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)
Feb 26, 2019, 11:14 am
#331
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
The key to your statement is "timely manner". The original post was asking if it mattered if someone checked in late or early. I was pointing out that it does matter. And the compensation given for being bumped doesn't help if you needed to make that flight, but waited to check in at the desk or kiosk at the airport 45 minutes before the flight. Especially if you are one of the last ones to check in.
Feb 26, 2019, 12:28 pm
#332
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: 52,574
At first, she said I'd just have to fly 1 Iberia segment, making it sound like I could change it. So I suggested MCI-MIA-MAD (not really knowing if that's even feasible). Then she said no, it has to be LHR-MAD.Then I asked if being at a hub airport, at a Customer Service Center, would help, and she said "Maybe...they can do things I can't." So that's my next step - I'll be in Phoenix later today. She also suggested I could cancel the entire itinerary and get a redeposit and refund, but I'd rather not do that.
After that, I guess it's Twitter? Unless there's some secret backdoor phone number to a different department that won't put me on indefinite hold...
This used to be much easier. They cancel your flight or move it by greater than an hour or two, you get a reasonable rebooking. It's like they're inventing ways to be unfriendly on purpose, and I don't know to what end.
Feb 26, 2019, 12:37 pm
#333
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
I booked an award ticket on Hawaiian air via AA, but I can't seem to access my trip on the Hawaiian air site using the record locator from AA. Do I just need to wait longer?
Feb 26, 2019, 1:01 pm
#334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Has AA already issued the award ticket (i.e., do you already have a ticket number beginning with "001")? If so, you need to get the Hawaiian record locator. AA can give it to you.
Feb 26, 2019, 1:03 pm
#335
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
You will have to call AA or HA and ask for your HA record locator. You could also try to look up the reservation using your ticket number, but the website might not be set up to recognize reservations with tickets issued by AA (tickets numbers starting with 001 are AA issued tickets, regardless of operating carrier).
Feb 26, 2019, 2:40 pm
#336
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
Thanks guys! Was able to use the ticket number to find my reservation.
Feb 26, 2019, 7:40 pm
#337
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Well, now I've had strike #2 . Agent at MCI says that I cannot change anything because of the Iberia segment. At first, she said I'd just have to fly 1 Iberia segment, making it sound like I could change it. So I suggested MCI-MIA-MAD (not really knowing if that's even feasible). Then she said no, it has to be LHR-MAD.
Then I asked if being at a hub airport, at a Customer Service Center, would help, and she said "Maybe...they can do things I can't." So that's my next step - I'll be in Phoenix later today. She also suggested I could cancel the entire itinerary and get a redeposit and refund, but I'd rather not do that.
After that, I guess it's Twitter? Unless there's some secret backdoor phone number to a different department that won't put me on indefinite hold...
This used to be much easier. They cancel your flight or move it by greater than an hour or two, you get a reasonable rebooking. It's like they're inventing ways to be unfriendly on purpose, and I don't know to what end.
At first, she said I'd just have to fly 1 Iberia segment, making it sound like I could change it. So I suggested MCI-MIA-MAD (not really knowing if that's even feasible). Then she said no, it has to be LHR-MAD.Then I asked if being at a hub airport, at a Customer Service Center, would help, and she said "Maybe...they can do things I can't." So that's my next step - I'll be in Phoenix later today. She also suggested I could cancel the entire itinerary and get a redeposit and refund, but I'd rather not do that.
After that, I guess it's Twitter? Unless there's some secret backdoor phone number to a different department that won't put me on indefinite hold...
This used to be much easier. They cancel your flight or move it by greater than an hour or two, you get a reasonable rebooking. It's like they're inventing ways to be unfriendly on purpose, and I don't know to what end.
You need to call the normal AA reservations number, the same one you tried the first time. Tell them there was a schedule change on your itinerary, the new flight now leaves too early, and ask to put on the option through DFW. If you get another bad agent who insists there must be award availability on the new flight, just thank them and HUCA.
It's annoying to have to HUCA several times, but unfortunately with AA these days it's often the game you have to play in order to get the correct results.
