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?)
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- Canarsie's Using the Search Feature on FlyerTalk: The Definitive Thread has relocated to the Information Desk Forum; it can be found there.
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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.
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)
#181
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PSP
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, United
Posts: 1,081
Interlining checked luggage AA to EY??
Not new to AA or FT but can not find if AA will check luggage thru to EY. Any info is appreciated.
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,920
Different PNR= no
AA thread on bag interlining with OW --->https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2016-a.html
Expect AA to EY will be same as AA to other OW airlines
So if the EY flight has been purchased separately AA will not check luggage through to EY
Edit
Another AA to EY thread (but exactly not the same topic). Look at post 9
AA connecting to EY in BCN - recheck luggage?
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Feb 3, 2019 at 1:27 pm
#183
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
LHR arrivals lounge question
Newbie to AA lounges here. I have access through the world elite credit card, but have only ever use the access domestically. My husband and I are travelling to LHR in may, and I was wondering about the arrivals lounge. We will most likely be coach class. Does my access allow us access for showers and such on arrival? Is the arrivals lounge before we have to go through customs or after? Is the lounge on the front side of security (I saw one on the LHR map) a regular lounge we are able to use? I will be flying into LHR a bit over the next few years, as my son is moving to England in June. Will I be able to take my son and daughter-in-law with me into the lounges? I know my husband can, but can I take all 3 on occasion that we may all be flying together? Thank you in advance for all of the help.
#184
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Newbie to AA lounges here. I have access through the world elite credit card, but have only ever use the access domestically. My husband and I are travelling to LHR in may, and I was wondering about the arrivals lounge. We will most likely be coach class. Does my access allow us access for showers and such on arrival? Is the arrivals lounge before we have to go through customs or after? Is the lounge on the front side of security (I saw one on the LHR map) a regular lounge we are able to use? I will be flying into LHR a bit over the next few years, as my son is moving to England in June. Will I be able to take my son and daughter-in-law with me into the lounges? I know my husband can, but can I take all 3 on occasion that we may all be flying together? Thank you in advance for all of the help.
The AA arrivals lounge is landside and will not be available to you, unless youre one world Emerald - but without guests - or arriving in Business or First.
#185
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 40
What world elite credit card do you have that offers longe access? If its an AA Citi Executive MasterCard, that allows Admirals Class access, and there are showers, as it confers membership. Two guests allowed, if thats your card. If you have another AAdvantage card, you actually dont have lounge access at all, though you can purchase one day passes for everyone.
The AA arrivals lounge is landside and will not be available to you, unless youre one world Emerald - but without guests - or arriving in Business or First.
The AA arrivals lounge is landside and will not be available to you, unless youre one world Emerald - but without guests - or arriving in Business or First.
And I want to make sure that I understand, I CAN go into the Admirals Club after security, and they have showers. And unless we upgrade to Business or First (which we may still do...haven't purchased tickets yet), then we can NOT use the arrivals lounge. Is that correct?
I'm sorry to have so many questions, as I said, the whole international lounge access issues are new to me. Thank you again.
I know I also have complimentary membership to Priority Pass locations with my Hilton card, and have found one in our terminal at LHR. But I wasn't sure which lounges I had access to on the AA side.
Thank you again!
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,792
I will be flying from LHR to DFW in business class on board an AA operated B777-200 in early April. According to the Seat Guru website, there are two 772 business class seating configurations used by American including one where every other window seat in business faces to the rear. I'd much rather being facing forward.
Is American still operating the 772 with this configuration which includes rear facing window seats in business class? Looking at my seat assignment on the aa.com, the seat chart does not indicate which way the seat faces.
Thanks in advance.
Is American still operating the 772 with this configuration which includes rear facing window seats in business class? Looking at my seat assignment on the aa.com, the seat chart does not indicate which way the seat faces.
Thanks in advance.
#187
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,359
I have the AA Citi Executive World Elite MasterCard, which does grant me Admirals Club access membership. I used to be OW Sapphire, but didn't fly enough last 2 years to maintain, so now I'm back to "member" status. Hopefully this year, with multiple trips to England planned, that will change.
And I want to make sure that I understand, I CAN go into the Admirals Club after security, and they have showers. And unless we upgrade to Business or First (which we may still do...haven't purchased tickets yet), then we can NOT use the arrivals lounge. Is that correct?
I'm sorry to have so many questions, as I said, the whole international lounge access issues are new to me. Thank you again.
