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.
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: 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)
Jan 4, 2019, 3:39 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: China
Programs: A3 G CZ S
Posts: 50
I am flying in a J class on a trip of HKG-LAX-IAD, all marketed by CX and operated by AA
Will I have the lounge access in LAX? according to the OW rules looks like yes, but not sure if there's any AA exception applies in this case.
If the answer yes, which lounge will be available? The OW lounge in TBIT, the AA Flagship or Admiral Club?
Thx a lot!
Will I have the lounge access in LAX? according to the OW rules looks like yes, but not sure if there's any AA exception applies in this case.
- First and Business Class customers connecting on the same day of travel, or before 6am the following day, can access the lounge when travelling between an international long haul (a oneworld international long haul flight is defined as an international flight marketed and operated by any oneworld carrier with a scheduled flight time longer than 5 hours) and an international short haul or domestic flight (and vice-versa).
- Lounge access will be determined on the international long haul ticketed flight (either First of Business Class) regardless of the ticketed class of travel on the international short haul or domestic flight.
If the answer yes, which lounge will be available? The OW lounge in TBIT, the AA Flagship or Admiral Club?
Thx a lot!
Jan 4, 2019, 3:58 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: AA LP pleb, QR Plat., Bonvoy Ti, IHG Diamond Amb, Foolish Hoarder of Miles, Fid. Def.
Posts: 125
If you're in business class on the HKG-LAX leg, you'll have access the the Flagship and OW lounges for your connection. Should be able to flash any boarding pass and have it work, but best to hold on to the transpacific one for simplicity's sake.
Jan 5, 2019, 6:34 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 27
YYZ to Guatemala City
I am going to book a flight from Toronto to Guatemala city and will fly either through Miami or Dallas. I will book the business class fare but I am wondering if I will access to lounges at Toronto and wherever I connect. I know that on AA it is not a given that you get lounge access regardless of the fare. Can anyone advise?
Jan 5, 2019, 6:48 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
I am going to book a flight from Toronto to Guatemala city and will fly either through Miami or Dallas. I will book the business class fare but I am wondering if I will access to lounges at Toronto and wherever I connect. I know that on AA it is not a given that you get lounge access regardless of the fare. Can anyone advise?
Jan 5, 2019, 7:06 am
#20
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 going to book a flight from Toronto to Guatemala city and will fly either through Miami or Dallas. I will book the business class fare but I am wondering if I will access to lounges at Toronto and wherever I connect. I know that on AA it is not a given that you get lounge access regardless of the fare. Can anyone advise?
Jan 5, 2019, 11:22 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA PLT; PriorityClub Gold
Posts: 31
Infant in arms question
Good morning - I just called the desk and got an answer but I wasn't feeling confident in her answer so wanted to see if anyone else has experience with this.
Considering booking DEN-DFW-South America; grandparents live in DFW so would be looking at dropping kids off at the airport on the way through (acknowledging needing to go outside security and come back through) - would it be problematic to add an infant in arms to this itinerary knowing it's only for the domestic leg? The last thing I want are issues at the airport getting it processed correctly. The older child would have a stand-alone seat so no issues there.
Considering booking DEN-DFW-South America; grandparents live in DFW so would be looking at dropping kids off at the airport on the way through (acknowledging needing to go outside security and come back through) - would it be problematic to add an infant in arms to this itinerary knowing it's only for the domestic leg? The last thing I want are issues at the airport getting it processed correctly. The older child would have a stand-alone seat so no issues there.
Jan 5, 2019, 12:44 pm
#22
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 22
Greetings!
TLDR
I'm curious, how folks go about balancing "gaining status" with "using miles"? It appears, at least to this beginner, that the two are in direct conflict with one another, in that using miles typically results in few or no EQM/EQD earned, negatively impacting ability to reach or maintain status...
Longer version
I just started flying regularly for work domestically in 2018, usually take a trip or two for vacation as well, and was close enough at the end of the year that I learned about and executed my first mileage run... By their powers combined, I landed a shiny new Platinum Pro status for 2019! This travel also netted me about 120k RDM, and I do want to benefit from them. But now I'm torn, because I want to make EXP in 2019, and it seems that using miles in any way on flights will drastically reduce (mile+copay upgrade on a cash ticket) or even eliminate (award ticket) any EQM/EQD earnings. Is there a smart way to leverage miles while still growing and maintaining status? How do you go about balancing the two?
Cheers,
Zip
TLDR
I'm curious, how folks go about balancing "gaining status" with "using miles"? It appears, at least to this beginner, that the two are in direct conflict with one another, in that using miles typically results in few or no EQM/EQD earned, negatively impacting ability to reach or maintain status...
