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)
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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)
Jun 29, 2019, 5:21 pm
#1066
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,453
Generally speaking, using miles for long haul business or first class will provide the best value relative to what the ticket would cost. Using AA miles, just avoid booking BA for any longhaul segment as you will pay ridiculous surcharges on top of the miles.
With 160k, you could book a roundtrip to Asia for 75k each way, AA's partners QR, CX, JL, and QF all offer service from the UK to Asia. Keep in mind not all partners show up at aa.com for award searches, to book CX or JL for example you need to call AA.
Jun 29, 2019, 6:08 pm
#1067
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
I've found decent luck looking on aa.com. Enter search details at the mid-bottom of the main page. I also encourage you to search for "one way" award availability, not round trip. (I often piece together my itinerary segment by segment.) DO NOT HIT "SEARCH." Instead, click on the Advanced Search link right below the "SEARCH" button.
This will bring you to a better (IMHO), and obviously advanced award search page. It looks for AA and BA award availability. Sometimes I'll see Finnair pop up on here, too.
Once at this page, select the "Redeem Miles" option towards the top, and scroll all the way to the bottom. NOW you click the "SEARCH" button.
Once there, you will see a grid, much like the one pictured below. The calendar you will see at first is only about 7 days. Click the "Show Full Calendar" option in the upper right corner of the calendar, and then select "non-stop" should you wish. The image below shows non-stop, one-way first class saaver award availability between DFW & LHR for this example. You will have to mess around with this tool, but I would say this is your best bet if you're looking for to/from travel to London.
Jun 29, 2019, 6:24 pm
#1068
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AAdvantage---LTGold, DL Skymiles
Posts: 106
2x miles
I received this offer---You’ve been exclusively selected to earn 2X the American Airlines AAdvantage® miles on all your upcoming Premium Economy, Business and First class tickets for travel through October 4, 2019. I'm suspicious of anything which asks for my password. Did anyone else receive this? Thanks
Jun 29, 2019, 8:12 pm
#1069
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,750
We recently flew our first Basic Economy fare MIA-DCA-MIA outbound June 20 inbound June 25.
I saw the miles on the outbound flight posted, together with the Gold bonus. But the inbound flight on June 25 has not posted. Since 3 days have passed on the inbound flight I decided to submit a missing flight mile request.
To my surprise, the website returned with this message
You can only earn miles on certain partner airlines and fares. Award or companion, promotional and reduced-rate tickets are among those excluded.
I saw the miles on the outbound flight posted, together with the Gold bonus. But the inbound flight on June 25 has not posted. Since 3 days have passed on the inbound flight I decided to submit a missing flight mile request.
To my surprise, the website returned with this message
You can only earn miles on certain partner airlines and fares. Award or companion, promotional and reduced-rate tickets are among those excluded.
See eligibility and earn rates on our partner airline pages.
I am not sure if AA system thinks the AA flight is a partner flight, or the basic economy does not earn miles - but why would it earned EQM, EQD, EQS, Base miles and Bonus miles on the outbound? The ticket was booked online as a Round Trip but I did not check fare class at booking.
NEVER MIND.
When I clicked open the details of the June 20 posting, it actually has both the outbound and inbound listed. I have not flown AA revenue ticket for soooo long that I dont know now AA posting flight miles based on Ticket number instead of the flight flown.
It should inform the customer the miles have already posted instead of giving out an erroneous message on ineligibility.
It also brings up a question - so now activity from flight is based on the trip's first flight date, instead of Actual Flight Date - wouldn't this AFFECT the determination of miles expiration date? What about people's last flights are months later, that can make a significant difference in term of the 18 months clock!
I am not sure if AA system thinks the AA flight is a partner flight, or the basic economy does not earn miles - but why would it earned EQM, EQD, EQS, Base miles and Bonus miles on the outbound? The ticket was booked online as a Round Trip but I did not check fare class at booking.
NEVER MIND.
