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)
Oct 6, 2018, 8:39 am
#1636
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
There was a time when booking 331 days out gave you the best shot of premium cabin international non rev seats. The trend has been for AA to follow JL practice and keep seats in reserve until closer to departure. If you are not CK or EXP, your best bet is to either check every week on your chosen flughts or take out an expertflyer subscription and they will mail you when availability opens up.
Oct 8, 2018, 9:17 am
#1637
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Timing of Upgrade Availability
I'm new to FlyerTalk but have tried to read as much as possible on this and am still confused.
Is the upgrade list a rolling list...meaning someone on the wait list at the time the upgrade availability is released will have her mileage plus copay upgrade processed immediately? Or do ALL upgrades get processed at the last minute to see if anyone with more priority wants to get on the list? Or is this a moot point because upgrades availability isn't released until the last minute anyway?
Interested in the DFW to/from HNL route, if it matters.
Thanks.
Is the upgrade list a rolling list...meaning someone on the wait list at the time the upgrade availability is released will have her mileage plus copay upgrade processed immediately? Or do ALL upgrades get processed at the last minute to see if anyone with more priority wants to get on the list? Or is this a moot point because upgrades availability isn't released until the last minute anyway?
Interested in the DFW to/from HNL route, if it matters.
Thanks.
Oct 8, 2018, 9:52 am
#1638
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: DCA and STL
Programs: AA Concierge Key, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, National Car Executive Elite
Posts: 524
They are not totally wasted though since overtime, your lifetime miles will gradually get you to gold and then platinum for life. That will require patience but may be a consideration.
Oct 8, 2018, 10:02 am
#1639
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,440
I'm new to FlyerTalk but have tried to read as much as possible on this and am still confused.
Is the upgrade list a rolling list...meaning someone on the wait list at the time the upgrade availability is released will have her mileage plus copay upgrade processed immediately? Or do ALL upgrades get processed at the last minute to see if anyone with more priority wants to get on the list? Or is this a moot point because upgrades availability isn't released until the last minute anyway?
Interested in the DFW to/from HNL route, if it matters.
Thanks.
Is the upgrade list a rolling list...meaning someone on the wait list at the time the upgrade availability is released will have her mileage plus copay upgrade processed immediately? Or do ALL upgrades get processed at the last minute to see if anyone with more priority wants to get on the list? Or is this a moot point because upgrades availability isn't released until the last minute anyway?
Interested in the DFW to/from HNL route, if it matters.
Thanks.
While a lot of seats get held back for sale until the last minute, especially on popular business routes, it's certainly not the case for all flights that AA doesn't release some upgrade space in the months and weeks before a flight.
Oct 8, 2018, 10:07 am
#1640
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Thanks so much. I understand now. Slim chance (no status), but at least possible if they release availability. Currently booked in PE, so I guess it isn't the end of the world if it never clears.
Oct 8, 2018, 11:13 am
#1641
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 15
Can you earn AA miles while flying on Air Tahiti Nui?
Oct 8, 2018, 11:23 am
#1642
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,440
Oct 8, 2018, 11:42 am
#1643
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
Oct 8, 2018, 8:43 pm
#1644
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: DEN
Programs: AA DL UA
Posts: 177
MID - MIA - DEN on AA -- clear customs in MIA?
Newbie Q:
Travelling in January, AA4566 (Republic/Am. Eagle) MID - MIA, then AA MIA - DEN.
Presumably I'll clear customs in MIA, and will have to re-check my bag there, right?
Thks
RT
Travelling in January, AA4566 (Republic/Am. Eagle) MID - MIA, then AA MIA - DEN.
Presumably I'll clear customs in MIA, and will have to re-check my bag there, right?
Thks
RT
Oct 8, 2018, 8:56 pm
#1645
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,992
You will do immigration at MIA
Oct 9, 2018, 1:15 am
#1646
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
It's a rolling and dynamic list. If AA decides to release some upgrade inventory a month before the flight, say 5 seats, then whoever is the top 5 on the list at that time will clear. If AA then sells the remaining seats except for 2, and releases these on the day of departure for upgrades, then whoever is the top 2 then will clear.
While a lot of seats get held back for sale until the last minute, especially on popular business routes, it's certainly not the case for all flights that AA doesn't release some upgrade space in the months and weeks before a flight.
While a lot of seats get held back for sale until the last minute, especially on popular business routes, it's certainly not the case for all flights that AA doesn't release some upgrade space in the months and weeks before a flight.
Oct 9, 2018, 1:40 am
#1647
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AC SE100K, AA EXP, SPG Plt, HH Dmnd
Posts: 1,507
Found something very strange,
AA.com is showing plentiful business/first sAAver space domestically between XXX-YYY-ZZZ however AAgents are completely unable to find the space when I call in (to use these flights as a feeder to an international award). I already booked this exact domestic flight routing for an international award last week by holding them online and having an AAgent add the international segment afterwards, however now I need to change the domestic segment and they can't see the space at all.
When I pressed for a resource desk or someone more senior I was flatly denied and told "we're it". Is there any recourse or has anyone encountered something like this before?
Is it theoretically possible to drop the feeder, re-hold new domestic segments, and then attach it to the old international award?
AA.com is showing plentiful business/first sAAver space domestically between XXX-YYY-ZZZ however AAgents are completely unable to find the space when I call in (to use these flights as a feeder to an international award). I already booked this exact domestic flight routing for an international award last week by holding them online and having an AAgent add the international segment afterwards, however now I need to change the domestic segment and they can't see the space at all.
When I pressed for a resource desk or someone more senior I was flatly denied and told "we're it". Is there any recourse or has anyone encountered something like this before?
Is it theoretically possible to drop the feeder, re-hold new domestic segments, and then attach it to the old international award?
Oct 9, 2018, 1:45 am
#1648
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,992
AA.com is showing plentiful business/first sAAver space domestically between XXX-YYY-ZZZ however AAgents are completely unable to find the space when I call in to use these flights as a feeder to an international award. (I already booked this exact domestic flight routing for an international award last week by holding them online and having an AAgent add the international segment afterwards, however now I need to change the domestic segment)
When I pressed for a resource desk or someone more senior I was flatly denied and told "we're it". Is there any recourse or has anyone encountered something like this before?
When I pressed for a resource desk or someone more senior I was flatly denied and told "we're it". Is there any recourse or has anyone encountered something like this before?
Oct 9, 2018, 1:51 am
#1649
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AC SE100K, AA EXP, SPG Plt, HH Dmnd
Posts: 1,507
And I think I edited my post while you were replying with clarification that my problem is trying to swap in one married segment for another married segment, both of which AAgents couldn't see in their system but I was able to snag online.
Oct 9, 2018, 8:16 am
#1650
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Thanks I suspect it's to do with married segment logic but in this case AAgents are unable to see any space at all, even if it shows up online.
And I think I edited my post while you were replying with clarification that my problem is trying to swap in one married segment for another married segment, both of which AAgents couldn't see in their system but I was able to snag online.
And I think I edited my post while you were replying with clarification that my problem is trying to swap in one married segment for another married segment, both of which AAgents couldn't see in their system but I was able to snag online.
I believe someone else had a similar issue recently. See posts 1433-37 and 1441 in the following thread:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance