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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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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To prevent this from occurring, please note we try to:
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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.
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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)
Feb 22, 2019, 9:06 am
#316
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,932
However if you are able to get the Citi credit card, which gives you membership for $450, you can add an additional user who will get access free of charge.
Feb 22, 2019, 10:53 am
#317
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
I have the Citi card, and my husband is able to use the membership without me. he has his card and I have mine (same account).
Feb 22, 2019, 11:34 am
#318
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,460
I just called and asked to change to the 2:15 to PHX - Saver seats available in First on leg 1 then coach on leg 2. The agent said I would have to pay $150 per ticket (separate PNR’s) to downgrade leg 2; does this sound right?
Feb 22, 2019, 1:26 pm
#319
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,932
The rule is that a change that requires a new ticket requires the re-deposit fee to be paid. I think that the two PNRs doesn't make a difference. If the re-deposit is to the same account then it is $175 but if it is to two accounts then it is 2x$150.
Feb 22, 2019, 5:35 pm
#320
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
That’s what I assumed, but these 2 points on the T&C’s confused me:
- Membership includes access by either immediate family members (spouse or domestic partner and children under eighteen (18) years of age) or up to two (2) guests. Access by immediate family members or guests applies only when such individuals accompany the Member.
- In connection with an annual membership purchase, a spouse or spousal equivalent/domestic partner may be added to your membership. You shall be required to certify the identity of, and certain other facts regarding, your spouse or spousal equivalent/domestic partner using a spouse/spousal equivalency certification made available by American when you enroll. If the membership of the primary member in a household is canceled, the spouse or spousal equivalent/domestic partner membership is canceled as well.
The 2nd bullet point appears to be regarding household memberships, whereby previously you could add a spouse as a full member for a discounted rate. This evidently was discontinued on Feb. 1, so those T&C's probably just haven't been updated yet if I had to guess.
As mentioned above, the Citi Executive card can be the way to go here. If you get the card, you have a full AC membership as the primary cardholder, and you can add your spouse (or anyone) as an authorized user, and they will have AC access privileges even when not traveling with you.
Feb 24, 2019, 11:02 am
#321
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 22
Checking in
Had trouble searching for this one on the wiki... is there value in checking in right at the T-24h mark, as opposed to checking in 2 hours before, as opposed to checking in at the airport kiosk upon physical arrival at the airport?
Related question - at what time do sticker upgrades switch from (potentially) clearing automatically to the Gate Agent's purview?
Thanks!
Related question - at what time do sticker upgrades switch from (potentially) clearing automatically to the Gate Agent's purview?
Thanks!
Feb 24, 2019, 11:28 am
#322
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
Had trouble searching for this one on the wiki... is there value in checking in right at the T-24h mark, as opposed to checking in 2 hours before, as opposed to checking in at the airport kiosk upon physical arrival at the airport?
Related question - at what time do sticker upgrades switch from (potentially) clearing automatically to the Gate Agent's purview?
Thanks!
Related question - at what time do sticker upgrades switch from (potentially) clearing automatically to the Gate Agent's purview?
Thanks!
Feb 25, 2019, 9:45 am
#323
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 394
Can't answer your second question, but as for value in checking in as early as possible...it's all about seats and NOT being bumped. If the plane is oversold, and they need to force bump, they start with those who checked in last and work their way up. Also, if you haven't already reserved your seat, checking in sooner gives you better choices. Even if you HAVE reserved your seat, if you check in late (maybe weather delay or long line or computers down), your seat WILL be given away. I tell everyone, ALWAYS check in as soon as you can (T-24 is best). Less stress, less likely to get bumped, better choice in seats (or better chance of KEEPING said seats).
Feb 25, 2019, 11:04 am
#324
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
Quite sure. Seen it happen often enough to other people, that I made a mental note of it years ago. I've seen seats given away and seen people be forced to take later flights because they were bumped because they checked in late or at the counter and were not given a seat at check in. It happens all of the time.