When I clicked open the details of the June 20 posting, it actually has both the outbound and inbound listed. I have not flown AA revenue ticket for soooo long that I dont know now AA posting flight miles based on Ticket number instead of the flight flown.
It should inform the customer the miles have already posted instead of giving out an erroneous message on ineligibility.
It also brings up a question - so now activity from flight is based on the trip's first flight date, instead of Actual Flight Date - wouldn't this AFFECT the determination of miles expiration date? What about people's last flights are months later, that can make a significant difference in term of the 18 months clock!
Last edited by Happy; Jun 29, 2019 at 8:21 pm
Jun 29, 2019, 9:27 pm
#1070
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,926
It also brings up a question - so now activity from flight is based on the trip's first flight date, instead of Actual Flight Date - wouldn't this AFFECT the determination of miles expiration date? What about people's last flights are months later, that can make a significant difference in term of the 18 months clock!
Jun 30, 2019, 6:44 am
#1071
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold; Virgin FF; United Airlines; American Airlines; and was frequent c/c churner - RIP!
Posts: 940
For this example I'll use AA's award search for a flight to Dallas TX as the example. I encourage you to look at the threads that show you how to create a free Avios account on BA, as that will pull up award availability for QR, CX & QH among other airlines.
I've found decent luck looking on aa.com. Enter search details at the mid-bottom of the main page. I also encourage you to search for "one way" award availability, not round trip. (I often piece together my itinerary segment by segment.) DO NOT HIT "SEARCH." Instead, click on the Advanced Search link right below the "SEARCH" button.
This will bring you to a better (IMHO), and obviously advanced award search page. It looks for AA and BA award availability. Sometimes I'll see Finnair pop up on here, too.
Once at this page, select the "Redeem Miles" option towards the top, and scroll all the way to the bottom. NOW you click the "SEARCH" button.
Once there, you will see a grid, much like the one pictured below. The calendar you will see at first is only about 7 days. Click the "Show Full Calendar" option in the upper right corner of the calendar, and then select "non-stop" should you wish. The image below shows non-stop, one-way first class saaver award availability between DFW & LHR for this example. You will have to mess around with this tool, but I would say this is your best bet if you're looking for to/from travel to London.
I've found decent luck looking on aa.com. Enter search details at the mid-bottom of the main page. I also encourage you to search for "one way" award availability, not round trip. (I often piece together my itinerary segment by segment.) DO NOT HIT "SEARCH." Instead, click on the Advanced Search link right below the "SEARCH" button.
This will bring you to a better (IMHO), and obviously advanced award search page. It looks for AA and BA award availability. Sometimes I'll see Finnair pop up on here, too.
Once at this page, select the "Redeem Miles" option towards the top, and scroll all the way to the bottom. NOW you click the "SEARCH" button.
Once there, you will see a grid, much like the one pictured below. The calendar you will see at first is only about 7 days. Click the "Show Full Calendar" option in the upper right corner of the calendar, and then select "non-stop" should you wish. The image below shows non-stop, one-way first class saaver award availability between DFW & LHR for this example. You will have to mess around with this tool, but I would say this is your best bet if you're looking for to/from travel to London.
Jun 30, 2019, 9:31 am
#1072
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,926
The taxes are the same but other airlines include more of their costs in the ticket price whereas BA adds a surcharge to keep the "free" part of the award lower.
Jun 30, 2019, 10:30 am
#1073
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
To select your account on the iPhone for example, click the box that appears with your name, status indicator and AA mileage balance. At the bottom of the next screen, select the "Promotions" Icon (looks like a bag tag with a star in the middle),
Jun 30, 2019, 11:07 am
#1074
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
Jun 30, 2019, 4:56 pm
#1075
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AAdvantage---LTGold, DL Skymiles
Posts: 106
I have received similar offers before. If you aren't comfortable entering your password in a link in your email (don't blame you there!) I would suggest opening the AA app on your phone. There you can select your account and look at available promotions.
