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
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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.
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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)
Mar 7, 2019, 8:57 pm
#376
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 22
price and route questions
Hello,
I'm new to this forum, and a lifetime platinum AA member who got that status by using the AA credit card; I fly less than six times a year.
(Platinum status seems to have been devalued greatly in the last few years.)
1. I am hoping to fly first class to Asia and back in the fall - looking to start/end in Vientiane with Singapore at the other end. The AA site shows ticket prices ($10K to $14K) but no award tickets to Vientiane.. I presume this is because first class award seats on partners are sometimes non-existent. In 2006 I called AA two to three times a day, every day for three months, waiting for a first class award seat from Sydney to the USA to open up after I spend the miles for a first class seat in hope of one becoming available - it never did, but a sympathetic gate agent gave me one on boarding (I had already spent the miles for first class months previously.)
So now my strategy is to fly AA to a nearby Asian city, such as Hanoi, then take a short flight or train to Vientiane. I've looked at the online American Airline's "Where We Fly" map but apparently it does not show One World Partners - for example, Hong Kong is not part of the map. Is there an online map which shows AA routes, including One World Partners? I'd like to try and determine which gateway cities from the USA are possible for flights to Asian destinations. Of course, if business or first class award seats aren't available on a given partner, it becomes moot.
2. I went to book a RSW to PHL first class ticket - it was $875. Put it on hold and then looked again the next day. Price had dropped to $750 so I tried to book it but could not because the earlier $875 ticket was still on hold. By the time I cancelled the on hold ticket and finally got back to the booking page, the price had dropped again to $550. Which makes me ask, when someone else cancels a ticket or on hold ticket, does it become available at the original price (which might be the lowest bucket level) or at the prevailing price at the time of cancellation (which could be the highest level)?
Thanks,
Greg
I'm new to this forum, and a lifetime platinum AA member who got that status by using the AA credit card; I fly less than six times a year.
(Platinum status seems to have been devalued greatly in the last few years.)
1. I am hoping to fly first class to Asia and back in the fall - looking to start/end in Vientiane with Singapore at the other end. The AA site shows ticket prices ($10K to $14K) but no award tickets to Vientiane.. I presume this is because first class award seats on partners are sometimes non-existent. In 2006 I called AA two to three times a day, every day for three months, waiting for a first class award seat from Sydney to the USA to open up after I spend the miles for a first class seat in hope of one becoming available - it never did, but a sympathetic gate agent gave me one on boarding (I had already spent the miles for first class months previously.)
So now my strategy is to fly AA to a nearby Asian city, such as Hanoi, then take a short flight or train to Vientiane. I've looked at the online American Airline's "Where We Fly" map but apparently it does not show One World Partners - for example, Hong Kong is not part of the map. Is there an online map which shows AA routes, including One World Partners? I'd like to try and determine which gateway cities from the USA are possible for flights to Asian destinations. Of course, if business or first class award seats aren't available on a given partner, it becomes moot.
2. I went to book a RSW to PHL first class ticket - it was $875. Put it on hold and then looked again the next day. Price had dropped to $750 so I tried to book it but could not because the earlier $875 ticket was still on hold. By the time I cancelled the on hold ticket and finally got back to the booking page, the price had dropped again to $550. Which makes me ask, when someone else cancels a ticket or on hold ticket, does it become available at the original price (which might be the lowest bucket level) or at the prevailing price at the time of cancellation (which could be the highest level)?
Thanks,
Greg
Mar 7, 2019, 9:11 pm
#377
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
Hello,
I'm new to this forum, and a lifetime platinum AA member who got that status by using the AA credit card; I fly less than six times a year.
(Platinum status seems to have been devalued greatly in the last few years.)
1. I am hoping to fly first class to Asia and back in the fall - looking to start/end in Vientiane with Singapore at the other end. The AA site shows ticket prices ($10K to $14K) but no award tickets to Vientiane.. I presume this is because first class award seats on partners are sometimes non-existent. In 2006 I called AA two to three times a day, every day for three months, waiting for a first class award seat from Sydney to the USA to open up after I spend the miles for a first class seat in hope of one becoming available - it never did, but a sympathetic gate agent gave me one on boarding (I had already spent the miles for first class months previously.)
So now my strategy is to fly AA to a nearby Asian city, such as Hanoi, then take a short flight or train to Vientiane. I've looked at the online American Airline's "Where We Fly" map but apparently it does not show One World Partners - for example, Hong Kong is not part of the map. Is there an online map which shows AA routes, including One World Partners? I'd like to try and determine which gateway cities from the USA are possible for flights to Asian destinations. Of course, if business or first class award seats aren't available on a given partner, it becomes moot.
2. I went to book a RSW to PHL first class ticket - it was $875. Put it on hold and then looked again the next day. Price had dropped to $750 so I tried to book it but could not because the earlier $875 ticket was still on hold. By the time I cancelled the on hold ticket and finally got back to the booking page, the price had dropped again to $550. Which makes me ask, when someone else cancels a ticket or on hold ticket, does it become available at the original price (which might be the lowest bucket level) or at the prevailing price at the time of cancellation (which could be the highest level)?
Thanks,
Greg
I'm new to this forum, and a lifetime platinum AA member who got that status by using the AA credit card; I fly less than six times a year.
