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!
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.
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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:
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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 26, 2019, 9:23 pm
#1576
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,027
Good evening!
Three newbie questions:
1) I have an itinerary I want to book in "G" (so I can apply a Business Extraa BXP1 upgrade certificate -- yes, there is currently "C" space) but currently the website defaults to a lower "S" fare. Is there a way to book the higher G fare online?
2) I'd also, if possible, like to use a $22 credit from a canceled ticket; any way to do that online (and if not, will I be charged a call center fee?)
3) If I purchase the itinerary in some fashion, do I have 24 hours to cancel?
Should I go ahead and book the S fare online, put it on 24 hour hold, and then call and ask to upfare to G and apply the previous ticket? (Fyi, the S fare is $167 and the G fare is $197)
Thanks!!
Three newbie questions:
1) I have an itinerary I want to book in "G" (so I can apply a Business Extraa BXP1 upgrade certificate -- yes, there is currently "C" space) but currently the website defaults to a lower "S" fare. Is there a way to book the higher G fare online?
2) I'd also, if possible, like to use a $22 credit from a canceled ticket; any way to do that online (and if not, will I be charged a call center fee?)
3) If I purchase the itinerary in some fashion, do I have 24 hours to cancel?
Should I go ahead and book the S fare online, put it on 24 hour hold, and then call and ask to upfare to G and apply the previous ticket? (Fyi, the S fare is $167 and the G fare is $197)
Thanks!!
Sep 27, 2019, 6:11 am
#1577
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,485
Good evening!
Three newbie questions:
1) I have an itinerary I want to book in "G" (so I can apply a Business Extraa BXP1 upgrade certificate -- yes, there is currently "C" space) but currently the website defaults to a lower "S" fare. Is there a way to book the higher G fare online?
2) I'd also, if possible, like to use a $22 credit from a canceled ticket; any way to do that online (and if not, will I be charged a call center fee?)
3) If I purchase the itinerary in some fashion, do I have 24 hours to cancel?
Should I go ahead and book the S fare online, put it on 24 hour hold, and then call and ask to upfare to G and apply the previous ticket? (Fyi, the S fare is $167 and the G fare is $197)
Thanks!!
Three newbie questions:
1) I have an itinerary I want to book in "G" (so I can apply a Business Extraa BXP1 upgrade certificate -- yes, there is currently "C" space) but currently the website defaults to a lower "S" fare. Is there a way to book the higher G fare online?
2) I'd also, if possible, like to use a $22 credit from a canceled ticket; any way to do that online (and if not, will I be charged a call center fee?)
3) If I purchase the itinerary in some fashion, do I have 24 hours to cancel?
Should I go ahead and book the S fare online, put it on 24 hour hold, and then call and ask to upfare to G and apply the previous ticket? (Fyi, the S fare is $167 and the G fare is $197)
Thanks!!
Sep 27, 2019, 1:11 pm
#1578
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,027
Only hitch was that the CSR told me that my former ticket number actually had no value, contra what the Twitter team told me when I had to cancel the reservation.
Sep 28, 2019, 3:08 pm
#1579
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Arkansas/SFO
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 333
EXP lounge suggestions PRG-PHL
Many thanks to flyingeph12 and gateH15 for the great Flagship lounge advice for our ORD - HEL flight earlier this month. Flying back PRG - PHL this Monday morning and was wondering what suggestions knowledgeable flyers would have for oneworld lounges at PRG. I'm an AA EXP and Admirals Club member.
Sep 28, 2019, 3:15 pm
#1580
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,485
Many thanks to flyingeph12 and gateH15 for the great Flagship lounge advice for our ORD - HEL flight earlier this month. Flying back PRG - PHL this Monday morning and was wondering what suggestions knowledgeable flyers would have for oneworld lounges at PRG. I'm an AA EXP and Admirals Club member.
https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges?location=PRG
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2019-a.html
Sep 29, 2019, 4:51 am
#1581
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LON
Programs: UA, AA, Hyatt
Posts: 155
Hi all, not sure if this is the right spot to post, but I'll give it a shot. I've booked LHR-DFW using Avios on the BA site, although it's AA metal. I've then logged on to AA, and paid cash to upgrade to MCE in both directions.
Now I need to change one or both of the flights. I *think* BA will let me change/cancel for a flat fee, and credit the avios. I believe that there aren't any refunds of the cash seat choice, but is there any way to move that paid seat credit to another flight? I'm guessing not, but hoping I'm not out the cash so would welcome any creative solutions or ideas.
Thanks in advance!
Now I need to change one or both of the flights. I *think* BA will let me change/cancel for a flat fee, and credit the avios. I believe that there aren't any refunds of the cash seat choice, but is there any way to move that paid seat credit to another flight? I'm guessing not, but hoping I'm not out the cash so would welcome any creative solutions or ideas.
Thanks in advance!
Sep 29, 2019, 10:38 am
#1582
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
I am a UA mid-tier elite (50k-75k miles per year) who recently got a new job based out of LAX. This new job involves about 5-6 trips per year to Miami; 4-5 trips per year to NYC; 1-2 trips per year to London; 1-2 trips per year to South America (most likely Brazil and/or Chile). The LHR and South America trips will be in paid J but otherwise all flights will be economy. I also do a couple trips per year for leisure, mostly international with some domestic.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Last edited by Seph87; Sep 29, 2019 at 10:50 am
Sep 29, 2019, 11:45 am
#1583
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
I am a UA mid-tier elite (50k-75k miles per year) who recently got a new job based out of LAX. This new job involves about 5-6 trips per year to Miami; 4-5 trips per year to NYC; 1-2 trips per year to London; 1-2 trips per year to South America (most likely Brazil and/or Chile). The LHR and South America trips will be in paid J but otherwise all flights will be economy. I also do a couple trips per year for leisure, mostly international with some domestic.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
What type of redemptions would you hope to make with your miles, regardless of which program they are accrued in?
