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)
Jul 18, 2018, 10:38 am
#1111
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Happy to see a "no flame" thread! We are planning IND-BCN in May 2019. Biz out/econ return. I've looked at all the carriers (and even departing out of ORD or Cincy instead) and find the fare difference to be inexplicable both across and within the carriers. I'm seeing anything from $2700 (AA) to $5000 (UA) for the same days and class of service. Our days are locked due to a cruise.
There is a suitable (not preferred) option on AA within our FIRM budget (the $2700). However, I'm curious if we should risk waiting to book in a few months? I have no insights as to whether rates will only increase (as I saw a couple of weeks ago) or eventually lower? I'm a very risk-adverse person. Any insights are appreciated.
There is a suitable (not preferred) option on AA within our FIRM budget (the $2700). However, I'm curious if we should risk waiting to book in a few months? I have no insights as to whether rates will only increase (as I saw a couple of weeks ago) or eventually lower? I'm a very risk-adverse person. Any insights are appreciated.
Jul 18, 2018, 11:55 am
#1112
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
Happy to see a "no flame" thread! We are planning IND-BCN in May 2019. Biz out/econ return. I've looked at all the carriers (and even departing out of ORD or Cincy instead) and find the fare difference to be inexplicable both across and within the carriers. I'm seeing anything from $2700 (AA) to $5000 (UA) for the same days and class of service. Our days are locked due to a cruise.
There is a suitable (not preferred) option on AA within our FIRM budget (the $2700). However, I'm curious if we should risk waiting to book in a few months? I have no insights as to whether rates will only increase (as I saw a couple of weeks ago) or eventually lower? I'm a very risk-adverse person. Any insights are appreciated.
There is a suitable (not preferred) option on AA within our FIRM budget (the $2700). However, I'm curious if we should risk waiting to book in a few months? I have no insights as to whether rates will only increase (as I saw a couple of weeks ago) or eventually lower? I'm a very risk-adverse person. Any insights are appreciated.
Options:
Premium Economy (~$1,700 On AA)
Business out (overnight flight), Economy return (daytime)
Secondary carrier, such as Icelandair, via KEF - Saga / Business is more like Premium Economy on the big guy’s, and if you wish you get a free stopover in Iceland
Jul 18, 2018, 3:41 pm
#1114
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
Sometimes fares for me can surprisingly be cheaper ex-SMF, but at others it can be well worth flying out of OAK, SFO, SJC. Rarely, it’s worthwhile for me to use WN or a separatebticket to LAX or SAN. That’s true for J cabin or F awards: were flying out of SMF to KEF next month, out of SJC to LIS in November, and flew out of OAK transatlantic not long ago.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 19, 2018 at 7:04 am
Jul 19, 2018, 5:54 am
#1115
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: WAS
Programs: Virtuoso TA, UA 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 445
Jul 19, 2018, 5:58 am
#1116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,460
Jul 19, 2018, 3:21 pm
#1117
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: WAS
Programs: Virtuoso TA, UA 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 445
Jul 19, 2018, 3:28 pm
#1118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,460
Jul 19, 2018, 10:03 pm
#1119
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Air New Zealand Elite
Posts: 446
Hi this is a basic question, sorry I haven't used AA before for award bookings.
I'm about to buy miles to book some MH business awards for me and my partner. Is it ok to use the miles just from one AA advantage account for both fares. We are travelling together.
Sorry to ask this here. I can't get through to the AA call centre. Just keep getting put on hold!!
Thanks
I'm about to buy miles to book some MH business awards for me and my partner. Is it ok to use the miles just from one AA advantage account for both fares. We are travelling together.
Sorry to ask this here. I can't get through to the AA call centre. Just keep getting put on hold!!
Thanks
Jul 19, 2018, 10:47 pm
#1120
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 this is a basic question, sorry I haven't used AA before for award bookings.
I'm about to buy miles to book some MH business awards for me and my partner. Is it ok to use the miles just from one AA advantage account for both fares. We are travelling together.
Sorry to ask this here. I can't get through to the AA call centre. Just keep getting put on hold!!
Thanks
I'm about to buy miles to book some MH business awards for me and my partner. Is it ok to use the miles just from one AA advantage account for both fares. We are travelling together.
Sorry to ask this here. I can't get through to the AA call centre. Just keep getting put on hold!!
Thanks
It’s fine to use one account to secure Awards for yourself and / or others.
Jul 19, 2018, 10:50 pm
#1121
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Air New Zealand Elite
Posts: 446
Jul 19, 2018, 10:55 pm
#1122
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
, but what’s Fiji’s excuse? (Friday, probably. Or seqa na leqa (no worries, take it easy Fiji style). Yes, Fiji (iirc operated by Mindpearl of South Africa).
Jul 20, 2018, 4:34 am
#1123
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Air New Zealand Elite
Posts: 446
Just another question. How long to purchased AA points take to post to your AA account.
Thanks
Thanks
Jul 20, 2018, 4:58 am
#1124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,460
Jul 20, 2018, 7:51 am
#1125
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,926
It's also a good idea as you will be on one PNR and shouldn't get split up in IROPS. If the miles are split between two accounts then it is a good idea to buy two one-way trips with both people on the same PNR for each trip for the same reason.