To select your account on the iPhone for example, click the box that appears with your name, status indicator and AA mileage balance. At the bottom of the next screen, select the "Promotions" Icon (looks like a bag tag with a star in the middle),
To select your account on the iPhone for example, click the box that appears with your name, status indicator and AA mileage balance. At the bottom of the next screen, select the "Promotions" Icon (looks like a bag tag with a star in the middle),
Jun 30, 2019, 11:23 pm
#1076
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York City
Programs: JGC
Posts: 445
- Flying JFK <-> LHR in J for a business trip. Outbound leaves 6pm and arrives 6am. Inbound leaves 5pm arrives 8pm.
- I am heading straight to the office after landing. I want to try to sleep a bit so I don't get exhausted later in the day. Is it recommended to eat in the Flagship lounge and skip the meal? Is there a way to get an 'express' meal service onboard? Is the meal in J worth having over an extra hour or so of sleep?
- What's the quickest way to get to Liverpool Street area from LHR in the morning around 8-9am?
- As I understand it I'm able to use fast-track immigration at LHR due to being in J. However, I have a Japanese passport so it seems I can also use the ePassport gates. Are these two mutually exclusive, if so, which is faster?
Jun 30, 2019, 11:47 pm
#1077
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
- I am heading straight to the office after landing. I want to try to sleep a bit so I don't get exhausted later in the day. Is it recommended to eat in the Flagship lounge and skip the meal? Is there a way to get an 'express' meal service onboard? Is the meal in J worth having over an extra hour or so of sleep?
Safe flight! Have fun on your first big biz trip!
Jul 1, 2019, 8:37 am
#1078
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York City
Programs: JGC
Posts: 445
If it were me, I would definitely hit up the flagship lounge and eat there as close to boarding time as possible. Tell the FA's that you would prefer to sleep as long as possible. You could always grab a quick bite at the arrivals lounge in T3 if that's where you arrive, or the T5 terminal if you end up there (that lounge is outside security)
Take the Heathrow Express to Picadilly. (You can buy at kiosks in the terminal, they're everywhere...can't miss them) and transfer at the Picadilly stop to the Circle (yellow) line to Liverpool St area. Should be an hour, hour and 15 stop-to-stop.
Safe flight! Have fun on your first big biz trip!
Take the Heathrow Express to Picadilly. (You can buy at kiosks in the terminal, they're everywhere...can't miss them) and transfer at the Picadilly stop to the Circle (yellow) line to Liverpool St area. Should be an hour, hour and 15 stop-to-stop.
Safe flight! Have fun on your first big biz trip!
Jul 1, 2019, 8:46 am
#1079
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. From there, the Tube Circle or Hammersmith & City lines to Liverpool St.
Jul 1, 2019, 11:31 am
#1080
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 876
Will be 2 awards USA Asia & Asia South Pacific
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ward-chart.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ward-chart.jsp
110K is assuming no stopover, and no transiting through third region. (Eg, if you book QF)
But you are probably booking JAL and QF, which is why
JFK-NRT = 80K (US->Asia 1)
NRT-SIN = 30K (Asia 1->Asia 2)
SIN-SYD = 50K (Asia 2->South Pacific)
Total = 160K
Sounds right to me, you are booking 3 separate awards, because you are transiting two "third regions" (Asia 1 and Asia 2, respectively)
But you also get the benefit of stopover at each city you land and spending a few days, which is not the case in a traditional AA award booking where stopover is not allowed.
But you are probably booking JAL and QF, which is why
JFK-NRT = 80K (US->Asia 1)
NRT-SIN = 30K (Asia 1->Asia 2)
SIN-SYD = 50K (Asia 2->South Pacific)
Total = 160K
Sounds right to me, you are booking 3 separate awards, because you are transiting two "third regions" (Asia 1 and Asia 2, respectively)
But you also get the benefit of stopover at each city you land and spending a few days, which is not the case in a traditional AA award booking where stopover is not allowed.
Thanks!