Feb 27, 2019, 9:01 am
#338
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,090
I was on a paid first AA transcontinental flight last week that was delayed and then cancelled due to weather, and was rebooked on a much later flight in economy (no first was available at that point). I realize I could have refused and gotten a refund, but chose not to do so, and the IRROPs was on account of weather. However, if I complain, is there any chance of some downgrade compensation in miles or e-certificates?
Feb 27, 2019, 9:04 am
#339
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
I was on a paid first AA transcontinental flight last week that was delayed and then cancelled due to weather, and was rebooked on a much later flight in economy (no first was available at that point). I realize I could have refused and gotten a refund, but chose not to do so, and the IRROPs was on account of weather. However, if I complain, is there any chance of some downgrade compensation in miles or e-certificates?
Feb 27, 2019, 9:08 am
#340
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 was on a paid first AA transcontinental flight last week that was delayed and then cancelled due to weather, and was rebooked on a much later flight in economy (no first was available at that point). I realize I could have refused and gotten a refund, but chose not to do so, and the IRROPs was on account of weather. However, if I complain, is there any chance of some downgrade compensation in miles or e-certificates?
Any compensation might depend on your detailed fare rules. If in essence your fare was considered an “instant upgrade” or the rules stipulated you could wait for an available seat but could take an earlier flight in Economy if that was available, you might get a few miles in your account - but I’d not count on that.
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...aster-thd.html
Feb 27, 2019, 12:41 pm
#341
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Bangalore, San Francisco
Programs: CathayPacific, Lufthansa, AA, United
Posts: 19
Feb 27, 2019, 2:08 pm
#342
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
See Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc. master thread
Feb 27, 2019, 3:18 pm
#343
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: 52,574
For a future schedule change on an award ticket like this you do not need to be asking agents in person at the airport. They will not be able to help and will just make stuff up like the agent you evidently talked to at MCI.
You need to call the normal AA reservations number, the same one you tried the first time. Tell them there was a schedule change on your itinerary, the new flight now leaves too early, and ask to put on the option through DFW. If you get another bad agent who insists there must be award availability on the new flight, just thank them and HUCA.
It's annoying to have to HUCA several times, but unfortunately with AA these days it's often the game you have to play in order to get the correct results.
You need to call the normal AA reservations number, the same one you tried the first time. Tell them there was a schedule change on your itinerary, the new flight now leaves too early, and ask to put on the option through DFW. If you get another bad agent who insists there must be award availability on the new flight, just thank them and HUCA.
It's annoying to have to HUCA several times, but unfortunately with AA these days it's often the game you have to play in order to get the correct results.
Is there any DoT guidance on this? I've never made a government complaint before but this is begging for one. How can an airline sell a ticket for a 1PM flight, then switch it to hours earlier, and then refuse a reasonable reaccommodation when plenty of seats in the cabin are available? Same exact fare basis is almost never available.
Feb 27, 2019, 6:33 pm
#344
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: COU
Programs: AA EXP, Bonvoy Ambassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 499
Well I've been around a while I guess, but this seemed as good a place as any to ask something I'm sure has been asked/answered lots but my (ok, admittedly cursory) searching didn't find?
What's up with "kettles" exactly? I mean I get that it's a derogatory term for uninformed/inexperienced/just-not-with-it flyers. But what's the etymology here or what analogy is being made?
What's up with "kettles" exactly? I mean I get that it's a derogatory term for uninformed/inexperienced/just-not-with-it flyers. But what's the etymology here or what analogy is being made?
Feb 27, 2019, 8:05 pm
#345
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Well I've been around a while I guess, but this seemed as good a place as any to ask something I'm sure has been asked/answered lots but my (ok, admittedly cursory) searching didn't find?
What's up with "kettles" exactly? I mean I get that it's a derogatory term for uninformed/inexperienced/just-not-with-it flyers. But what's the etymology here or what analogy is being made?
What's up with "kettles" exactly? I mean I get that it's a derogatory term for uninformed/inexperienced/just-not-with-it flyers. But what's the etymology here or what analogy is being made?