1:44 pm
#1537
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: AAdvantage EXP | United Silver | HH Diamond | Bonvoy Platinum | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 718
I have the following flights ORD -> PHL -> PUJ and I am wondering if they will enforce the international bag check cut off time of 60 mins or the domestic time of 45, since the first connection is within the US. When calling about an upgrade I asked the agent and she said the cut off time is 2 hours. I asked her to show me on the website where that was listed and she just kept repeating a script like a robot. ANYWAYS curious to see if anyone has run into international cut off times despite the first leg being domestic. Normally I wouldn't cut it so close but the first flight is at 5:20AM
Sep 19, 2018, 5:52 pm
#1538
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,404
Not a newbie but I can't figure out a way around this...
Booked one-way OGG-LAX in economy in the dead week before Christmas when all the traffic is going the other way. There are 3 of us and I wasn't offered the box to check to upgrade when I was booking (I have plenty of 500 mile stickers). I looked at some fine prints and it appears that I can only upgrade "a companion" with my stickers. So "2 companions" will automatically disqualify for complementary upgrade... Is this correct? And if so, what I can do? Can I call AA and request just 2 upgrades instead of my entire party of 3?
Booked one-way OGG-LAX in economy in the dead week before Christmas when all the traffic is going the other way. There are 3 of us and I wasn't offered the box to check to upgrade when I was booking (I have plenty of 500 mile stickers). I looked at some fine prints and it appears that I can only upgrade "a companion" with my stickers. So "2 companions" will automatically disqualify for complementary upgrade... Is this correct? And if so, what I can do? Can I call AA and request just 2 upgrades instead of my entire party of 3?
Sep 20, 2018, 7:39 am
#1539
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,711
Not a newbie but I can't figure out a way around this...
Booked one-way OGG-LAX in economy in the dead week before Christmas when all the traffic is going the other way. There are 3 of us and I wasn't offered the box to check to upgrade when I was booking (I have plenty of 500 mile stickers). I looked at some fine prints and it appears that I can only upgrade "a companion" with my stickers. So "2 companions" will automatically disqualify for complementary upgrade... Is this correct? And if so, what I can do? Can I call AA and request just 2 upgrades instead of my entire party of 3?
Booked one-way OGG-LAX in economy in the dead week before Christmas when all the traffic is going the other way. There are 3 of us and I wasn't offered the box to check to upgrade when I was booking (I have plenty of 500 mile stickers). I looked at some fine prints and it appears that I can only upgrade "a companion" with my stickers. So "2 companions" will automatically disqualify for complementary upgrade... Is this correct? And if so, what I can do? Can I call AA and request just 2 upgrades instead of my entire party of 3?
Sep 20, 2018, 8:22 am
#1540
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: DFW
Programs: NZ*G, AA CK
Posts: 41
Missing 500-mile stickers....
In my AA Wallet it shows deposited= 23 / redeemed -20 / balance = 0. I had a balance of 3 sitting there last week and now they have disappeared. Anyone know why this would occur (and no, no travel for a few weeks so no activity on the account).
Sep 20, 2018, 9:13 am
#1541
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
An error in taking e500s from your account. I’d call.
Sep 20, 2018, 10:58 am
#1542
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 858
How far in advance does AA release the Reduced Mileage Awards?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
Sep 20, 2018, 11:08 am
#1543
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 42
How far in advance does AA release the Reduced Mileage Awards?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
"Awards are valid for travel August 1, 2018 – November 30, 2018"
Sep 20, 2018, 11:41 am
#1544
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
How far in advance does AA release the Reduced Mileage Awards?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
To use these, I take it you have to fly (and not just book) during the month(s) where a particular destination is on the list?
I have no idea when the Dec-Mar awards will be posted, but I would bet the booking period will start Dec 1.
Sep 20, 2018, 11:55 am
#1545
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692
Sorry to be redundant but If I book this flight through AA since it's easier. I earn the EQD and the EQM based on Cathay for the flights that are listed on CX?
https://www.google.com/flights/#flt=...51*.USD.193651
https://www.google.com/flights/#flt=...51*.USD.193651