(Platinum status seems to have been devalued greatly in the last few years.)
1. I am hoping to fly first class to Asia and back in the fall - looking to start/end in Vientiane with Singapore at the other end. The AA site shows ticket prices ($10K to $14K) but no award tickets to Vientiane.. I presume this is because first class award seats on partners are sometimes non-existent. In 2006 I called AA two to three times a day, every day for three months, waiting for a first class award seat from Sydney to the USA to open up after I spend the miles for a first class seat in hope of one becoming available - it never did, but a sympathetic gate agent gave me one on boarding (I had already spent the miles for first class months previously.)
So now my strategy is to fly AA to a nearby Asian city, such as Hanoi, then take a short flight or train to Vientiane. I've looked at the online American Airline's "Where We Fly" map but apparently it does not show One World Partners - for example, Hong Kong is not part of the map. Is there an online map which shows AA routes, including One World Partners? I'd like to try and determine which gateway cities from the USA are possible for flights to Asian destinations. Of course, if business or first class award seats aren't available on a given partner, it becomes moot.
2. I went to book a RSW to PHL first class ticket - it was $875. Put it on hold and then looked again the next day. Price had dropped to $750 so I tried to book it but could not because the earlier $875 ticket was still on hold. By the time I cancelled the on hold ticket and finally got back to the booking page, the price had dropped again to $550. Which makes me ask, when someone else cancels a ticket or on hold ticket, does it become available at the original price (which might be the lowest bucket level) or at the prevailing price at the time of cancellation (which could be the highest level)?
Thanks,
Greg
First, I’d recommend the HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance thread (link), and in particular reading the Wikipost at the top of the page. It has a lot of useful information, including how to search for airkines you might find award seats on but don’t show up on aa.com. Cathay Pacific / CX flies to Hong Kong, so does American, and CX affiliate Cathay Dragon flies to VTE.
Even more detailed rules in the Wikipost of AA oneworld & Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (master thd).
For an interactive map and schedule, check the Innosked oneworld interactive route map: oneworld Online Timetable
And you are correct. There are low cost carriers connecting Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. to VTE.
Second, flights can change prices upward or downward. They tend to start high, and then drop as discounted fares with restrictions are added in, then climb again as those fare allocations are taken up or certain conditions expire (such as required 14 day or more advanced purchase).
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 7, 2019 at 9:19 pm
Mar 8, 2019, 4:56 am
#378
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: England - UK
Posts: 512
I'm thinking of diversifying my miles portfolio and think AA looks suitable but all I see on the calendar is the points necessary for redemption but not the taxes and fees. Hopefully you don't have to join to find out this stuff as I can't join at the moment as it keeps kicking our address out when I try to register. Will the costs be the same if I look the flight up on ITA matrix?
Mar 8, 2019, 5:13 am
#379
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
I'm thinking of diversifying my miles portfolio and think AA looks suitable but all I see on the calendar is the points necessary for redemption but not the taxes and fees. Hopefully you don't have to join to find out this stuff as I can't join at the moment as it keeps kicking our address out when I try to register. Will the costs be the same if I look the flight up on ITA matrix?
Mar 8, 2019, 5:54 am
#380
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: England - UK
Posts: 512
DOH-BHX
Mar 8, 2019, 5:58 am
#381
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exp
Posts: 519
thanks
Mar 8, 2019, 9:26 am
#383
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA Ex-Plat, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 670
If I book AA metal on the BA website with BA flight #s , will I be able to pick seats as an AA Platinum Pro? I'm booking in premium economy, so it seems to make sense to do so to get more EQDs, as long as I can pick seats.
Mar 8, 2019, 9:35 am
#384
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
If I book AA metal on the BA website with BA flight #s , will I be able to pick seats as an AA Platinum Pro? I'm booking in premium economy, so it seems to make sense to do so to get more EQDs, as long as I can pick seats.
Silver /oneworld Sapphire: Free seat selection from the time of booking
for everyone in your booking*.
Mar 8, 2019, 11:27 am
#385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
Mar 8, 2019, 11:34 am
#386
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
Curious. The other question is at what point do they take the seat out of inventory? There was a lot of debate on FT about this a while back but I don't remember the conclusion, other than that it was quite early in the process. One would hope that they put it back when you drop the "reservation".
Mar 8, 2019, 11:41 am
#387
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA Ex-Plat, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 670
Thanks, I was just making sure that AA wasn't going to penalize me for booking on BA. I never know what the rules are any more.
Mar 8, 2019, 2:00 pm
#388
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
Mar 8, 2019, 2:06 pm
#389
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: England - UK
Posts: 512
Thanks for your help everyone, twitter advice was to clear cache 
Mar 8, 2019, 9:00 pm
#390
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Lincoln, UK
Programs: BA Gold, TK, DL, IHG Diamond, HHonours Gold, Hertz Presidents Club
Posts: 497
I am hoping I might get into DFW early enough to catch the earlier flight to AUS then what I have booked.
If I put myself on the standby list for the earlier flight and I don't make the earlier flight will I still keep my seat for the later flight?
If I put myself on the standby list for the earlier flight and I don't make the earlier flight will I still keep my seat for the later flight?