Feb 25, 2019, 5:58 pm
#325
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Can't answer your second question, but as for value in checking in as early as possible...it's all about seats and NOT being bumped. If the plane is oversold, and they need to force bump, they start with those who checked in last and work their way up. Also, if you haven't already reserved your seat, checking in sooner gives you better choices. Even if you HAVE reserved your seat, if you check in late (maybe weather delay or long line or computers down), your seat WILL be given away. I tell everyone, ALWAYS check in as soon as you can (T-24 is best). Less stress, less likely to get bumped, better choice in seats (or better chance of KEEPING said seats).
Quite sure. Seen it happen often enough to other people, that I made a mental note of it years ago. I've seen seats given away and seen people be forced to take later flights because they were bumped because they checked in late or at the counter and were not given a seat at check in. It happens all of the time.
Whether you have a seat assignment or not, with a confirmed reservation, you will get on the flight as long as you arrive at the airport in a timely manner.
Feb 25, 2019, 8:31 pm
#326
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
Hi - I am doing the AA Status Challenge and need to get to 12,500 by May 15. I am now 772 miles short.
In the old days, I would do LGA > DCA or BOS shuttle flights to get the minimum 500 miles - but it's not like that anymore is it?
Can anyone suggest something cheapish I could do to get these final few miles for the Platinum challenge?
In the old days, I would do LGA > DCA or BOS shuttle flights to get the minimum 500 miles - but it's not like that anymore is it?
Can anyone suggest something cheapish I could do to get these final few miles for the Platinum challenge?
Feb 25, 2019, 9:35 pm
#327
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 am doing the AA Status Challenge and need to get to 12,500 by May 15. I am now 772 miles short.
In the old days, I would do LGA > DCA or BOS shuttle flights to get the minimum 500 miles - but it's not like that anymore is it?
Can anyone suggest something cheapish I could do to get these final few miles for the Platinum challenge?
In the old days, I would do LGA > DCA or BOS shuttle flights to get the minimum 500 miles - but it's not like that anymore is it?
Can anyone suggest something cheapish I could do to get these final few miles for the Platinum challenge?
AAdvantage® members have a base of 500 EQMs for flights under 500 miles on American and oneworld® airlines (250 EQMs for flights under 500 miles on Basic Economy fares).^ To calculate final EQMs earned, the multiplier for airline and booking code flown is applied to this base. link
Feb 26, 2019, 7:47 am
#328
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
Question as to what I'm entitled to in terms of rebooking after a canceled flight.
Six months ago, I booked an award trip for May 2019. 3 seats, coach, standard 30k one-way, MCI-MAD via PHL and LHR. MCI-PHL-LHR operated by AA, LHR-MAD operated by Iberia.
Last week, the MCI-PHL flight was canceled. It was a 1:12PM departure, and I've been rebooked on a 10:38AM departure to PHL.
Given that this is greater than 91 minutes' change, I believe I'm entitled to get a rebooking closer to my original flight times. There is a 12:55PM departure that would go via DFW to MAD - one stop, DFW-MAD operated by AA.
Of course that flight doesn't have award seats available - nothing does, and neither did the 10:38AM Philly flight either. But in the past, for a 2+ hour flight time change, I've been able to rebook. I tried phoning last week, got put on hold for 16 minutes, and then got an agent who had no idea what to do. She kept looking for "award availability" when I was trying to explain that this should no longer apply. She did not speak much English and I don't speak much of any other language, so I just thanked her for trying and left my reservation as-is.
Am I right? Am I allowed the change to MCI-DFW-MAD? Both flights are wide open in coach...selling all sorts of fares lower than B. It would save us a connection and save AA the need to put us on another airline's flight for a segment.
I will physically be in PHX today with an opportunity to speak to an agent in person. I just want to make sure I'm asking for something reasonable here.
Six months ago, I booked an award trip for May 2019. 3 seats, coach, standard 30k one-way, MCI-MAD via PHL and LHR. MCI-PHL-LHR operated by AA, LHR-MAD operated by Iberia.
Last week, the MCI-PHL flight was canceled. It was a 1:12PM departure, and I've been rebooked on a 10:38AM departure to PHL.
Given that this is greater than 91 minutes' change, I believe I'm entitled to get a rebooking closer to my original flight times. There is a 12:55PM departure that would go via DFW to MAD - one stop, DFW-MAD operated by AA.
