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 20, 2018, 9:30 am
#1126
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
You can funnel the points through an hotel chain that allows transfer from UR, and subsequently to AA. Hyatt comes to mind, and IHG if they participate with UR.
You’ll have to do the math to figure out your best conversion rate. Promotions are occasionally available. Transfer from hotel chain to AA will likely take some time.
Jul 20, 2018, 3:37 pm
#1127
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
I’m 873 miles short of an American Air flight I want to book.
Looked into buying miles. $29.50 for 1000. Seems kinda expensive but whatever.
$35.00 processing charge?!? Hell no! F you American.
I have a variety of other points at my disposal (i.e. Citi, Amex, Chase, Marriott). Even if transfer ratios are crappy, you can safely assume I have enough points to get 1000 AA points from a transfer.
I currently do not have an AA credit card and don’t think I have time to get points that way (need to book soon). And I don’t have any other travel plans so I can’t earn AA points by flying.
I looked into some shopping offers. Vinesse Wines in particular looked good but I spoke to them and their 2500 AA miles and 6 bottles of wine for $42 offer takes 21 days minimum for points to post which is too long. Looked into FTD too (20 pts / $1 spend) but the website says it takes 6-8 weeks for points to post.
Three questions:
(1) Transfer: what is my lowest cost transfer path to 1000 AA points?
(2) Shopping: Any shopping deals that offer a good bonus and post rewards immediately?
(3) Other: no AA credit card and can’t travel but maybe there are other options?
Looked into buying miles. $29.50 for 1000. Seems kinda expensive but whatever.
$35.00 processing charge?!? Hell no! F you American.
I have a variety of other points at my disposal (i.e. Citi, Amex, Chase, Marriott). Even if transfer ratios are crappy, you can safely assume I have enough points to get 1000 AA points from a transfer.
I currently do not have an AA credit card and don’t think I have time to get points that way (need to book soon). And I don’t have any other travel plans so I can’t earn AA points by flying.
I looked into some shopping offers. Vinesse Wines in particular looked good but I spoke to them and their 2500 AA miles and 6 bottles of wine for $42 offer takes 21 days minimum for points to post which is too long. Looked into FTD too (20 pts / $1 spend) but the website says it takes 6-8 weeks for points to post.
Three questions:
(1) Transfer: what is my lowest cost transfer path to 1000 AA points?
(2) Shopping: Any shopping deals that offer a good bonus and post rewards immediately?
(3) Other: no AA credit card and can’t travel but maybe there are other options?
Jul 20, 2018, 3:53 pm
#1128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,993
tjc4 Welcome to FT ^
You may get some hints on getting low cost AA ff miles here---> https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...an-flying.html Click to open the wiki.
But award flights are popular, so if you wait too long it may be gone. Depending the award flight you want $29.50 + $35.00 may be cheaper than paying 100% in cash if the award gets taken by some else.
But award flights are popular, so if you wait too long it may be gone. Depending the award flight you want $29.50 + $35.00 may be cheaper than paying 100% in cash if the award gets taken by some else.
Jul 20, 2018, 4:06 pm
#1129
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
tjc4 Welcome to FT ^
You may get some hints on getting low cost AA ff miles here.
But award flights are popular, so if you wait too long it may be gone. Depending the award flight you want $29.50 + $35.00 may be cheaper than paying 100% in cash if the award gets taken by some else.
You may get some hints on getting low cost AA ff miles here.
But award flights are popular, so if you wait too long it may be gone. Depending the award flight you want $29.50 + $35.00 may be cheaper than paying 100% in cash if the award gets taken by some else.
Agree on the availability... want to book asap.
If I missed something that would be better than buying or converting or if you have thoughts on best conversion strategy, then please let me know.
Jul 20, 2018, 4:44 pm
#1130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,993
Thanks for sharing. Saw some advice geared toward spending miles (iTunes, magazine subscriptions, donation) to keep account active (not applicable), buying miles (on my radar, might resort to this), or earning miles that will take too long to post to be useful (credit card sign up).
Agree on the availability... want to book asap.
If I missed something that would be better than buying or converting or if you have thoughts on best conversion strategy, then please let me know.
Agree on the availability... want to book asap.
If I missed something that would be better than buying or converting or if you have thoughts on best conversion strategy, then please let me know.
Make any purchase through https://www.aadvantageeshopping.com/ that earns AA miles.
Or just fly some where, have a coffee and then fly back home
Jul 20, 2018, 7:19 pm
#1131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
I’m 873 miles short of an American Air flight I want to book.
Looked into buying miles. $29.50 for 1000. Seems kinda expensive but whatever.
$35.00 processing charge?!? Hell no! F you American.
