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:
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(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.
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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.
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(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)
Apr 30, 2018, 10:40 am
#691
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: HHonors, TrueBlue, Delta SkyMiles, Hyatt Discoverist, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Airlines.
Posts: 2,035
What, exactly, have you "tried"? The ba.com website is not very good about showing award-seat availability on AA itineraries that require connections. And if you're traveling a relatively short distance -- say SYR-PHL-ISP-PHL-SYR -- then Iberia Plus will be much cheaper (but less flexible) for the roundtrip than BAEC.
Apr 30, 2018, 11:58 am
#692
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
There is still good use of AA miles, but to guv1976's point, do your research before doing any transfers/accumulating FFP points.
In terms of the particular example, given PHL is an AA hub and there is no direct between SYR and ISP, it's quite normal to see routing like SYR - hub - your final destination. Is there any direct flights you could book with $ but can't find it on AA award (which again, is normal due to the married segment "requirement".)?
In terms of the particular example, given PHL is an AA hub and there is no direct between SYR and ISP, it's quite normal to see routing like SYR - hub - your final destination. Is there any direct flights you could book with $ but can't find it on AA award (which again, is normal due to the married segment "requirement".)?
Apr 30, 2018, 12:01 pm
#693
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Hi. About 3 months ago, I signed up for the Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard, which was supposed to include Admirals Club access, 50,000 miles, and group 4 boarding. The card has a $450 fee, and so far I have been very disappointed with the purported benefits.
My biggest issue has been with the supposed Group 4 boarding. Every time I check in, I am still getting group 5 boarding (same as with my old credit card). I have spoken to customer service reps at AAdvantage, American Airlines, and Citibank, and they all seem to believe that I am supposed to get group 4 boarding, but nobody knows how to fix it (I currently have several open tickets with them). However, when I get to the airport, everyone that I talk to insists that all credit cards provide group 5 boarding (NOT group 4). So, which is the truth? I feel like I have been bait-and-switched with this card, because most of the airport lounges have been overcrowded and crappy, and I'm still waiting for my 50K miles. I don't suppose there's any way I can get my $450 back?
I attempted to attach a screenshot from the AA website that promises Group 4 boarding, but I got an error message that I'm too new to be allowed to attach anything. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
My biggest issue has been with the supposed Group 4 boarding. Every time I check in, I am still getting group 5 boarding (same as with my old credit card). I have spoken to customer service reps at AAdvantage, American Airlines, and Citibank, and they all seem to believe that I am supposed to get group 4 boarding, but nobody knows how to fix it (I currently have several open tickets with them). However, when I get to the airport, everyone that I talk to insists that all credit cards provide group 5 boarding (NOT group 4). So, which is the truth? I feel like I have been bait-and-switched with this card, because most of the airport lounges have been overcrowded and crappy, and I'm still waiting for my 50K miles. I don't suppose there's any way I can get my $450 back?
I attempted to attach a screenshot from the AA website that promises Group 4 boarding, but I got an error message that I'm too new to be allowed to attach anything. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
The Citi Executive card does give you group 4 boarding instead of group 5. I am assuming you just received this card, please give the system some time to update your information. When you log on your aa account on aa.com, you should be able to see Citi Executive card holder on your profile.
Apr 30, 2018, 12:19 pm
#694
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
Hi. About 3 months ago, I signed up for the Citi Executive / AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard, which was supposed to include Admirals Club access, 50,000 miles, and group 4 boarding. The card has a $450 fee, and so far I have been very disappointed with the purported benefits.
My biggest issue has been with the supposed Group 4 boarding. Every time I check in, I am still getting group 5 boarding (same as with my old credit card). I have spoken to customer service reps at AAdvantage, American Airlines, and Citibank, and they all seem to believe that I am supposed to get group 4 boarding, but nobody knows how to fix it (I currently have several open tickets with them). However, when I get to the airport, everyone that I talk to insists that all credit cards provide group 5 boarding (NOT group 4). So, which is the truth? I feel like I have been bait-and-switched with this card, because most of the airport lounges have been overcrowded and crappy, and I'm still waiting for my 50K miles. I don't suppose there's any way I can get my $450 back?
I attempted to attach a screenshot from the AA website that promises Group 4 boarding, but I got an error message that I'm too new to be allowed to attach anything. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
My biggest issue has been with the supposed Group 4 boarding. Every time I check in, I am still getting group 5 boarding (same as with my old credit card). I have spoken to customer service reps at AAdvantage, American Airlines, and Citibank, and they all seem to believe that I am supposed to get group 4 boarding, but nobody knows how to fix it (I currently have several open tickets with them). However, when I get to the airport, everyone that I talk to insists that all credit cards provide group 5 boarding (NOT group 4). So, which is the truth? I feel like I have been bait-and-switched with this card, because most of the airport lounges have been overcrowded and crappy, and I'm still waiting for my 50K miles. I don't suppose there's any way I can get my $450 back?
