Jan 1, 2019, 2:12 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the 2019 "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!
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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:
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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
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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.
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NOTE: 2019 NEWBIE LOUNGE older posts are here.
The 2018 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
The 2017 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
The 2016 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
Thanks for reading!
ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Sep 25, 2019, 10:40 am
#1561
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: SQ Gold, UA Silver, DL Plat, AS MVP, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 76
No status AA member with the Hyatt -> AA Gold challenge available, I have a flight booked in PE from SEA-LAX-HKG that is waitlisted for J using miles + copay. I want to credit the LAX-HKG flight to Alaska. Two questions:
1. Is there an advantage to me getting the gold status but not linking the account to my reservation (don't want to replace the Alaska number), will it push me higher up the upgrade list?
2. Can I see anywhere that my upgrade is correctly waitlisted? Maybe not an AA problem but I have had a ton of trouble with Delta not properly applying upgrades and me getting skipped for an upgrade. Want to make sure that my upgrade is correctly requested.
Thanks!
1. Is there an advantage to me getting the gold status but not linking the account to my reservation (don't want to replace the Alaska number), will it push me higher up the upgrade list?
2. Can I see anywhere that my upgrade is correctly waitlisted? Maybe not an AA problem but I have had a ton of trouble with Delta not properly applying upgrades and me getting skipped for an upgrade. Want to make sure that my upgrade is correctly requested.
Thanks!
Sep 25, 2019, 11:35 am
#1562
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
No status AA member with the Hyatt -> AA Gold challenge available, I have a flight booked in PE from SEA-LAX-HKG that is waitlisted for J using miles + copay. I want to credit the LAX-HKG flight to Alaska. Two questions:
1. Is there an advantage to me getting the gold status but not linking the account to my reservation (don't want to replace the Alaska number), will it push me higher up the upgrade list?
2. Can I see anywhere that my upgrade is correctly waitlisted? Maybe not an AA problem but I have had a ton of trouble with Delta not properly applying upgrades and me getting skipped for an upgrade. Want to make sure that my upgrade is correctly requested.
Thanks!
1. Is there an advantage to me getting the gold status but not linking the account to my reservation (don't want to replace the Alaska number), will it push me higher up the upgrade list?
2. Can I see anywhere that my upgrade is correctly waitlisted? Maybe not an AA problem but I have had a ton of trouble with Delta not properly applying upgrades and me getting skipped for an upgrade. Want to make sure that my upgrade is correctly requested.
Thanks!
2) Without status I do not believe your upgrade request is reflected anywhere online. Once you have status, there is usually an "upgrades" section at the bottom of each reservation that will show any upgrades requested.
You could always get the Gold status and put it in your reservation to hopefully up your chances, then change back to your AS number at check-in or the gate, etc.
Sep 25, 2019, 12:18 pm
#1563
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
BA flight # but AA metal
I'll be traveling ATH-ORD-SFO on AA metal but BA flight #'s. Long haul in PEY (E) and US-domestic short haul in economy (B).
On AA website, it states that:
"To earn AAdvantage® miles when you fly on British Airways marketed and operated flights as well as British Airways codeshare flights operated by oneworld® carriers and affiliates..."
Base miles Cabin bonus EQMs/mile flown EQDs/mile flown EQSs
Premium Economy E, T 100% Not available 1.50 20% 1.00
Economy Y, B 100% Not available 1.00 20% 1.00
Does my case qualify for this earning chart?
Also, at ORD, I will need to clear passport control & customs and then re-check my bags, right? Will I need to switch terminals as well?
On AA website, it states that:
"To earn AAdvantage® miles when you fly on British Airways marketed and operated flights as well as British Airways codeshare flights operated by oneworld® carriers and affiliates..."
Base miles Cabin bonus EQMs/mile flown EQDs/mile flown EQSs
Premium Economy E, T 100% Not available 1.50 20% 1.00
Economy Y, B 100% Not available 1.00 20% 1.00
Does my case qualify for this earning chart?
Also, at ORD, I will need to clear passport control & customs and then re-check my bags, right? Will I need to switch terminals as well?
Sep 25, 2019, 1:07 pm
#1564
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,741
Yes you will have to switch terminals at ORD. You will arrive at T5 and departure will be out of T3. Currently, transferring from T5 to T3 after exiting customs involves a shuttle bus. If you aren't traveling until December or later it is possible the train (ATS) will be back up and running by the time you travel.