Longer version
I just started flying regularly for work domestically in 2018, usually take a trip or two for vacation as well, and was close enough at the end of the year that I learned about and executed my first mileage run... By their powers combined, I landed a shiny new Platinum Pro status for 2019! This travel also netted me about 120k RDM, and I do want to benefit from them. But now I'm torn, because I want to make EXP in 2019, and it seems that using miles in any way on flights will drastically reduce (mile+copay upgrade on a cash ticket) or even eliminate (award ticket) any EQM/EQD earnings. Is there a smart way to leverage miles while still growing and maintaining status? How do you go about balancing the two?
Cheers,
Zip
Jan 5, 2019, 1:19 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NC
Programs: AA, Marriott/SPG, AMEX
Posts: 272
I need help deciphering how many EQM and EQD can/will be earned. This is an example for an upcoming flight.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Jan 5, 2019, 3:07 pm
#24
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
To determine flown (base) miles, see Great Circle Mapper - but as they’re shown on your record, use that. E.g. on O class fare flying 3,546 miles, 3,456 EQM.
You can figure EQM from that, depending on marketing airline and fare basis. (On airline partner marketed fares, you can figure EQD as a percentage of base miles counted.)
For AA accruals see https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp
Your EQD is based on the actual fare displayed, not counting taxes. (The amount of EQD was likely displayed just before you purchased, and might also be viewable on your receipt (which you can usually get on aa.com once the flights have ticketed) or on the refunds site, https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/.) At AA O class, you’ll earn $132.
For BA accruals if you had BA marketed flights (you don’t) you’d see https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...sh-airways.jsp
You can figure EQM from that, depending on marketing airline and fare basis. (On airline partner marketed fares, you can figure EQD as a percentage of base miles counted.)
For AA accruals see https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp
Your EQD is based on the actual fare displayed, not counting taxes. (The amount of EQD was likely displayed just before you purchased, and might also be viewable on your receipt (which you can usually get on aa.com once the flights have ticketed) or on the refunds site, https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/.) At AA O class, you’ll earn $132.
For BA accruals if you had BA marketed flights (you don’t) you’d see https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...sh-airways.jsp
Jan 5, 2019, 5:54 pm
#25
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Agree. Non-revenue is an industry term for travel on the benefits accorded to an airline employee or when an employee is traveling for work. An award ticket is definitely a revenue ticket - one that is paid in miles as opposed to actual currency.
Jan 5, 2019, 6:56 pm
#26
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 11
AA Award Availability on QF vs. AwardNexus
Hi, I'm planning on booking economy award tickets on JAL from JFK-GMP using AA miles in April 2019, but while availability is showing up on Qanta's website, AwardNexus gives an error saying that no MileSAAver awards are available for those dates. Does that mean no awards can be used? Thanks for your help in advance.
Jan 5, 2019, 7:00 pm
#27
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, I'm planning on booking economy award tickets on JAL from JFK-GMP using AA miles in April 2019, but while availability is showing up on Qanta's website, AwardNexus gives an error saying that no MileSAAver awards are available for those dates. Does that mean no awards can be used? Thanks for your help in advance.
Jan 5, 2019, 7:02 pm
#28
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 11
Thanks for the quick reply and for the information; will do.
Jan 6, 2019, 7:14 am
#29
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: West Sussex, UK
Programs: BAEC, Silver
Posts: 148
I’ll shortly be flying my first AA flight, from MIA-LIR.
I’m travelling in Business, and have a few question regarding it.
Having never flown AA before, let alone AA Business, what the dress code? I.e formal wear as it business, smart casual, or just anything?
Ive walked into business cabins on other airlines and been scowled at for wearing shorts and t-shirt, even in the Caribbean!
Also, am I eligible for lounge access in MIA?
I’m travelling in Business, and have a few question regarding it.
Having never flown AA before, let alone AA Business, what the dress code? I.e formal wear as it business, smart casual, or just anything?
Ive walked into business cabins on other airlines and been scowled at for wearing shorts and t-shirt, even in the Caribbean!
Also, am I eligible for lounge access in MIA?
Jan 6, 2019, 7:31 am
#30
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’ll shortly be flying my first AA flight, from MIA-LIR.
I’m travelling in Business, and have a few question regarding it.
Having never flown AA before, let alone AA Business, what the dress code? I.e formal wear as it business, smart casual, or just anything?
Ive walked into business cabins on other airlines and been scowled at for wearing shorts and t-shirt, even in the Caribbean!
Also, am I eligible for lounge access in MIA?
I’m travelling in Business, and have a few question regarding it.
Having never flown AA before, let alone AA Business, what the dress code? I.e formal wear as it business, smart casual, or just anything?
Ive walked into business cabins on other airlines and been scowled at for wearing shorts and t-shirt, even in the Caribbean!
Also, am I eligible for lounge access in MIA?
You will have Flagship Lounge (near D30, iirc) lounge access and on arrival you can stop by the Arrivals Lounge (closes at 2 pm, after immigration and customs on the second floor - look for signs) for breakfast, a shower, even have your clothes pressed.