I have a variety of other points at my disposal (i.e. Citi, Amex, Chase, Marriott). Even if transfer ratios are crappy, you can safely assume I have enough points to get 1000 AA points from a transfer.
I currently do not have an AA credit card and don’t think I have time to get points that way (need to book soon). And I don’t have any other travel plans so I can’t earn AA points by flying.
I looked into some shopping offers. Vinesse Wines in particular looked good but I spoke to them and their 2500 AA miles and 6 bottles of wine for $42 offer takes 21 days minimum for points to post which is too long. Looked into FTD too (20 pts / $1 spend) but the website says it takes 6-8 weeks for points to post.
Three questions:
(1) Transfer: what is my lowest cost transfer path to 1000 AA points?
(2) Shopping: Any shopping deals that offer a good bonus and post rewards immediately?
(3) Other: no AA credit card and can’t travel but maybe there are other options?
Looked into buying miles. $29.50 for 1000. Seems kinda expensive but whatever.
$35.00 processing charge?!? Hell no! F you American.
I have a variety of other points at my disposal (i.e. Citi, Amex, Chase, Marriott). Even if transfer ratios are crappy, you can safely assume I have enough points to get 1000 AA points from a transfer.
I currently do not have an AA credit card and don’t think I have time to get points that way (need to book soon). And I don’t have any other travel plans so I can’t earn AA points by flying.
I looked into some shopping offers. Vinesse Wines in particular looked good but I spoke to them and their 2500 AA miles and 6 bottles of wine for $42 offer takes 21 days minimum for points to post which is too long. Looked into FTD too (20 pts / $1 spend) but the website says it takes 6-8 weeks for points to post.
Three questions:
(1) Transfer: what is my lowest cost transfer path to 1000 AA points?
(2) Shopping: Any shopping deals that offer a good bonus and post rewards immediately?
(3) Other: no AA credit card and can’t travel but maybe there are other options?
You can put the award on hold for 5 days (free) without having the necessary miles in your account. However AFAIK just buying miles is the only method pretty much guaranteed to post within 5 days. Depending on your answer to the first question, it may be a no brainer to just buy the miles or look at other options.
Jul 20, 2018, 7:24 pm
#1132
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Air New Zealand Elite
Posts: 445
I bought the points via my account and they appeared immediately. Was a bit nervous initially as it was a large $$ value and so close to the weekend. However all good!
Got through quickly to the Fiji call centre last night and confirmed my held bookings on MH J. Looking forward to trying it out!!
Jul 20, 2018, 7:55 pm
#1133
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
I looked into the AA eShopping mall but it says "The miles will typically be posted to your account within 4 weeks (30 days) of the purchase date; however, there are times when it may take up to 8 weeks. Some exceptions do apply. See participating retailer offer information on the AAdvantage eShopping mall for complete information."
Anyone know of any points shopping partners that post immediately?
What and when are your desired flights and what does a ticket cost to just buy it?
You can put the award on hold for 5 days (free) without having the necessary miles in your account. However AFAIK just buying miles is the only method pretty much guaranteed to post within 5 days. Depending on your answer to the first question, it may be a no brainer to just buy the miles or look at other options.
You can put the award on hold for 5 days (free) without having the necessary miles in your account. However AFAIK just buying miles is the only method pretty much guaranteed to post within 5 days. Depending on your answer to the first question, it may be a no brainer to just buy the miles or look at other options.
Might just bite the bullet and buy the miles but the $35 BS fee really bugs me. Especially since I had > 25k miles just two months ago and donated 1000 to keep it active. Buying iTunes songs from now on if my miles are gonna expire
Jul 22, 2018, 10:30 am
#1134
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Advice Please. Got two reservations booked LAX-LHR and requested upgrade on Miles and co-pay. Lomg time since i did this. I have had many upgrades on check in just using small cash apyment but wantnto use the miles to perhaps get an upgarde if it is going to happen, some time earlier to get a good seat. (Have been luck recently taking seat of pax who upgraded to First...
my question on AA109 in November and January midweek, any ideas when revenue management would start to look at upgrades? My EXP slipped as I had to stop flying for 2years for medical reasons so only Lifetime Plat (as 3m miler working on 4).
Any recentnexperience on timing likely would be appreciated.
my question on AA109 in November and January midweek, any ideas when revenue management would start to look at upgrades? My EXP slipped as I had to stop flying for 2years for medical reasons so only Lifetime Plat (as 3m miler working on 4).
Any recentnexperience on timing likely would be appreciated.
Jul 22, 2018, 1:45 pm
#1135
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
Advice Please. Got two reservations booked LAX-LHR and requested upgrade on Miles and co-pay. Lomg time since i did this. I have had many upgrades on check in just using small cash apyment but wantnto use the miles to perhaps get an upgarde if it is going to happen, some time earlier to get a good seat. (Have been luck recently taking seat of pax who upgraded to First...
my question on AA109 in November and January midweek, any ideas when revenue management would start to look at upgrades? My EXP slipped as I had to stop flying for 2years for medical reasons so only Lifetime Plat (as 3m miler working on 4).
