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ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)

Old Jan 1, 2019, 2:12 pm
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Welcome to the 2019 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"
Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
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ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)

Old Sep 17, 2019, 12:49 pm
  #1516  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Question Struggling with ITA Matrix multi-leg multi-class WAS-GDN R/T

Hi there,

I'm struggling with ITA Matrix trying to price an itinerary WAS-JFK-HEL-GDN-HEL-JFK-WAS, all on OneWorld, and with only the TATL leg in business or first (the rest in regular, non-basic economy). I'm stuck on trying to specify the fare codes. I also tried the "+cabin 2" option only on the JFK-HEL leg, but it was forcing even my WAS-JFK leg to price in business as well. The fare codes I was trying are:

f bc=h|bc=k|bc=m|bc=l|bc=w|bc=v|bc=g|bc=q|bc=n|bc=o| bc=s for the first segment and alliance oneworld; f bc=f|bc=j|bc=a|bc=p|bc=d|bc=i|bc=r for the second segment.

As for WAS, DCA or IAD are fine, but not BWI. And I'm open to other east coast gateways. I could go through PHL or BOS or CLT. I just want to get from WAS to GDN and back on OneWorld in 3 or fewer segments.

Any tips? Below is a screen shot showing the query I attempted for the first 2 segments. I figured I would build up the itinerary and add segments once I made sure that each one was pricing in the right class.

Dates are flexible (October +/- 1 month). Mostly I want to know how to query this for future reference. I am also considering a trip from WAS-MSQ, which I realize cannot be 100% on OneWorld, but I'd want as many segments as possible on OW.

Thanks!

Marsh11 is offline  
Old Sep 17, 2019, 1:02 pm
  #1517  
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,361
Originally Posted by Marsh11
Hi there,

I'm struggling with ITA Matrix trying to price an itinerary WAS-JFK-HEL-GDN-HEL-JFK-WAS, all on OneWorld, and with only the TATL leg in business or first (the rest in regular, non-basic economy). I'm stuck on trying to specify the fare codes. I also tried the "+cabin 2" option only on the JFK-HEL leg, but it was forcing even my WAS-JFK leg to price in business as well. The fare codes I was trying are:

f bc=h|bc=k|bc=m|bc=l|bc=w|bc=v|bc=g|bc=q|bc=n|bc=o| bc=s for the first segment and alliance oneworld; f bc=f|bc=j|bc=a|bc=p|bc=d|bc=i|bc=r for the second segment.

As for WAS, DCA or IAD are fine, but not BWI. And I'm open to other east coast gateways. I could go through PHL or BOS or CLT. I just want to get from WAS to GDN and back on OneWorld in 3 or fewer segments.

Any tips? Below is a screen shot showing the query I attempted for the first 2 segments. I figured I would build up the itinerary and add segments once I made sure that each one was pricing in the right class.

Dates are flexible (October +/- 1 month). Mostly I want to know how to query this for future reference. I am also considering a trip from WAS-MSQ, which I realize cannot be 100% on OneWorld, but I'd want as many segments as possible on OW.
What are you trying to accomplish by having just the TATL legs in business? Booking it like that will most likely require separate fare breaks for WAS-JFK, JFK-HEL, and HEL-GDN, which will most likely be way more expensive than just buying a WAS-GDN roundtrip in business.

In any event, there is a consolidated thread about Matrix related questions such as this...

ITA Software Matrix Airfare Search Consolidated Information and Help Thread
JJeffrey is online now  
Old Sep 17, 2019, 1:05 pm
  #1518  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Originally Posted by JJeffrey
What are you trying to accomplish by having just the TATL legs in business? Booking it like that will most likely require separate fare breaks for WAS-JFK, JFK-HEL, and HEL-GDN, which will most likely be way more expensive than just buying a WAS-GDN roundtrip in business.

In any event, there is a consolidated thread about Matrix related questions such as this...

ITA Software Matrix Airfare Search Consolidated Information and Help Thread
Thanks! I thought doing that would be saving money. I guess that's why they call it the newbie lounge
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Old Sep 17, 2019, 5:39 pm
  #1519  
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Australia
Programs: QF; VA; AS
Posts: 109
In the next few days I need to book an AA flight from JFK to MIA in Y. The basic fare is AUD$173 of the main cabin $224 but it says the more expensive fare can be upgraded. I've only just learned of a 500 mile upgrade but don't know if I qualify or not. To clarify, I am Oneworld Sapphire (Qantas) and have never flown AA before.

Can anyone here give me guidance as to whether it's worth purchasing the more expensive fare with an upgrade in mind?
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Old Sep 17, 2019, 5:42 pm
  #1520  
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,920
Originally Posted by Scottyrocket
In the next few days I need to book an AA flight from JFK to MIA in Y. The basic fare is AUD$173 of the main cabin $224 but it says the more expensive fare can be upgraded. I've only just learned of a 500 mile upgrade but don't know if I qualify or not. To clarify, I am Oneworld Sapphire (Qantas) and have never flown AA before.

