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!
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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.
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.)
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NOTE: 2019 NEWBIE LOUNGE older posts are here.
The 2018 AA NEWBIE LOUNGE post thread is here
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Thanks for reading!
ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
May 7, 2019, 11:22 am
#721
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Washington D.C.
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 131
May 7, 2019, 8:08 pm
#722
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
Glad you were able to get that straightened out.
The Sabre system is built in antiquated code and it shows.
Prior to the merger, AA had a contract with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to develop an entirely new passenger service system to be called “Jetstream”, but bankruptcy put that idea to rest and Doug Parker chose to use Sabre for AA PSS going forward. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/...ct-termination
The Sabre system is built in antiquated code and it shows.
Prior to the merger, AA had a contract with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to develop an entirely new passenger service system to be called “Jetstream”, but bankruptcy put that idea to rest and Doug Parker chose to use Sabre for AA PSS going forward. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/...ct-termination
May 7, 2019, 10:25 pm
#723
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 79
Hi all -
I have what is probably a basic question, to those who have a better understanding of mileage earning for paid tickets than I do
I registered and qualified for an AA promo: Double miles on Premium Economy, Business and First tickets.
(Register by February 25, 2019, and before you travel; Earn $3,500 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) on Premium Economy, Business or First tickets and fly on qualifying flight; After earning the required EQDs, you’ll earn double award miles on those flights and any others through May 5, 2019).
I took two flights in April post registration, within the promo dates. Below are my miles earned, and I'm unclear why the second flight earned several thousand miles less than the first:
1. DCA->PHX 5937 EQM; $2317 EQD. 11,585 Base Miles; 21,405 Bonus Miles (listed as 11,585 and 9,820, both 'promo' EARN 3.5K EQDS FOR DBL MLS-P319B)
2. PHX->DCA 5937 EQM; $2270 EQD. 11,350 Base Miles; 11,350 Bonus Miles (same promo reference, but only a single one this time).
So I can see that my first flight earned 2 promo bonuses, and I'm wondering if the second should have as-well? Since I don't truly understand the situation I don't feel comfortable reaching out to AA at this time.
Any advice if my current earnings are correct, too high, or too low?
Thanks!
I have what is probably a basic question, to those who have a better understanding of mileage earning for paid tickets than I do
I registered and qualified for an AA promo: Double miles on Premium Economy, Business and First tickets.
(Register by February 25, 2019, and before you travel; Earn $3,500 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) on Premium Economy, Business or First tickets and fly on qualifying flight; After earning the required EQDs, you’ll earn double award miles on those flights and any others through May 5, 2019).
I took two flights in April post registration, within the promo dates. Below are my miles earned, and I'm unclear why the second flight earned several thousand miles less than the first:
1. DCA->PHX 5937 EQM; $2317 EQD. 11,585 Base Miles; 21,405 Bonus Miles (listed as 11,585 and 9,820, both 'promo' EARN 3.5K EQDS FOR DBL MLS-P319B)
2. PHX->DCA 5937 EQM; $2270 EQD. 11,350 Base Miles; 11,350 Bonus Miles (same promo reference, but only a single one this time).
So I can see that my first flight earned 2 promo bonuses, and I'm wondering if the second should have as-well? Since I don't truly understand the situation I don't feel comfortable reaching out to AA at this time.
Any advice if my current earnings are correct, too high, or too low?
Thanks!
May 8, 2019, 7:39 am
#724
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 234
Greetings to all, I would like to know if we shall havelounge access on the following. This is an AA award redemption for 1-way business class flights on american. YUL-PHL connecting to PHL-SXM. I have no status nor *alliance gold. I assume the only lounge I can use is at PHL?
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
May 8, 2019, 7:48 am
#725
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692
This may be a simple question, but if I get downgraded on an international flight on the departure, can I just cancel the entire trip and get my points back?
Thanks
Thanks
May 8, 2019, 7:49 am
#726
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Greetings to all, I would like to know if we shall havelounge access on the following. This is an AA award redemption for 1-way business class flights on american. YUL-PHL connecting to PHL-SXM. I have no status nor *alliance gold. I assume the only lounge I can use is at PHL?
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
May 8, 2019, 7:51 am
#728
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Greetings to all, I would like to know if we shall havelounge access on the following. This is an AA award redemption for 1-way business class flights on american. YUL-PHL connecting to PHL-SXM. I have no status nor *alliance gold. I assume the only lounge I can use is at PHL?
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
At YUL AA doesn't have a lounge or partner with others correct?
Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated!
May 8, 2019, 7:53 am
#729
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Generally speaking yes, although it would help to know to the exact scenario. Just out of curiosity why are you worried about being downgraded?
May 8, 2019, 7:55 am
#730
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 234
Unfortunately, you won't get lounge access at PHL either. Passengers on flights between US and Caribbean do not get lounge access based on cabin of service, so even though you're in Business/First, that will not get you lounge access. The only way to get access is if you are a Oneworld (non-AA) Sapphire or Emerald, or if you purchase a day pass.
May 8, 2019, 8:56 am
#731
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692
I ended up on an MD-80 in those exit seats that are really tight into ORD a couple of weeks ago. My fat A** barely fit, but I can do those length flights in Y with my back. But I could not do TATL without having to lay on the floor.
I don't have enough meds.
May 8, 2019, 9:23 am
#732
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
It's just I read FT a LOT, and there have been quite a few downgrade threads lately. And there is no way with my back I could do TATL in Y.
I ended up on an MD-80 in those exit seats that are really tight into ORD a couple of weeks ago. My fat A** barely fit, but I can do those length flights in Y with my back. But I could not do TATL without having to lay on the floor. I don't have enough meds.
I ended up on an MD-80 in those exit seats that are really tight into ORD a couple of weeks ago. My fat A** barely fit, but I can do those length flights in Y with my back. But I could not do TATL without having to lay on the floor.
I don't have enough meds.In any event I wouldn't worry at all, you will be flying in business.
May 8, 2019, 1:23 pm
#733
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I'm looking to go from the maldives to iceland on an award ticket next summer.
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
May 8, 2019, 2:30 pm
#734
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'm looking to go from the maldives to iceland on an award ticket next summer.
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
. Let’s ultimately take this to where it belongs. Moderator 1) HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance has some important information for MileSAAver awards.
2) AA oneworld & Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (master thd) does as well, both especially in the Wikipost at the top of each thread.
Using the innosked one world interactive route map and schedule (link), the only oneworld airlines serving Keflavik are AA (from DFW), AY (from HEL), BA (from LCY and KHR) and S7 (from DME). You’ll have to connect with one of those (without exceeding Maximum Permitted Miles) and meet the following requirement, as well as finding award space.
The most salient requirement for your proposed preferred routing is that the Most Significant Carrier must offer a through, non-constructed fare for that routing.
Good luck.
May 8, 2019, 2:41 pm
#735
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
I'm looking to go from the maldives to iceland on an award ticket next summer.
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
This is quite a unique award combination, oneworld and AA partner service to MLE and KEF is limited and piecing flights together will further limit your options. Personally I wouldn't get too caught up in trying to book the "best in air experience" but rather just grab whatever you can find that works around your dates.
Also keep in mind the BA surcharges are not that bad starting in MLE. For example I see a MLE-AUH-LHR-KEF on EY/BA with ~$300 in taxes and fees which gets you all the way in business.