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)
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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.
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, 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!
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ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Dec 29, 2019, 9:33 pm
#2161
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
Hi all, newbie so please be patient with me. Am on a challenge as per the above. Couple of questions:
1. Any other help out there or tips on how to complete this as economically as possible? Best I can figure is flights in premium economy on BA out of ORD into JNB or DXB.
2. Second question, let's say I qualify for exec plat in 2020 by flying Cathay which isn't a named partner on my challenge. That means I miss my challenge but I qualify for exec plat in 2021, but what does that mean for 2020? Will I still get exec plat in 2020? Hope that makes sense.
1. Any other help out there or tips on how to complete this as economically as possible? Best I can figure is flights in premium economy on BA out of ORD into JNB or DXB.
2. Second question, let's say I qualify for exec plat in 2020 by flying Cathay which isn't a named partner on my challenge. That means I miss my challenge but I qualify for exec plat in 2021, but what does that mean for 2020? Will I still get exec plat in 2020? Hope that makes sense.
For regular status you can use any airline that offers flights that qualify for the EQD-EQM/EQS required. If you earn the required instruments during 2020, your status will persist through the remainder of 2020 and all of the 2021 status year.
Dec 29, 2019, 11:32 pm
#2162
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
You can use AA joint business partners to make a Challenge. Premium Economy on partners is often the best route for challenges.
For regular status you can use any airline that offers flights that qualify for the EQD-EQM/EQS required. If you earn the required instruments during 2020, your status will persist through the remainder of 2020 and all of the 2021 status year.
For regular status you can use any airline that offers flights that qualify for the EQD-EQM/EQS required. If you earn the required instruments during 2020, your status will persist through the remainder of 2020 and all of the 2021 status year.
Dec 30, 2019, 5:37 am
#2163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,458
Hi, folks. About to take my first AA flight in many years PHL-MAN-AUH-CMB-AUH-CDG-PHl, purchased from AA by my travel agency.
I have a mix of flights: I class on AA, W class on EY. Only the TLANT legs are on AA metal/flight number, the EY legs have EY flight numbers/metal. If I'm reading the AA page correctly I'm going to get 0 EQM and 100% miles flown for those EY legs, is that correct?
If necessary to get credit for the EY legs, does anyone know if AA will reticket me onto AA flight numbers w/o a change in fare?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
I have a mix of flights: I class on AA, W class on EY. Only the TLANT legs are on AA metal/flight number, the EY legs have EY flight numbers/metal. If I'm reading the AA page correctly I'm going to get 0 EQM and 100% miles flown for those EY legs, is that correct?
If necessary to get credit for the EY legs, does anyone know if AA will reticket me onto AA flight numbers w/o a change in fare?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Dec 30, 2019, 9:00 am
#2164
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,592
Odd SWU and expertflyer
Used a SWU for LAX-MIA-LHR that will fly in a couple of week
'C' inventory was available on MIA-LHR at the time of booking so I take the risk for the LAX-MIA
I checked my booking randomly on the app last week and see that the LAX-MIA has been upgraded
However
- I did put an expert flyer alert for C (1 or more) and never received an alter (and it's currently C0)
- On the "upgrade" section of the app for this booking , I still see "on request" for this leg
Does an upgrade can clear without C inventory ? or it was expert flyer who didn't send me a notification ?
I spoke with a very nice agent on the phone couple of week ago and asked her for the cost to pay for F for this leg and she suggested not to do it as my chance of being upgraded are good (of course it's wide open in all fare classes, look like they just open the flight
)
Is it possible that a phone agent upgrade someone ? Especially for a non VIP / non CK.
I was surprised to find this kind of very nice agent and probably this is just a coincidence as I'm rarely upgraded especially 2 weeks prior to the flight. (I didn't put an alert on my Y seat so I don't know when the upgrade cleared)
Used a SWU for LAX-MIA-LHR that will fly in a couple of week
'C' inventory was available on MIA-LHR at the time of booking so I take the risk for the LAX-MIA
I checked my booking randomly on the app last week and see that the LAX-MIA has been upgraded
However
- I did put an expert flyer alert for C (1 or more) and never received an alter (and it's currently C0)
- On the "upgrade" section of the app for this booking , I still see "on request" for this leg
Does an upgrade can clear without C inventory ? or it was expert flyer who didn't send me a notification ?