Any recentnexperience on timing likely would be appreciated.
my question on AA109 in November and January midweek, any ideas when revenue management would start to look at upgrades? My EXP slipped as I had to stop flying for 2years for medical reasons so only Lifetime Plat (as 3m miler working on 4).
Any recentnexperience on timing likely would be appreciated.
1) your current status. In order, CK, EP, PPRO, PLAT, GOLD, NO STATUS
2) upgrade type (you’re good there)
3) last 12 months of EQD spend
etc.
Contacting AA won’t accomplish anything toward facilitating your upgrades.
Jul 22, 2018, 1:55 pm
#1136
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Hi. Thanks JDiver, I know all that. My question was more is there an approximate timing? So say 60 days out if inventory is still above x they make y number of seats available. If it is going to be done at T-24 there is no point to it as the copay is not far off the cash upgrade on check in. Either way it will or won’t happen depending on load. Also canceled flightsi, irops rescheduling of 136 etc. Just wanted to know if I should forget it until 30 days out or so? Thanks.
Jul 22, 2018, 6:50 pm
#1137
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. Thanks JDiver, I know all that. My question was more is there an approximate timing? So say 60 days out if inventory is still above x they make y number of seats available. If it is going to be done at T-24 there is no point to it as the copay is not far off the cash upgrade on check in. Either way it will or won’t happen depending on load. Also canceled flightsi, irops rescheduling of 136 etc. Just wanted to know if I should forget it until 30 days out or so? Thanks.
And DODU cash upgrades are offered after upgrades are handled, AFAIK.
Though there are upgrade windows, those aren’t reliable either. I’ve had a couple of upgrades come through long before the upgrade window opened, I’ve had a few at the gate.
A lot more discussion and experiences here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html.
Jul 22, 2018, 6:58 pm
#1138
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
Thanks. As I thought, a movable feast...
Jul 23, 2018, 1:55 pm
#1139
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Trying to understand earning AA mile on a codeshare. I have read the AA site and looked at the earnings chart and am looking for the experts to clarify/confirm.....
If I book a flight, e.g. SEA-LHR, that is an AA codeshare flight (e.g. AA 6127 is a BA-operated flight), I will receive miles at the AA rate, correct? So 5 miles/$. But if I was to book this flight on the BA website and use my AA #, since this same flight now has a BA flight code (BA0048), would I receive AA miles at the BA rate? So based on miles flown, by fare class?
In other words, for the EXACT same flights, do you earn differently based on whether it is coded AA vs. BA (In this case, but applies to any codeshare)
Hope this makes sense, and thanks for any reply.
If I book a flight, e.g. SEA-LHR, that is an AA codeshare flight (e.g. AA 6127 is a BA-operated flight), I will receive miles at the AA rate, correct? So 5 miles/$. But if I was to book this flight on the BA website and use my AA #, since this same flight now has a BA flight code (BA0048), would I receive AA miles at the BA rate? So based on miles flown, by fare class?
In other words, for the EXACT same flights, do you earn differently based on whether it is coded AA vs. BA (In this case, but applies to any codeshare)
Hope this makes sense, and thanks for any reply.
Jul 23, 2018, 2:53 pm
#1140
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NYCEWR
Programs: MP(1K) Million Miler, Marriott Plat
Posts: 478
Trying to understand earning AA mile on a codeshare. I have read the AA site and looked at the earnings chart and am looking for the experts to clarify/confirm.....
If I book a flight, e.g. SEA-LHR, that is an AA codeshare flight (e.g. AA 6127 is a BA-operated flight), I will receive miles at the AA rate, correct? So 5 miles/$. But if I was to book this flight on the BA website and use my AA #, since this same flight now has a BA flight code (BA0048), would I receive AA miles at the BA rate? So based on miles flown, by fare class?
In other words, for the EXACT same flights, do you earn differently based on whether it is coded AA vs. BA (In this case, but applies to any codeshare)
Hope this makes sense, and thanks for any reply.
If I book a flight, e.g. SEA-LHR, that is an AA codeshare flight (e.g. AA 6127 is a BA-operated flight), I will receive miles at the AA rate, correct? So 5 miles/$. But if I was to book this flight on the BA website and use my AA #, since this same flight now has a BA flight code (BA0048), would I receive AA miles at the BA rate? So based on miles flown, by fare class?
In other words, for the EXACT same flights, do you earn differently based on whether it is coded AA vs. BA (In this case, but applies to any codeshare)
Hope this makes sense, and thanks for any reply.