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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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.)
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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.
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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)
Sep 5, 2019, 12:44 am
#1471
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
There are two different (Zodiac and Super Diamond) seats used in the two current versions of 772.
Sep 5, 2019, 1:22 am
#1472
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
Aircraft guide: Which 777-200ER / 772 / 777? (2019 on)
There are two different (Zodiac and Super Diamond) seats used in the two current versions of 772.
There are two different (Zodiac and Super Diamond) seats used in the two current versions of 772.
But what I found odd when they changed our flight was that they changed the departure by several hours - which at first I didn't think much of, it actually meant we did not have to get up so early, which was good.
BUT...there was a flight very, very close to our original time which was designated on AA.com as "Flagship", which had an F section that was one row of seats on each side, then a larger business section. Not sure where we would have been seated on that (we got SaverBusiness/First mileage tickets). Any reason why we should ask for that particular flight? (since as I said it was really close to our original departure)?
Sep 5, 2019, 1:24 am
#1473
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 132
I'm headed to DFW and booked AA1004 and AA1535 to do this in November. I specifically booked because it said the flight was on a 787. Someone told me that they wont actually be flying that plane and it would be switched out to a 737.
If that is the case, would I be entitled to a refund? Also, why do they list a 787 if they know they won't use it?
If that is the case, would I be entitled to a refund? Also, why do they list a 787 if they know they won't use it?
Sep 5, 2019, 3:55 am
#1474
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
While I truly appreciate the link, I'm more confused than ever. Also looked at a bunch of 772 videos and honestly I think there might be a chance we'll be going backwards (or at least one of us). I can't worry about it, que sera sera.
But what I found odd when they changed our flight was that they changed the departure by several hours - which at first I didn't think much of, it actually meant we did not have to get up so early, which was good.
BUT...there was a flight very, very close to our original time which was designated on AA.com as "Flagship", which had an F section that was one row of seats on each side, then a larger business section. Not sure where we would have been seated on that (we got SaverBusiness/First mileage tickets). Any reason why we should ask for that particular flight? (since as I said it was really close to our original departure)?
But what I found odd when they changed our flight was that they changed the departure by several hours - which at first I didn't think much of, it actually meant we did not have to get up so early, which was good.
BUT...there was a flight very, very close to our original time which was designated on AA.com as "Flagship", which had an F section that was one row of seats on each side, then a larger business section. Not sure where we would have been seated on that (we got SaverBusiness/First mileage tickets). Any reason why we should ask for that particular flight? (since as I said it was really close to our original departure)?
EDIT: More info on the A321T on LAX/MIA here. https://onemileatatime.com/ameircan-a321t-mia-lax/
Last edited by flyingeph12; Sep 5, 2019 at 4:08 am Reason: Added link
Sep 5, 2019, 4:04 am
#1475
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I'm headed to DFW and booked AA1004 and AA1535 to do this in November. I specifically booked because it said the flight was on a 787. Someone told me that they wont actually be flying that plane and it would be switched out to a 737.
If that is the case, would I be entitled to a refund? Also, why do they list a 787 if they know they won't use it?
If that is the case, would I be entitled to a refund? Also, why do they list a 787 if they know they won't use it?
Sep 5, 2019, 7:51 am
#1476
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I believe AA is using the A321T for one of its LAX/MIA flights for a few weeks this holiday season. That plane has 3 cabins, with an F cabin consisting of seats in a 1-1 configuration. With Saver Business/First award tickets, you would be seated in the J cabin, which is 2-2. I think the J seats on the 772 are slightly better (even the ones that are connected to each other and rock), but the J seats on the A321T are probably more ideal for a couple traveling together. Additionally, J on the A321T will give you access to the Flagship Lounges in LAX and MIA, whereas J on the 772 will not (since only 3-cabin flights on the A321T—or 77W—are considered "premium" transcon flights).
EDIT: More info on the A321T on LAX/MIA here. https://onemileatatime.com/ameircan-a321t-mia-lax/
EDIT: More info on the A321T on LAX/MIA here. https://onemileatatime.com/ameircan-a321t-mia-lax/
However, I think we're going to stick with the 772 for several reasons:
Don't have to get up as early (IIRC we chose the early flight originally because of the award availability)
Lunch rather than breakfast (breakfast food to us is so boring, anywhere)
We wouldn't utilize the Flagship lounge anyway because of the timing - we'd never get to the airport early enough
We really want to see what it's like to fly on one of the new (to us) weird configurations (we've decided even though we probably won't be able to comfortably interact as usual it's fine)
Thank you again.