I spoke with a very nice agent on the phone couple of week ago and asked her for the cost to pay for F for this leg and she suggested not to do it as my chance of being upgraded are good (of course it's wide open in all fare classes, look like they just open the flight
)Is it possible that a phone agent upgrade someone ? Especially for a non VIP / non CK.
I was surprised to find this kind of very nice agent and probably this is just a coincidence as I'm rarely upgraded especially 2 weeks prior to the flight. (I didn't put an alert on my Y seat so I don't know when the upgrade cleared)
Dec 30, 2019, 11:59 am
#2165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,458
Odd SWU and expertflyer
Used a SWU for LAX-MIA-LHR that will fly in a couple of week
'C' inventory was available on MIA-LHR at the time of booking so I take the risk for the LAX-MIA
I checked my booking randomly on the app last week and see that the LAX-MIA has been upgraded
However
- I did put an expert flyer alert for C (1 or more) and never received an alter (and it's currently C0)
- On the "upgrade" section of the app for this booking , I still see "on request" for this leg
Does an upgrade can clear without C inventory ? or it was expert flyer who didn't send me a notification ?
I spoke with a very nice agent on the phone couple of week ago and asked her for the cost to pay for F for this leg and she suggested not to do it as my chance of being upgraded are good (of course it's wide open in all fare classes, look like they just open the flight)
Is it possible that a phone agent upgrade someone ? Especially for a non VIP / non CK.
I was surprised to find this kind of very nice agent and probably this is just a coincidence as I'm rarely upgraded especially 2 weeks prior to the flight. (I didn't put an alert on my Y seat so I don't know when the upgrade cleared)
Used a SWU for LAX-MIA-LHR that will fly in a couple of week
'C' inventory was available on MIA-LHR at the time of booking so I take the risk for the LAX-MIA
I checked my booking randomly on the app last week and see that the LAX-MIA has been upgraded
However
- I did put an expert flyer alert for C (1 or more) and never received an alter (and it's currently C0)
- On the "upgrade" section of the app for this booking , I still see "on request" for this leg
Does an upgrade can clear without C inventory ? or it was expert flyer who didn't send me a notification ?
I spoke with a very nice agent on the phone couple of week ago and asked her for the cost to pay for F for this leg and she suggested not to do it as my chance of being upgraded are good (of course it's wide open in all fare classes, look like they just open the flight
)Is it possible that a phone agent upgrade someone ? Especially for a non VIP / non CK.
I was surprised to find this kind of very nice agent and probably this is just a coincidence as I'm rarely upgraded especially 2 weeks prior to the flight. (I didn't put an alert on my Y seat so I don't know when the upgrade cleared)
As to why aa.com showed your upgrade requested when it already cleared, that will change to "confirmed" once you call and have it fully re-ticketed in business.
Dec 30, 2019, 12:17 pm
#2166
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 377
Hello - I found a business class web special award on AA.com. When I proceed to flight selection and choose a flight, it allows me to select the web special or the "regular" miles price...for each leg of the journey.
If I select a "regular" miles price for the outbound leg, and a web special price for the return, would I be allowed to modify the outbound leg should a better routing open up later?
Thanks as always.
If I select a "regular" miles price for the outbound leg, and a web special price for the return, would I be allowed to modify the outbound leg should a better routing open up later?
Thanks as always.
Dec 30, 2019, 12:33 pm
#2167
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
Hello - I found a business class web special award on AA.com. When I proceed to flight selection and choose a flight, it allows me to select the web special or the "regular" miles price...for each leg of the journey.
If I select a "regular" miles price for the outbound leg, and a web special price for the return, would I be allowed to modify the outbound leg should a better routing open up later?
Thanks as always.