I attempted to attach a screenshot from the AA website that promises Group 4 boarding, but I got an error message that I'm too new to be allowed to attach anything. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
I’ve been quite happy with my Citi Exec card since it was issued (ive been a Club member since 1986). The $450 includes a full Admirals Club Membership.
Admirals Clubs: there are several re entry opened ones, and a number of them refurbished. Various food items have been added, from the morning light breakfast items to made to order guacamole and the soups. Lower shelf drinks are now free. They’re not Cathay Business Lounges, but they’re not bad, and they have improved markedly in the last couple of years.
Group 4 vs 5: pre-existing bookings probably won’t update with your credit card information without human intervention. You are entitled to Group 4 - and can show your card as you board with Group 4.
59,000 bonus miles: it’s past time to call Citi, assuming the miles were not conditional to a certain spend and you have made that spend as required, and the standard six weeks (from any spend threshold) they mention have passed.
Getting your money back: you might be able to do so, but if so it will be pro rata.
Apr 30, 2018, 12:41 pm
#695
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,586
The reduced-mileage-award webpage gives detailed instructions on how to book these awards -- assuming that you are able to find SAAver seats.
Apr 30, 2018, 2:48 pm
#696
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 3
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
I’ve been quite happy with my Citi Exec card since it was issued (ive been a Club member since 1986). The $450 includes a full Admirals Club Membership.
Admirals Clubs: there are several re entry opened ones, and a number of them refurbished. Various food items have been added, from the morning light breakfast items to made to order guacamole and the soups. Lower shelf drinks are now free. They’re not Cathay Business Lounges, but they’re not bad, and they have improved markedly in the last couple of years.
Group 4 vs 5: pre-existing bookings probably won’t update with your credit card information without human intervention. You are entitled to Group 4 - and can show your card as you board with Group 4.
59,000 bonus miles: it’s past time to call Citi, assuming the miles were not conditional to a certain spend and you have made that spend as required, and the standard six weeks (from any spend threshold) they mention have passed.
Getting your money back: you might be able to do so, but if so it will be pro rata.
I’ve been quite happy with my Citi Exec card since it was issued (ive been a Club member since 1986). The $450 includes a full Admirals Club Membership.
Admirals Clubs: there are several re entry opened ones, and a number of them refurbished. Various food items have been added, from the morning light breakfast items to made to order guacamole and the soups. Lower shelf drinks are now free. They’re not Cathay Business Lounges, but they’re not bad, and they have improved markedly in the last couple of years.
Group 4 vs 5: pre-existing bookings probably won’t update with your credit card information without human intervention. You are entitled to Group 4 - and can show your card as you board with Group 4.
59,000 bonus miles: it’s past time to call Citi, assuming the miles were not conditional to a certain spend and you have made that spend as required, and the standard six weeks (from any spend threshold) they mention have passed.
Getting your money back: you might be able to do so, but if so it will be pro rata.
I tried showing my Exec Citi card while boarding in Phoenix, and they not only turned me away from group 4, but they completely humiliated me in front of all of the people waiting to board, by continuing to argue with me about it. I even pulled up the boarding rules from THEIR WEBSITE, and they countered with "group 4 is only for people with that credit card WHO HAVE ALSO PURCHASED PRIORITY BOARDING."
At O'Hare yesterday, I asked one of the customer service reps inside the Admirals Club, and he told me the same thing. He claims that the AA website just hasn't been updated properly since they changed the rules.The O'Hare Admirals Club is quite lovely (which is why I wanted to join in the first place), but the ones in Phoenix are overcrowded and awful. I don't think I've seen any fresh guacamole yet. I usually fly in the morning, so it has mainly been hardboiled eggs and fruit, but the coffee is pretty good too.
I was supposed to spend $5K in the first three months to get the 50K miles. I spent more than that much already, but they told me on the phone that I won't see my miles until mid-July (I opened the card in early February). I'm just waiting for them to not give me my miles because I missed some arbitrary requirement that was in the fine print
Apr 30, 2018, 4:28 pm
#697
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
Thank you for your reply.