Sep 29, 2019, 3:18 pm
#1584
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Posts: 211
Others will have to weigh in on how likely you are to be upgraded with status on the LAX-JFK/MIA routes. If upgrades are unlikely, you might pursue status with one of AA's oneworld partners, like IB. Status on AAdvantage will not get you lounge access on your domestic Coach flights; but oneworld Sapphire or Emerald with a oneworld partner will.
What type of redemptions would you hope to make with your miles, regardless of which program they are accrued in?
What type of redemptions would you hope to make with your miles, regardless of which program they are accrued in?
Personally, I'd want to use miles to get J tickets for my international vacations. We go to Europe and East Asia a lot for our trips, so having BA and JL as partners is appealing since we can get a 1-stop to almost anywhere we'd want to go.
Sep 29, 2019, 3:25 pm
#1585
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,601
If it's anything like UA, having an upgrade clear on a trans-con is almost impossible unless you're at the highest tier of status, so I'm not super concerned about that. When I was flying LAX-EWR I'd often sit next to guys who were Global Services and didn't get their upgrades cleared.
Personally, I'd want to use miles to get J tickets for my international vacations. We go to Europe and East Asia a lot for our trips, so having BA and JL as partners is appealing since we can get a 1-stop to almost anywhere we'd want to go.
Personally, I'd want to use miles to get J tickets for my international vacations. We go to Europe and East Asia a lot for our trips, so having BA and JL as partners is appealing since we can get a 1-stop to almost anywhere we'd want to go.
Sep 30, 2019, 8:10 am
#1586
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,018
I have a question about EQDs earned. I understand EQDs are earned on the base fare (not taxes). I had a flight where I made a change to the original itinerary (due to the hurricane in S Florida). AA waived change fees due to the weather but there was a change in fare which I was required to pay. After the flight I received EQDs only on the original itinerary cost. I did not receive any EQDs for the add'l change in fare I paid. Is this correct? Does AA not provide EQDs for fare changes?
Sep 30, 2019, 11:16 am
#1587
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
I have a question about EQDs earned. I understand EQDs are earned on the base fare (not taxes). I had a flight where I made a change to the original itinerary (due to the hurricane in S Florida). AA waived change fees due to the weather but there was a change in fare which I was required to pay. After the flight I received EQDs only on the original itinerary cost. I did not receive any EQDs for the add'l change in fare I paid. Is this correct? Does AA not provide EQDs for fare changes?
Sep 30, 2019, 11:20 am
#1588
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
I am a UA mid-tier elite (50k-75k miles per year) who recently got a new job based out of LAX. This new job involves about 5-6 trips per year to Miami; 4-5 trips per year to NYC; 1-2 trips per year to London; 1-2 trips per year to South America (most likely Brazil and/or Chile). The LHR and South America trips will be in paid J but otherwise all flights will be economy. I also do a couple trips per year for leisure, mostly international with some domestic.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Sep 30, 2019, 6:51 pm
#1589
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
I am a UA mid-tier elite (50k-75k miles per year) who recently got a new job based out of LAX. This new job involves about 5-6 trips per year to Miami; 4-5 trips per year to NYC; 1-2 trips per year to London; 1-2 trips per year to South America (most likely Brazil and/or Chile). The LHR and South America trips will be in paid J but otherwise all flights will be economy. I also do a couple trips per year for leisure, mostly international with some domestic.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Sep 30, 2019, 7:32 pm
#1590
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I am a UA mid-tier elite (50k-75k miles per year) who recently got a new job based out of LAX. This new job involves about 5-6 trips per year to Miami; 4-5 trips per year to NYC; 1-2 trips per year to London; 1-2 trips per year to South America (most likely Brazil and/or Chile). The LHR and South America trips will be in paid J but otherwise all flights will be economy. I also do a couple trips per year for leisure, mostly international with some domestic.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
Based on the above, UA does not really have a great network out of LAX for me, so I will need to switch to either AA or DL. I am hoping someone with perspective on both airlines could give me some feedback. Here's what I've gathered so far based on internet research:
1) AA's network is clearly superior for my needs, offering non-stop to almost everywhere I need to go from LAX. Most (except JFK) would involve a connection on DL.
2) If I make it to Platinum Pro (which I should), AA's elite program is more rewarding than DL's
3) DL has better on-time statistics and service. I've read horror stories about AA's handling of irrops.
So based on all that, would you say #1 and #2 outweigh #3 in AA's favor? The internet has a way of blowing things out of proportion so I'm looking for a measured take on how AA's service compared to DL's. If service is comparable between the two I think it's pretty obvious to choose AA, but if DL's service is way better I might end up going with them despite having to connect.
All that said, AA would not be a bad choice. Yes, AA right now is not doing great operationally, but if you are familiar with the system and are proactive, you should be fine in case of IRROPs. Lounge access helps tremendously in my opinion. AA does have some great partners (e.g., JL) if you're looking to redeem miles. But unlike UA, there are partners where it will be expensive in terms of cash outlay to redeem miles because of fuel surcharges (e.g., BA).
If you're looking to redeem miles to Europe, I'd actually say DL is the better program. AA is likely better for Asia because of JL and CX (although premium award tickets on those airlines can be hard to find).