If I select a "regular" miles price for the outbound leg, and a web special price for the return, would I be allowed to modify the outbound leg should a better routing open up later?
Thanks as always.
Award flights are all one way, regardless of whether you book them at the same time. It’s unlikely you’d be allowed to change your outbound leg if not allowed by the web special conditions.
Dec 30, 2019, 12:45 pm
#2168
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 377
Your best bet might be to call AA - they can’t charge you if you can’t complete your booking online - and try to book the flight you were offered but could not ultimately book.
Award flights are all one way, regardless of whether you book them at the same time. It’s unlikely you’d be allowed to change your outbound leg if not allowed by the web special conditions.
Award flights are all one way, regardless of whether you book them at the same time. It’s unlikely you’d be allowed to change your outbound leg if not allowed by the web special conditions.
If I booked web special both ways, it would be 84,000 miles (42,000 x 2). But since I chose a 'regular' price on the return, it correctly calculates the one-way portion of each type and adds it together.
But even if I do that, it appears as though any portion of the itinerary booked as a "web special" precludes changes to any other part of the itinerary...at least based upon the wording. Even if the part I want to change was booked as "flexible" aka non web-special. I wonder if anyone has had a different experience.
Last edited by backprop; Dec 30, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Dec 30, 2019, 12:51 pm
#2169
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 for your reply. To be clear, it's perfectly possible to complete it online (outbound "regular" pricing, inbound "web special" pricing, or vice versa). I do get what you're saying I think, given that awards are technically one way way. I completed the selections and now see the following verbiage (toward the bottom):
...
If I booked web special both ways, it would be 84,000 miles (42,000 x 2). But since I chose a 'regular' price on the return, it correctly calculates the one-way portion of each type and adds it together.
But even if I do that, it appears as though any portion of the itinerary booked as a "web special" precludes changes to the entire itinerary...at least based upon the wording. I wonder if anyone has had a different experience.
...
If I booked web special both ways, it would be 84,000 miles (42,000 x 2). But since I chose a 'regular' price on the return, it correctly calculates the one-way portion of each type and adds it together.
But even if I do that, it appears as though any portion of the itinerary booked as a "web special" precludes changes to the entire itinerary...at least based upon the wording. I wonder if anyone has had a different experience.
AA often requires the most restrictive conditions apply to all segments of multi-fare flights, so this isn’t surprising. But — I don’t know for sure if this applies to web specials bought in conjunction with regular awards.
Dec 30, 2019, 1:03 pm
#2170
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Am trying to book a JAL flight on Amex IAP as part of my challenge, problem is when I am trying to book it doesn't give me an option to enter my AAdvantage number. It only gives me the ability to enter a JAL number. Am obviously leery of booking and not getting my AA credit. Can anyone help me with this?
Edit-i entered my ffn on the JAL site through manage booking option and I called in to JAL and they confirmed that my accruals will map to AA. In case there are other newbies out there.
So the JAL flight details say accumulating miles are : 23.153 and this books into business X, does that mean that for American eqms I would earn 46k (23*2) and for eqds I would earn 5.7k (.25*23153)?
Edit-so I called JAL and they said the accumulating miles only applied to JAL customers crediting to JAL, and that the actual distance in total is closer to 16k.
So now my calc is 16k*2= 32k for eqm and 16k*.25=4k eqd. Question now is how is the cabin bonus of 25% applied? Will that help boost my totals higher?
Thanks for all your patience everyone.
Edit-i entered my ffn on the JAL site through manage booking option and I called in to JAL and they confirmed that my accruals will map to AA. In case there are other newbies out there.
So the JAL flight details say accumulating miles are : 23.153 and this books into business X, does that mean that for American eqms I would earn 46k (23*2) and for eqds I would earn 5.7k (.25*23153)?
Edit-so I called JAL and they said the accumulating miles only applied to JAL customers crediting to JAL, and that the actual distance in total is closer to 16k.
So now my calc is 16k*2= 32k for eqm and 16k*.25=4k eqd. Question now is how is the cabin bonus of 25% applied? Will that help boost my totals higher?