Sep 25, 2019, 1:08 pm
#1565
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'll be traveling ATH-ORD-SFO on AA metal but BA flight #'s. Long haul in PEY (E) and US-domestic short haul in economy (B).
On AA website, it states that:
"To earn AAdvantage® miles when you fly on British Airways marketed and operated flights as well as British Airways codeshare flights operated by oneworld® carriers and affiliates..."
Base miles Cabin bonus EQMs/mile flown EQDs/mile flown EQSs
Premium Economy E, T 100% Not available 1.50 20% 1.00
Economy Y, B 100% Not available 1.00 20% 1.00
Does my case qualify for this earning chart?
Also, at ORD, I will need to clear passport control & customs and then re-check my bags, right? Will I need to switch terminals as well?
On AA website, it states that:
"To earn AAdvantage® miles when you fly on British Airways marketed and operated flights as well as British Airways codeshare flights operated by oneworld® carriers and affiliates..."
Base miles Cabin bonus EQMs/mile flown EQDs/mile flown EQSs
Premium Economy E, T 100% Not available 1.50 20% 1.00
Economy Y, B 100% Not available 1.00 20% 1.00
Does my case qualify for this earning chart?
Also, at ORD, I will need to clear passport control & customs and then re-check my bags, right? Will I need to switch terminals as well?
At ORD, you will arrive at T5 where you will clear immigration, then claim your bags, then go through customs. Just after customs you can drop your bags off with AA again, then go outside and take the bus over to T3 where your ORD-SFO flight will depart from. There are lots of signs directing you to the correct bus.
Sep 25, 2019, 2:12 pm
#1566
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
Yes you will have to switch terminals at ORD. You will arrive at T5 and departure will be out of T3. Currently, transferring from T5 to T3 after exiting customs involves a shuttle bus. If you aren't traveling until December or later it is possible the train (ATS) will be back up and running by the time you travel.
Yes, when crediting to AA all that matters is the flight number. So if your flights have BA flight numbers they will earn via the BA earning chart at aa.com that you mentioned.
At ORD, you will arrive at T5 where you will clear immigration, then claim your bags, then go through customs. Just after customs you can drop your bags off with AA again, then go outside and take the bus over to T3 where your ORD-SFO flight will depart from. There are lots of signs directing you to the correct bus.
At ORD, you will arrive at T5 where you will clear immigration, then claim your bags, then go through customs. Just after customs you can drop your bags off with AA again, then go outside and take the bus over to T3 where your ORD-SFO flight will depart from. There are lots of signs directing you to the correct bus.
Does anyone know about lounge access (I have Priority Pass)? However, the 2 PP lounges are airside in T3, and none in T5, so I will not be able to access any. Is that right?
Sep 25, 2019, 2:45 pm
#1567
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Thanks for the useful info. I won't be traveling on this until next May, so hopefully the train will be working by then.
Does anyone know about lounge access (I have Priority Pass)? However, the 2 PP lounges are airside in T5, and none in T3, so I will not be able to access any. Is that right?
Does anyone know about lounge access (I have Priority Pass)? However, the 2 PP lounges are airside in T5, and none in T3, so I will not be able to access any. Is that right?
Also OW status from a carrier other than AA, you are eligible for the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at T3 which is better than the PP lounges in T5.
I am not sure about AAdvantage access on INT to DOM transfers at connecting airports.
Sep 25, 2019, 5:05 pm
#1568
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
There is a transfer bus that runs from Terminal 3 to 5 but I am not sure if they allow passengers on the opposite direction towards Terminal 3. If they do, clear TSA security at Terminal 5, visit the PriorityPass lounges and use the airside shuttle bus to Terminal 3. Otherwise, it's possible to use the lounges in T5 by clearing security twice ( once in T5 and then in T3 ).
Also OW status from a carrier other than AA, you are eligible for the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at T3 which is better than the PP lounges in T5.
I am not sure about AAdvantage access on INT to DOM transfers at connecting airports.
Also OW status from a carrier other than AA, you are eligible for the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at T3 which is better than the PP lounges in T5.
I am not sure about AAdvantage access on INT to DOM transfers at connecting airports.
"If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the ATS to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals. "
So it does sound like the airside transfer shuttle bus only runs from T3 to T5 but not in the other direction.
In any case, I may not have time to visit a lounge anyway. My layover at ORD is only 2h15m. Does that allow for a leisurely or rushed experience going through immigration, customs, bags recheck, and terminal transfer? Does that leave me any time to go back into T5 to use either of the PP lounges (AF/KL, or Swissport) and then to go to T3 and go through TSA check again to my domestic gate? I'm thinking not, but it's been years since i've transferred through ORD. (BTW, I have Star Gold status but no elite status on OW.)