Sep 5, 2019, 7:55 am
#1477
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 159
Quick, dumb question...if I book a mixed PE itinerary (E fare) on AA with a segment flown on JL, does that segment accrue EQD based on the fare (i.e. the AA method) or based on 20% of the distance flown which is what the AA-JL partner site describes ( https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp )? Booking is done via AA.
Sep 5, 2019, 9:45 am
#1478
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Quick, dumb question...if I book a mixed PE itinerary (E fare) on AA with a segment flown on JL, does that segment accrue EQD based on the fare (i.e. the AA method) or based on 20% of the distance flown which is what the AA-JL partner site describes ( https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...n-airlines.jsp )? Booking is done via AA.
So if it's an AA flight number but operated by JL it will still earn according to the AA table. If it's a JL flight number it will earn according to the JL table.
Sep 5, 2019, 10:47 am
#1479
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 159
With AA earning it doesn't matter where the booking was done, all that matters is the flight number you book.
So if it's an AA flight number but operated by JL it will still earn according to the AA table. If it's a JL flight number it will earn according to the JL table.
So if it's an AA flight number but operated by JL it will still earn according to the AA table. If it's a JL flight number it will earn according to the JL table.
Sep 5, 2019, 12:04 pm
#1480
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,438
First time using gold perks
Got the "free trial" of gold status and have a flight next month LAX-ORD-SDF. My employer paid for a coach ticket, so I got no perks or anything via my own credit cards.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
Sep 5, 2019, 12:14 pm
#1481
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
If you log onto your reservation on AA.com you should be able to select preferred seats, and request upgrades from there. All flights under 500 miles are auto-requested for upgrades without you having to do anything else. The earlier boarding group should happen automatically when you check in.
Sep 5, 2019, 12:17 pm
#1482
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Got the "free trial" of gold status and have a flight next month LAX-ORD-SDF. My employer paid for a coach ticket, so I got no perks or anything via my own credit cards.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
You can pull up your reservation at aa.com and select preferred seats for no charge. You can also select which flights you would like to request an upgrade on. LAX-ORD is probably unlikely as a Gold but would require 4 500-mi. upgrades should it clear. ORD-SDF is under 500 miles, so this upgrade would be auto-requested as it's complimentary for all elites if it clears. Once you check-in your boarding pass will reflect your status and let you use any priority security lanes and priority boarding (as a Gold you will be Group 4).
Sep 5, 2019, 12:38 pm
#1483
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
As long as your AA# is in your reservation then most benefits will come automatically, no need to call or anything.
You can pull up your reservation at aa.com and select preferred seats for no charge. You can also select which flights you would like to request an upgrade on. LAX-ORD is probably unlikely as a Gold but would require 4 500-mi. upgrades should it clear. ORD-SDF is under 500 miles, so this upgrade would be auto-requested as it's complimentary for all elites if it clears. Once you check-in your boarding pass will reflect your status and let you use any priority security lanes and priority boarding (as a Gold you will be Group 4).
You can pull up your reservation at aa.com and select preferred seats for no charge. You can also select which flights you would like to request an upgrade on. LAX-ORD is probably unlikely as a Gold but would require 4 500-mi. upgrades should it clear. ORD-SDF is under 500 miles, so this upgrade would be auto-requested as it's complimentary for all elites if it clears. Once you check-in your boarding pass will reflect your status and let you use any priority security lanes and priority boarding (as a Gold you will be Group 4).
Sep 5, 2019, 12:55 pm
#1484
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
Got the "free trial" of gold status and have a flight next month LAX-ORD-SDF. My employer paid for a coach ticket, so I got no perks or anything via my own credit cards.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
Never had status before, so I read the perks of gold membership and saw all the benefits. My question is, how do I take advantage of these? For example, do I call AA and ask for an upgrade, a preferred seat, earlier boarding, etc.? I see there is an "auto-requested" upgrade, so does calling help me at all?
Thanks for any tips.
Sep 5, 2019, 2:04 pm
#1485
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
Although on any multi-leg trips I have to check before each individual leg at T-24h for the MCE seats. But the AA app makes it easy to change your seat as higher level elites get upgraded into first to grab a good MCE seat.