Thanks for all your patience everyone.
Last edited by ZBigFam; Dec 30, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Dec 30, 2019, 2:34 pm
#2171
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,592
EF does not search continuously, but rather in batches, so it's very common for an upgrade to clear without receiving an EF notification. Basically depending on the timing AA can release C space and upgrade you in between when EF performs it's batch searches, so it appears as though C space was never released.
As to why aa.com showed your upgrade requested when it already cleared, that will change to "confirmed" once you call and have it fully re-ticketed in business.
As to why aa.com showed your upgrade requested when it already cleared, that will change to "confirmed" once you call and have it fully re-ticketed in business.
I have read on tpg that expert flyer will notify you before the upgrade are processed by aa so tpg is not correct.
I did found C1 on a flight that I was waitlisted but by the time I called it was gone (probably to someone higher on the waitlist).
If I have called immediately upon release of the C would have been able to be upgraded before other people on the wait list ??
Dec 30, 2019, 2:39 pm
#2172
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 377
Ah! Book them separately, no problem effectuation any changes possible for regular SAAver tickets.
AA often requires the most restrictive conditions apply to all segments of multi-fare flights, so this isn’t surprising. But — I don’t know for sure if this applies to web specials bought in conjunction with regular awards.
AA often requires the most restrictive conditions apply to all segments of multi-fare flights, so this isn’t surprising. But — I don’t know for sure if this applies to web specials bought in conjunction with regular awards.
Dec 30, 2019, 6:29 pm
#2173
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: BA Silver; Hilton Gold; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,811
Am trying to book a JAL flight on Amex IAP as part of my challenge, problem is when I am trying to book it doesn't give me an option to enter my AAdvantage number. It only gives me the ability to enter a JAL number. Am obviously leery of booking and not getting my AA credit. Can anyone help me with this?
Edit-i entered my ffn on the JAL site through manage booking option and I called in to JAL and they confirmed that my accruals will map to AA. In case there are other newbies out there.
So the JAL flight details say accumulating miles are : 23.153 and this books into business X, does that mean that for American eqms I would earn 46k (23*2) and for eqds I would earn 5.7k (.25*23153)?
Edit-so I called JAL and they said the accumulating miles only applied to JAL customers crediting to JAL, and that the actual distance in total is closer to 16k.
So now my calc is 16k*2= 32k for eqm and 16k*.25=4k eqd. Question now is how is the cabin bonus of 25% applied? Will that help boost my totals higher?
Thanks for all your patience everyone.
Edit-i entered my ffn on the JAL site through manage booking option and I called in to JAL and they confirmed that my accruals will map to AA. In case there are other newbies out there.
So the JAL flight details say accumulating miles are : 23.153 and this books into business X, does that mean that for American eqms I would earn 46k (23*2) and for eqds I would earn 5.7k (.25*23153)?
Edit-so I called JAL and they said the accumulating miles only applied to JAL customers crediting to JAL, and that the actual distance in total is closer to 16k.
So now my calc is 16k*2= 32k for eqm and 16k*.25=4k eqd. Question now is how is the cabin bonus of 25% applied? Will that help boost my totals higher?
Thanks for all your patience everyone.
The "cabin bonus" applies to your award miles, not EQM or EQD. It gets added to your status bonus, which would be 120% if you're Executive Platinum. So 16k (1 + .25 + 1.20) = 39.2k award miles, assuming that 16k was correct.
Dec 30, 2019, 7:05 pm
#2174
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
The best way to figure out if 16k is correct would be to feed your JL flight route to a tool such as Great Circle Mapper..
The "cabin bonus" applies to your award miles, not EQM or EQD. It gets added to your status bonus, which would be 120% if you're Executive Platinum. So 16k (1 + .25 + 1.20) = 39.2k award miles, assuming that 16k was correct.
The "cabin bonus" applies to your award miles, not EQM or EQD. It gets added to your status bonus, which would be 120% if you're Executive Platinum. So 16k (1 + .25 + 1.20) = 39.2k award miles, assuming that 16k was correct.