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 20, 2018, 12:00 pm
#1546
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
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
Sep 20, 2018, 12:35 pm
#1547
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692
It didn't show the booking class of the CX flight, I guess until I buy it, but that should get me almost halfway to Plat Pro again.
Sep 20, 2018, 12:41 pm
#1548
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
Sep 20, 2018, 12:41 pm
#1549
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
500 mile upgrades are notorious for disappearing and reappearing into your account. Have no idea why but it happens often. It's always been self corrected for me.
Sep 20, 2018, 1:53 pm
#1550
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 124
Trying to upgrade an AA reservation booked on my account (for me and P2) from coach to business, but falling about 17k miles short. I have the upgrade on hold for 5 days, and have a few options. Would appreciate any input, or if there is an easier/more economical way?
* Free/best option? Merge P2 account (with ~70k miles) with my P1 -- P2 rarely uses AA, and I believe we can create a new AA account for P2?
* Transfer 17k miles from P2 to P1, phone rep quoted $165 for the transfer
* Split reservation to two separate ones for P1 and P2, phone rep quoted $150 re-deposit fee to change existing reservation
* Transfer from hotel partner, we have some Marriott and IHG available, but Marriott transfer 3:1 and IHG at 5:1 seem exorbitant
Any tips appreciated
* Free/best option? Merge P2 account (with ~70k miles) with my P1 -- P2 rarely uses AA, and I believe we can create a new AA account for P2?
* Transfer 17k miles from P2 to P1, phone rep quoted $165 for the transfer
* Split reservation to two separate ones for P1 and P2, phone rep quoted $150 re-deposit fee to change existing reservation
* Transfer from hotel partner, we have some Marriott and IHG available, but Marriott transfer 3:1 and IHG at 5:1 seem exorbitant
Any tips appreciated
Sep 20, 2018, 2:34 pm
#1551
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692
Any thoughts or keep looking for other options?
Sep 20, 2018, 2:44 pm
#1552
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,484
To go between airports:
From IAD to DCA (and vice versa): The most economical way, if you have at least a 4 hour connection, would be to take the combination of the metro & the 5A bus. If you have at least 3 hours, then the best way would be to take the Washington Flyer bus & then the metro rail (and others, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong). The fastest way would be SuperShuttle or a cab. I think a cab would be about 50-60 bucks.
From IAD to DCA (and vice versa): The most economical way, if you have at least a 4 hour connection, would be to take the combination of the metro & the 5A bus. If you have at least 3 hours, then the best way would be to take the Washington Flyer bus & then the metro rail (and others, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong). The fastest way would be SuperShuttle or a cab. I think a cab would be about 50-60 bucks.
A basic guide to WAS and its airports
Sep 20, 2018, 7:54 pm
#1553
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
Trying to upgrade an AA reservation booked on my account (for me and P2) from coach to business, but falling about 17k miles short. I have the upgrade on hold for 5 days, and have a few options. Would appreciate any input, or if there is an easier/more economical way?
* Free/best option? Merge P2 account (with ~70k miles) with my P1 -- P2 rarely uses AA, and I believe we can create a new AA account for P2?
* Transfer 17k miles from P2 to P1, phone rep quoted $165 for the transfer
* Split reservation to two separate ones for P1 and P2, phone rep quoted $150 re-deposit fee to change existing reservation
* Transfer from hotel partner, we have some Marriott and IHG available, but Marriott transfer 3:1 and IHG at 5:1 seem exorbitant
Any tips appreciated
* Free/best option? Merge P2 account (with ~70k miles) with my P1 -- P2 rarely uses AA, and I believe we can create a new AA account for P2?
* Transfer 17k miles from P2 to P1, phone rep quoted $165 for the transfer
* Split reservation to two separate ones for P1 and P2, phone rep quoted $150 re-deposit fee to change existing reservation
* Transfer from hotel partner, we have some Marriott and IHG available, but Marriott transfer 3:1 and IHG at 5:1 seem exorbitant
Any tips appreciated
Also, assuming P2 is a different person, then it's not possible to just merge their account with yours, if that's what you mean?
Do you have enough miles to get one ticket in business? It would be helpful to know the exact awards and mile costs. If so, you could (1) split the reservation for you and P2, no cost. (2) Change date of P2 economy reservation to something way off in the future, no cost. (3) Change your ticket to business and have P2 book a brand new ticket in business from their account, both no cost. (4) Wait for a schedule change on P2's far off economy award, then call AA to redeposit the miles back to your account, no cost.
Sep 20, 2018, 8:48 pm
#1554
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 124
It's not 100% clear what you're trying to do but I'll take a stab. I assume you have award tickets booked in economy for you and "P2", with miles pulled from your account, and you want to switch this to a business award?
Also, assuming P2 is a different person, then it's not possible to just merge their account with yours, if that's what you mean?