Can anyone here give me guidance as to whether it's worth purchasing the more expensive fare with an upgrade in mind?
You cannot upgrade as a QF freq flyer. Only upgrade with cash money. 500 mile stickers are a AA freq flyer feature: not QF ffp.
Be careful as to what is included in the BE fare. Nothing like QF fares
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 9:10 am
  #1521  
NPZ
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: One World
Posts: 130
I am flying AA from ORD to EWR (overnight) switch to JAL - JFK to HND the next day on one award ticket. The first leg is in Y the long haul is in F. Do I have access to the Flagship lounge at ORD even though the first leg is in Y and the second leg is in F on the next day? A little confused about how this itinerary plays out.
NPZ is offline  
Old Sep 18, 2019, 9:31 am
  #1522  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
Originally Posted by NPZ
I am flying AA from ORD to EWR (overnight) switch to JAL - JFK to HND the next day on one award ticket. The first leg is in Y the long haul is in F. Do I have access to the Flagship lounge at ORD even though the first leg is in Y and the second leg is in F on the next day? A little confused about how this itinerary plays out.
On paper/according to policy, unfortunately you will not have access in ORD to the Flagship Lounge. That said, you might get an agent at the lounge who will let you in anyway. This does to have to do with the fact that you are in Y, or that it's an award ticket, rather you have to be on the first class flight the same day you wish to use the lounge.
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 10:33 am
  #1523  
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 8
Same day BA domestic flight change

I am trying to book an economy MileSAAver award ticket: AUS-JFK-LHR-FCO. AUS-JFK-LHR is on AA metal & LHR-FCO is on BA metal.
Current MileSAAver economy award availability on aa.com shows tickets only with a long layover (8hrs) at LHR. There are 3 earlier BA LHR-FCO flights that could work that make the layover shorter. Business award tickets are available for these earlier LHR-FCO flights but no economy award tickets.

Our travel date is not till May 2019 and we are looking for 4 award tickets together. So makes it more difficult.

2 newbie questions:

i) Should I just take what is available now and if an earlier LHR-FCO economy ticket becomes available later, can I make an award ticket change through AA for no charge?

ii) Assuming I stick with the current long LHR layover award ticket, will there be any opportunity to get on an earlier LHR-FCO flight, once I land at LHR, assuming seat availability is there on earlier BA flight? Will BA/AA allow it?

Thanks.

Last edited by travelbug189; Sep 18, 2019 at 10:39 am
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 10:40 am
  #1524  
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Originally Posted by travelbug189
I am trying to book an economy MileSAAver award ticket: AUS-JFK-LHR-FCO. AUS-JFK-LHR is on AA metal & LHR-FCO is on BA metal.
Current MileSAAver economy award availability on aa.com shows tickets only with a long layover (8hrs) at LHR. There are 3 earlier BA LHR-FCO flights that could work that make the layover shorter. Business award tickets are available for these earlier LHR-FCO flights but no economy award tickets.

Our travel date is not till May 2019 and we are looking for 4 award tickets together. So makes it more difficult.

2 newbie questions:

i) Should I just take what is available now and if an earlier LHR-FCO economy ticket becomes available later, can I make an award ticket change through AA for no charge?

ii) Assuming I stick with the current long LHR layover award ticket, will there be any opportunity to get on an earlier LH-FCO flight, once I land at LHR, assuming seat availability is there on earlier BA flight? Will BA/AA allow it?

Thanks.
If you can book 4 award tickets right now I would say do it. Its not easy to find 4 tickets together usually. You can always change it later if better award becomes available.

BA does not allow stand by for an earlier flight like AA does, so you wont be able to do it unless they oversell your flight and need volunteers
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 10:46 am
  #1525  
NPZ
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: One World
Posts: 130
I hope so. I really hate these mirrored award tickets but can't complain about 80k in F to Tokyo. What's the lounge options at JFK?
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 11:10 am
  #1526  
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 8
Originally Posted by gateH15
If you can book 4 award tickets right now I would say do it. Its not easy to find 4 tickets together usually. You can always change it later if better award becomes available.

BA does not allow stand by for an earlier flight like AA does, so you wont be able to do it unless they oversell your flight and need volunteers
Thanks. Appreciate the quick response
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 11:44 am
  #1527  
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,361
Originally Posted by NPZ
I am flying AA from ORD to EWR (overnight) switch to JAL - JFK to HND the next day on one award ticket. The first leg is in Y the long haul is in F. Do I have access to the Flagship lounge at ORD even though the first leg is in Y and the second leg is in F on the next day? A little confused about how this itinerary plays out.
Originally Posted by NPZ
I hope so. I really hate these mirrored award tickets but can't complain about 80k in F to Tokyo. What's the lounge options at JFK?
If you can get all your boarding passes when checking in at ORD then your chances of getting into the ORD FL is much better. I've accessed lounges like this on the day before my actual "qualifying" flight many times, but in every instance I'm always checked in all the way, and hand over my qualifying boarding pass first and say something like "I'm on the way to Shanghai".

At JFK, JL uses the LH lounge in T1.
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Old Sep 18, 2019, 2:01 pm
  #1528  
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PHX ZLO
Programs: DL Skymiles: Gold AA: Platinum Pro
Posts: 14
Lounge access?

I have recently gotten AA Platinum Pro
I purchased a First Class Ticket, round trip, PHX to GDL
Will I be invited to the lounge in PHX and on return in GDL?
(I see only Mexico City MEX mentioned)
Thanks
memomelaque is offline  
Old Sep 18, 2019, 2:24 pm
  #1529  
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Posts: 12,361
Originally Posted by memomelaque
I have recently gotten AA Platinum Pro
I purchased a First Class Ticket, round trip, PHX to GDL
Will I be invited to the lounge in PHX and on return in GDL?
(I see only Mexico City MEX mentioned)
Thanks
No, GDL is not "international" for AA lounge access purposes, so neither your status or business class ticket come with any lounge access privileges.
JJeffrey is online now  
Old Sep 18, 2019, 5:14 pm
  #1530  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 263
No AA status. On AA award ticket, one PNR: MAD-JFK on IB in J, connecting on AA in F to ORD. Will I have access to AA Flagship Lounge at JFK? Thank you in advance.
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