Of course that flight doesn't have award seats available - nothing does, and neither did the 10:38AM Philly flight either. But in the past, for a 2+ hour flight time change, I've been able to rebook. I tried phoning last week, got put on hold for 16 minutes, and then got an agent who had no idea what to do. She kept looking for "award availability" when I was trying to explain that this should no longer apply. She did not speak much English and I don't speak much of any other language, so I just thanked her for trying and left my reservation as-is.
Am I right? Am I allowed the change to MCI-DFW-MAD? Both flights are wide open in coach...selling all sorts of fares lower than B. It would save us a connection and save AA the need to put us on another airline's flight for a segment.
I will physically be in PHX today with an opportunity to speak to an agent in person. I just want to make sure I'm asking for something reasonable here.
Feb 26, 2019, 9:16 am
#329
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
Airlines have largely resorted to more generous voluntary compensation instead of bumping--it's extremely rare on domestic flights today. If you check-in late, you are subject to losing your confirmed reservation--not "late" as in the toward the end of check in window, but "late" as in less than 20-30 minutes before departure.
Whether you have a seat assignment or not, with a confirmed reservation, you will get on the flight as long as you arrive at the airport in a timely manner.
Whether you have a seat assignment or not, with a confirmed reservation, you will get on the flight as long as you arrive at the airport in a timely manner.
Feb 26, 2019, 10:00 am
#330
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
Question as to what I'm entitled to in terms of rebooking after a canceled flight.
Six months ago, I booked an award trip for May 2019. 3 seats, coach, standard 30k one-way, MCI-MAD via PHL and LHR. MCI-PHL-LHR operated by AA, LHR-MAD operated by Iberia.
Last week, the MCI-PHL flight was canceled. It was a 1:12PM departure, and I've been rebooked on a 10:38AM departure to PHL.
Given that this is greater than 91 minutes' change, I believe I'm entitled to get a rebooking closer to my original flight times. There is a 12:55PM departure that would go via DFW to MAD - one stop, DFW-MAD operated by AA.
Of course that flight doesn't have award seats available - nothing does, and neither did the 10:38AM Philly flight either. But in the past, for a 2+ hour flight time change, I've been able to rebook. I tried phoning last week, got put on hold for 16 minutes, and then got an agent who had no idea what to do. She kept looking for "award availability" when I was trying to explain that this should no longer apply. She did not speak much English and I don't speak much of any other language, so I just thanked her for trying and left my reservation as-is.
Am I right? Am I allowed the change to MCI-DFW-MAD? Both flights are wide open in coach...selling all sorts of fares lower than B. It would save us a connection and save AA the need to put us on another airline's flight for a segment.
I will physically be in PHX today with an opportunity to speak to an agent in person. I just want to make sure I'm asking for something reasonable here.
Six months ago, I booked an award trip for May 2019. 3 seats, coach, standard 30k one-way, MCI-MAD via PHL and LHR. MCI-PHL-LHR operated by AA, LHR-MAD operated by Iberia.
Last week, the MCI-PHL flight was canceled. It was a 1:12PM departure, and I've been rebooked on a 10:38AM departure to PHL.
Given that this is greater than 91 minutes' change, I believe I'm entitled to get a rebooking closer to my original flight times. There is a 12:55PM departure that would go via DFW to MAD - one stop, DFW-MAD operated by AA.
Of course that flight doesn't have award seats available - nothing does, and neither did the 10:38AM Philly flight either. But in the past, for a 2+ hour flight time change, I've been able to rebook. I tried phoning last week, got put on hold for 16 minutes, and then got an agent who had no idea what to do. She kept looking for "award availability" when I was trying to explain that this should no longer apply. She did not speak much English and I don't speak much of any other language, so I just thanked her for trying and left my reservation as-is.
Am I right? Am I allowed the change to MCI-DFW-MAD? Both flights are wide open in coach...selling all sorts of fares lower than B. It would save us a connection and save AA the need to put us on another airline's flight for a segment.
I will physically be in PHX today with an opportunity to speak to an agent in person. I just want to make sure I'm asking for something reasonable here.