I know I also have complimentary membership to Priority Pass locations with my Hilton card, and have found one in our terminal at LHR. But I wasn't sure which lounges I had access to on the AA side.
Thank you again!
And I want to make sure that I understand, I CAN go into the Admirals Club after security, and they have showers. And unless we upgrade to Business or First (which we may still do...haven't purchased tickets yet), then we can NOT use the arrivals lounge. Is that correct?
I'm sorry to have so many questions, as I said, the whole international lounge access issues are new to me. Thank you again.
I know I also have complimentary membership to Priority Pass locations with my Hilton card, and have found one in our terminal at LHR. But I wasn't sure which lounges I had access to on the AA side.
Thank you again!
#188
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,359
I will be flying from LHR to DFW in business class on board an AA operated B777-200 in early April. According to the Seat Guru website, there are two 772 business class seating configurations used by American including one where every other window seat in business faces to the rear. I'd much rather being facing forward.
Is American still operating the 772 with this configuration which includes rear facing window seats in business class? Looking at my seat assignment on the aa.com, the seat chart does not indicate which way the seat faces.
Thanks in advance.
Is American still operating the 772 with this configuration which includes rear facing window seats in business class? Looking at my seat assignment on the aa.com, the seat chart does not indicate which way the seat faces.
Thanks in advance.
Aircraft guide: Which 777-200ER / 772 / 777? (2019 on)
#189
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 125
I'm flying
NRT-ORD-DFW-DEN in J next week
From what I see AA pretty purposely blocks any saver space in all cabins 2 weeks prior to departure (I'll still check daily though to try and change prior). Is there any way to same day change/standby for a fee to get the ORD-DEN direct as a worst case? Any tips or tricks or something I"m missing?
I see their rules here are pretty strict on changes. Surely if the plane leaves with empty seats it would make business sense to take a fee and put a standby butt in the seat for the direct?
https://www.aa.com/i18n/plan-travel/...day-travel.jsp
NRT-ORD-DFW-DEN in J next week
From what I see AA pretty purposely blocks any saver space in all cabins 2 weeks prior to departure (I'll still check daily though to try and change prior). Is there any way to same day change/standby for a fee to get the ORD-DEN direct as a worst case? Any tips or tricks or something I"m missing?
I see their rules here are pretty strict on changes. Surely if the plane leaves with empty seats it would make business sense to take a fee and put a standby butt in the seat for the direct?
https://www.aa.com/i18n/plan-travel/...day-travel.jsp
#190
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
business class availability with points
I usually book my flights to europe in economy for me and my family, especially with points. However I am going to london by myself for work, and I really want to book a business or first class flight from PHX to LHR. I am not finding any nonstop in business for early May, only in economy. To be frank, some of these connections suck, with layovers for 6-7 hours.... is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?
#191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,359
I usually book my flights to europe in economy for me and my family, especially with points. However I am going to london by myself for work, and I really want to book a business or first class flight from PHX to LHR. I am not finding any nonstop in business for early May, only in economy. To be frank, some of these connections suck, with layovers for 6-7 hours.... is this normal, or am I doing something wrong?
#192
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
This is completely normal with AA, they are very, very stingy with premium award availability to Europe, especially on AA metal. And May is getting into peak season to Europe, it's definitely unrealistic to expect the "perfect" award routing on the nonstop flight in business. In fact I'd consider yourself lucky if you are able to find any routing in business sAAver to LHR on AA metal that is even close to your dates, even with a 6-7 hr connection. I'd grab that now and keep checking over the coming months to see if anything better opens up.
Last edited by JY1024; Feb 5, 2019 at 9:46 pm
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,359
As to other airlines, you will typically see a lot more first and business award space on BA to LHR, but of course this comes with the ripoff fuel surcharges. If you can get any United miles, availability is generally much better using UA in premium cabins to/from Europe as there are tons more options using *Alliance.
#194
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
thank you! I have quite a few points, but not as much knowledge regarding booking business flights to europe. I read that lufthansa is great for last minute as well. I guess I could always chance it and get a economy flight at the last minute if things dont work out.
#195
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,359
If you are ok with economy class as your fall-back option, then you're much better off to book that now. Assuming your origin and destination don't change, switching from an economy class award to a business class award is a no-fee change. So book a good economy sAAver routing now to get something nailed down, then keep an eye on things, if you do find a business sAAver you can call AA and switch for no fee, just the additional miles.