Do you have enough miles to get one ticket in business? It would be helpful to know the exact awards and mile costs. If so, you could (1) split the reservation for you and P2, no cost. (2) Change date of P2 economy reservation to something way off in the future, no cost. (3) Change your ticket to business and have P2 book a brand new ticket in business from their account, both no cost. (4) Wait for a schedule change on P2's far off economy award, then call AA to redeposit the miles back to your account, no cost.
Also, assuming P2 is a different person, then it's not possible to just merge their account with yours, if that's what you mean?
Do you have enough miles to get one ticket in business? It would be helpful to know the exact awards and mile costs. If so, you could (1) split the reservation for you and P2, no cost. (2) Change date of P2 economy reservation to something way off in the future, no cost. (3) Change your ticket to business and have P2 book a brand new ticket in business from their account, both no cost. (4) Wait for a schedule change on P2's far off economy award, then call AA to redeposit the miles back to your account, no cost.
Thanks for detailing this strategy for the splitting and cancellation with schedule changes -- reading up on schedule changes now! We do have enough miles to book the two individual business seats.
Fortunately, when I called back a third time to clarify details, the phone rep just split the reservations and booked our two business seats without a redeposit fee. Wonder if this is standard that there is this variability when it comes to the $150 redeposit fee not being assessed by some reps? I certainly didn't bring it up, but found this peculiar. Basically, she just redeposited back my original miles for the economy booking, booked one business seat with each account and linked the record locators
Sep 20, 2018, 9:10 pm
#1555
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Thanks for responding -- right, Business/First MilesAAver award availability opened up so we put a hold on two tickets as upgrades from our Economy MilesAAver. The options I tried to summarize were from what I gathered via a phone rep. I was leaning towards the account merger, but when I called back, a second rep corrected things and said the merger option was for one individual with multiple accounts, not multiple people...
Thanks for detailing this strategy for the splitting and cancellation with schedule changes -- reading up on schedule changes now! We do have enough miles to book the two individual business seats.
Fortunately, when I called back a third time to clarify details, the phone rep just split the reservations and booked our two business seats without a redeposit fee. Wonder if this is standard that there is this variability when it comes to the $150 redeposit fee not being assessed by some reps? I certainly didn't bring it up, but found this peculiar. Basically, she just redeposited back my original miles for the economy booking, booked one business seat with each account and linked the record locators
Thanks for detailing this strategy for the splitting and cancellation with schedule changes -- reading up on schedule changes now! We do have enough miles to book the two individual business seats.
Fortunately, when I called back a third time to clarify details, the phone rep just split the reservations and booked our two business seats without a redeposit fee. Wonder if this is standard that there is this variability when it comes to the $150 redeposit fee not being assessed by some reps? I certainly didn't bring it up, but found this peculiar. Basically, she just redeposited back my original miles for the economy booking, booked one business seat with each account and linked the record locators
Sep 21, 2018, 9:12 am
#1556
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
<snip>
Fortunately, when I called back a third time to clarify details, the phone rep just split the reservations and booked our two business seats without a redeposit fee. Wonder if this is standard that there is this variability when it comes to the $150 redeposit fee not being assessed by some reps? I certainly didn't bring it up, but found this peculiar. Basically, she just redeposited back my original miles for the economy booking, booked one business seat with each account and linked the record locators
Fortunately, when I called back a third time to clarify details, the phone rep just split the reservations and booked our two business seats without a redeposit fee. Wonder if this is standard that there is this variability when it comes to the $150 redeposit fee not being assessed by some reps? I certainly didn't bring it up, but found this peculiar. Basically, she just redeposited back my original miles for the economy booking, booked one business seat with each account and linked the record locators
Sep 21, 2018, 10:12 am
#1557
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,055
Change fee for different airports at same destination
Flying on MIleSAAver award from MAD-ORD-BWI, changed to MAD-JFK-DCA and CSR charged me $150 for changing the destination airport even though BWI/IAD/DCA are all in the same destination, Washington, D.C. I am pretty sure that I have done this before on MileSAAver awards without a fee or am I just imagining things?
Sep 21, 2018, 10:31 am
#1558
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Flying on MIleSAAver award from MAD-ORD-BWI, changed to MAD-JFK-DCA and CSR charged me $150 for changing the destination airport even though BWI/IAD/DCA are all in the same destination, Washington, D.C. I am pretty sure that I have done this before on MileSAAver awards without a fee or am I just imagining things?
Sep 21, 2018, 10:42 am
#1559
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
Flying on MIleSAAver award from MAD-ORD-BWI, changed to MAD-JFK-DCA and CSR charged me $150 for changing the destination airport even though BWI/IAD/DCA are all in the same destination, Washington, D.C. I am pretty sure that I have done this before on MileSAAver awards without a fee or am I just imagining things?
You can of course change your routing provided your origin and destination airports remain fixed.
Sep 21, 2018, 3:34 pm
#1560
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,055
Thanks, I must have been on an anytime award in the past. I thought destination referred to the city, not the airport. Fortunately, I saved enough in fees from the original flight to make it worthwhile even without the much better connection. 