I tried showing my Exec Citi card while boarding in Phoenix, and they not only turned me away from group 4, but they completely humiliated me in front of all of the people waiting to board, by continuing to argue with me about it. I even pulled up the boarding rules from THEIR WEBSITE, and they countered with "group 4 is only for people with that credit card WHO HAVE ALSO PURCHASED PRIORITY BOARDING." At O'Hare yesterday, I asked one of the customer service reps inside the Admirals Club, and he told me the same thing. He claims that the AA website just hasn't been updated properly since they changed the rules.
The O'Hare Admirals Club is quite lovely (which is why I wanted to join in the first place), but the ones in Phoenix are overcrowded and awful. I don't think I've seen any fresh guacamole yet. I usually fly in the morning, so it has mainly been hardboiled eggs and fruit, but the coffee is pretty good too.
I was supposed to spend $5K in the first three months to get the 50K miles. I spent more than that much already, but they told me on the phone that I won't see my miles until mid-July (I opened the card in early February). I'm just waiting for them to not give me my miles because I missed some arbitrary requirement that was in the fine print
I tried showing my Exec Citi card while boarding in Phoenix, and they not only turned me away from group 4, but they completely humiliated me in front of all of the people waiting to board, by continuing to argue with me about it. I even pulled up the boarding rules from THEIR WEBSITE, and they countered with "group 4 is only for people with that credit card WHO HAVE ALSO PURCHASED PRIORITY BOARDING."
At O'Hare yesterday, I asked one of the customer service reps inside the Admirals Club, and he told me the same thing. He claims that the AA website just hasn't been updated properly since they changed the rules.The O'Hare Admirals Club is quite lovely (which is why I wanted to join in the first place), but the ones in Phoenix are overcrowded and awful. I don't think I've seen any fresh guacamole yet. I usually fly in the morning, so it has mainly been hardboiled eggs and fruit, but the coffee is pretty good too.
I was supposed to spend $5K in the first three months to get the 50K miles. I spent more than that much already, but they told me on the phone that I won't see my miles until mid-July (I opened the card in early February). I'm just waiting for them to not give me my miles because I missed some arbitrary requirement that was in the fine print
I’m guessing it’ll be prior to that, but you’ve had too many people jerking you around! And unfortunately, we’ve all heard BS from the mouth of someone who feels they’re being contradicted. Our boarding priority thread was just recently updated, reflecting what AA states on the website, as shown in the screen print below.
I agree - PHX isn’t up to standard by a long shot.
Apr 30, 2018, 4:40 pm
#698
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 3
Welcome to FlyerTalk.
I’ve been quite happy with my Citi Exec card since it was issued (ive been a Club member since 1986). The $450 includes a full Admirals Club Membership.
Admirals Clubs: there are several re entry opened ones, and a number of them refurbished. Various food items have been added, from the morning light breakfast items to made to order guacamole and the soups. Lower shelf drinks are now free. They’re not Cathay Business Lounges, but they’re not bad, and they have improved markedly in the last couple of years.
Group 4 vs 5: pre-existing bookings probably won’t update with your credit card information without human intervention. You are entitled to Group 4 - and can show your card as you board with Group 4.
59,000 bonus miles: it’s past time to call Citi, assuming the miles were not conditional to a certain spend and you have made that spend as required, and the standard six weeks (from any spend threshold) they mention have passed.
Getting your money back: you might be able to do so, but if so it will be pro rata.
I’ve been quite happy with my Citi Exec card since it was issued (ive been a Club member since 1986). The $450 includes a full Admirals Club Membership.
Admirals Clubs: there are several re entry opened ones, and a number of them refurbished. Various food items have been added, from the morning light breakfast items to made to order guacamole and the soups. Lower shelf drinks are now free. They’re not Cathay Business Lounges, but they’re not bad, and they have improved markedly in the last couple of years.
Group 4 vs 5: pre-existing bookings probably won’t update with your credit card information without human intervention. You are entitled to Group 4 - and can show your card as you board with Group 4.
59,000 bonus miles: it’s past time to call Citi, assuming the miles were not conditional to a certain spend and you have made that spend as required, and the standard six weeks (from any spend threshold) they mention have passed.
Getting your money back: you might be able to do so, but if so it will be pro rata.
Mid JULY? I’m guessing it’ll be prior to that, but you’ve had too many people jerking you around! And unfortunately, we’ve all heard BS from the mouth of someone who feels they’re being contradicted.
Our boarding priority thread was just recently updated, reflecting what AA states on the website, as shown in the screen print below.
I agree - PHX isn’t up to standard by a long shot.