Sep 25, 2019, 5:09 pm
#1569
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Thanks. I found this info on flychicago.com:
"If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the ATS to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals. "
So it does sound like the airside transfer shuttle bus only runs from T3 to T5 but not in the other direction.
In any case, I may not have time to visit a lounge anyway. My layover at ORD is only 2h15m. Does that allow for a leisurely or rushed experience going through immigration, customs, bags recheck, and terminal transfer? Does that leave me any time to go back into T5 to use either of the PP lounges (AF/KL, or Swissport) and then to go to T3 and go through TSA check again to my domestic gate? I'm thinking not, but it's been years since i've transferred through ORD. (BTW, I have Star Gold status but no elite status on OW.)
"If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the ATS to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals. "
So it does sound like the airside transfer shuttle bus only runs from T3 to T5 but not in the other direction.
In any case, I may not have time to visit a lounge anyway. My layover at ORD is only 2h15m. Does that allow for a leisurely or rushed experience going through immigration, customs, bags recheck, and terminal transfer? Does that leave me any time to go back into T5 to use either of the PP lounges (AF/KL, or Swissport) and then to go to T3 and go through TSA check again to my domestic gate? I'm thinking not, but it's been years since i've transferred through ORD. (BTW, I have Star Gold status but no elite status on OW.)
Sep 25, 2019, 5:12 pm
#1570
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
Thanks. I found this info on flychicago.com:
"If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the ATS to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals. "
So it does sound like the airside transfer shuttle bus only runs from T3 to T5 but not in the other direction.
In any case, I may not have time to visit a lounge anyway. My layover at ORD is only 2h15m. Does that allow for a leisurely or rushed experience going through immigration, customs, bags recheck, and terminal transfer? Does that leave me any time to go back into T5 to use either of the PP lounges (AF/KL, or Swissport) and then to go to T3 and go through TSA check again to my domestic gate? I'm thinking not, but it's been years since i've transferred through ORD. (BTW, I have Star Gold status but no elite status on OW.)
"If you arrive at O'Hare on an international flight and have a connecting domestic flight, you will arrive at Terminal 5 and will need to take the ATS to the domestic terminals. You will need to clear security again at the domestic terminals. "
So it does sound like the airside transfer shuttle bus only runs from T3 to T5 but not in the other direction.
In any case, I may not have time to visit a lounge anyway. My layover at ORD is only 2h15m. Does that allow for a leisurely or rushed experience going through immigration, customs, bags recheck, and terminal transfer? Does that leave me any time to go back into T5 to use either of the PP lounges (AF/KL, or Swissport) and then to go to T3 and go through TSA check again to my domestic gate? I'm thinking not, but it's been years since i've transferred through ORD. (BTW, I have Star Gold status but no elite status on OW.)
Sep 25, 2019, 5:17 pm
#1571
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
I was at ORD T5 landslide 2 weeks ago and I saw the sign by checkpoint 11 that there is a bus to terminals 1,2,3 from Gate M1. I think it is new and for some reason it’s not advertised. I was able to find info on UA FlyerTalk sub forum but it’s not clear how frequent that bus is etc.
Sep 25, 2019, 5:17 pm
#1572
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
That doesn’t apply if the ATS isn’t running, but your connection time isn’t great. Once you go to T-3 and pass through security, those Lounges accessible to you will be available there or in other terminals you can access airside. But again, for international to domestic, 2:15 isn’t likely to leave you a surfeit of time.
There are no PP lounges in T3 (or T2, T1 for that matter); they only have the 2 in T5. So unless there is airside connection between T3 & T5 in both directions, I wouldn't want to go back to T5 just to try out the KL/AF or the Swissport lounge, which are probably not worth it anyway.
Sep 25, 2019, 6:32 pm
#1573
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
With a little over 2 hours, I would just clear immigration, customs, and then take the bus (train) straight over to T3, kill any remaining time in a restaurant, etc.
Sep 25, 2019, 9:23 pm
#1574
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 208
I do have access to Centurion but the SEA one is not that great. Guess that will have to be it
Thanks!
Sep 25, 2019, 10:43 pm
#1575
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
As platinum pro, I thought one companion traveling with you can be upgraded as well? I held a flight for 24 hrs and received an email saying AA was unable to auto request an upgrade (as it usually does). How do I put myself in best position to get an upgrade for us both?