I’m guessing it’ll be prior to that, but you’ve had too many people jerking you around! And unfortunately, we’ve all heard BS from the mouth of someone who feels they’re being contradicted.Our boarding priority thread was just recently updated, reflecting what AA states on the website, as shown in the screen print below.
I agree - PHX isn’t up to standard by a long shot.
Apr 30, 2018, 4:49 pm
#699
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
There’s at least one, unfortunately. Grr.
May 1, 2018, 1:14 am
#700
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
My experience, where you receive an offer to upgrade for a cash payment then you get class of travel of C or J whereas points, SWU vouchers, or irreg ops complimentary, you get what you paid for.
May 1, 2018, 1:27 am
#701
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Issues on website booking
Has anyone else had issues with booking on website? Since they started to introduce Premium Economy on International, I have had major problems with booking multi leg flights on website. From refusing to bring up First and Business to just throwing an error. Each time I complain, it gets fixed a week or so later then it goes wrong again.
The latest issue is it keeps trying to force you onto BA metal and routing you via an intermediate stop which flying TATL is dumb.
I am not booking award travel but regular revenue.
As I said it started when they put the PE column in and changed the system to remove the non stop option form revenue booking.
Has anyone else had problems like this? I get really annoyed when I have to call AA as I cannot book AA metal. Telling me there are no AA flights in coach or business between JFK and LHR in March was stupid and when I get to agent, it was wide open. Now AA customer service is good as usual and all fees are waived for booking via agent but the website booking used to be so reliable and now it sucks. If I wanted to fly BA via Madrid or Manchester, I would book on their website.
The latest issue is it keeps trying to force you onto BA metal and routing you via an intermediate stop which flying TATL is dumb.
I am not booking award travel but regular revenue.
As I said it started when they put the PE column in and changed the system to remove the non stop option form revenue booking.
Has anyone else had problems like this? I get really annoyed when I have to call AA as I cannot book AA metal. Telling me there are no AA flights in coach or business between JFK and LHR in March was stupid and when I get to agent, it was wide open. Now AA customer service is good as usual and all fees are waived for booking via agent but the website booking used to be so reliable and now it sucks. If I wanted to fly BA via Madrid or Manchester, I would book on their website.
May 1, 2018, 7:55 am
#702
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: BA
Posts: 954
I've never flown anything other than economy but I'm using some AA miles to fly JFK-GIG in business class for the first time. Even though the flight is in February 2019, seat 1A on the 772 is "blocked" (not occupied according to ExpertFlyer). Anyone know why seat 1A would be blocked? Would it be unblocked closer to departure?
May 1, 2018, 8:52 am
#703
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 never flown anything other than economy but I'm using some AA miles to fly JFK-GIG in business class for the first time. Even though the flight is in February 2019, seat 1A on the 772 is "blocked" (not occupied according to ExpertFlyer). Anyone know why seat 1A would be blocked? Would it be unblocked closer to departure?
Longhaul flights may be required to have three pilots due to crew duty time regulations. The 77W and 787s have a crew rest compartment with seats and bunks in the brow of the aircraft. The 772s don’t have such crew Rest areas, and use a blocked seat close to the cockpit for the pilot off duty and resting.
May 1, 2018, 8:53 am
#704
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: BA
Posts: 954
That seat is blocked for the PNF - Pilot Not Flying.
Longhaul flights may be required to have three pilots due to crew duty time regulations. The 77W and 787s have a crew rest compartment with seats and bunks in the brow of the aircraft. The 772s don’t have such crew Rest areas, and use a blocked seat close to the cockpit for the pilot off duty and resting.
Longhaul flights may be required to have three pilots due to crew duty time regulations. The 77W and 787s have a crew rest compartment with seats and bunks in the brow of the aircraft. The 772s don’t have such crew Rest areas, and use a blocked seat close to the cockpit for the pilot off duty and resting.
May 1, 2018, 12:43 pm
#705
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: AA
Posts: 15
Upgrade Clearing Process
I've tried searching google and the forum for information about when and why upgrades clear early, and I have not found good information--apologies if this has been asked and answered many (many) times. I'm a Plat Pro who purchased an economy ticket on a domestic route that gets free upgrades and where there is often good availability (LAX - LAS). I used to be under the impression that upgrades cleared 72 hours in advance for Platinum Pro (though upgrade clearing guidance seems to be gone from any AA page). In this case, it is now less than 72 hours before departure and my upgrade hasn't cleared. There are ~6 seats left in first class.
Can someone provide an overview on when and why upgrades do and do not clear early?
Can someone provide an overview on when and why upgrades do and do not clear early?