Jan 1, 2020, 9:11 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the 2020 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST: (This post can only be edited by moderators.)
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST: (This post can only be edited by moderators.)
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.)
Q. How can I find information more easily than reading through all the threads? Now that I'm here, what do I do next?
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.
- 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?)
- FlyerTalk Glossary (What is all this jargon?)
- The NEW FlyerTalk: Helpful Hints, Tips and Suggestions to Enhance Your Experience (Information Desk Forum)
- Especially useful to new members: FAQs (How to post like a pro and more)
- 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.
- New and uncertain where to start here, and it's about American Airlines? Start in our "NEWBIE LOUNGE" thread, here: link.
- 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.)
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.
- Or, if you are used to Google search, use Google Advanced Search and insert www.flyertalk.com in the "site or domain" box.
- One can search FlyerTalk with Google with this web form.
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 2020: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Jul 14, 2020, 9:12 pm
#151
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 20
Date change - even exchange?
Hello-
In March, I booked MSP-DFW-HKG-DPS for travel in January 2021 for my whole family. It was super cheap. This was supposed to be my light at the end of the COVID tunnel. As you can all imagine, the light is getting farther away...
In May, I changed the tickets to March 2021 on exactly the same flights. I wasn't charged a change fee or a difference in fare. The difference in fare alone was close to $2,000 for four tickets.
I'm now wondering if I can change the tickets again to June 2021 without paying the huge difference in fare? Looking at Google Flights, it looks like American/Cathay Pacific have the same flights planned. I think the policy below says I can get an "even exchange" but I'm not sure I can do it more than once? Any advice or experience before I call? Thanks a ton!
https://saleslink.aa.com/en-us/blog/...on-policy.html
"Date/Time changes on identical itineraries qualify for an even exchange*"
(I also posted this in the Coronavirus thread, but it isn't really a cancelation question. Thanks!!)
In March, I booked MSP-DFW-HKG-DPS for travel in January 2021 for my whole family. It was super cheap. This was supposed to be my light at the end of the COVID tunnel. As you can all imagine, the light is getting farther away...
In May, I changed the tickets to March 2021 on exactly the same flights. I wasn't charged a change fee or a difference in fare. The difference in fare alone was close to $2,000 for four tickets.
I'm now wondering if I can change the tickets again to June 2021 without paying the huge difference in fare? Looking at Google Flights, it looks like American/Cathay Pacific have the same flights planned. I think the policy below says I can get an "even exchange" but I'm not sure I can do it more than once? Any advice or experience before I call? Thanks a ton!
https://saleslink.aa.com/en-us/blog/...on-policy.html
"Date/Time changes on identical itineraries qualify for an even exchange*"
(I also posted this in the Coronavirus thread, but it isn't really a cancelation question. Thanks!!)
Jul 20, 2020, 1:49 am
#152
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK, BDO, MXP
Programs: QR Gold, WY Gold, TK Elite, EY Silver,
Posts: 464
I tried searching but too many results to check, I have an account with 15,000 miles expiring end of July, not going to use the account anymore nor flying AA anytime soon, what to do with this small amount of miles instead of just losing them? Thanks in advance.
Jul 20, 2020, 6:21 am
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Jul 20, 2020, 9:07 am
#154
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: CGK, BDO, MXP
Programs: QR Gold, WY Gold, TK Elite, EY Silver,
Posts: 464
Jul 23, 2020, 1:16 am
#155
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Quick question! Is the COS Bonus on Parter flights in Premium Cabins RDM only? I want to make sure I am calculating EQM, EQD & RDM correctly before the Elite Bonus.
Thanks in Advance.
James
Thanks in Advance.
James
Jul 23, 2020, 1:41 am
#156
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,902
Jul 23, 2020, 6:04 am
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
The amount of EQM's you earn on any given partner carrier is based on the fare code and clearly spelled out on each partner carrier page at aa.com. "EQM's Per Mile Flown".
Jul 24, 2020, 1:02 pm
#158
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 105
Useful datapoint for anyone getting married. AA will change the name on your aadvantage account with just a photo of the marriage license, you do not need a new photo ID with your new name. Called Monday afternoon and it was changed by Tuesday morning. Didn't affect any holds or bookings, though the agent did suggest not putting the aadvantage number on a booking I was in the process of making just to be safe since it was a partner airline, and add the aadvantage number after the account had changed.
Jul 26, 2020, 12:59 am
#159
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,706
Hello everyone, my wife and I have an upcoming 7 hour flight on American. It's the longest flight either of us has taken and we're hoping to be able to get some work done in the main cabin. Right now we have two regular "blue" seats. I was hoping nobody would take the aisle seat so we could have the row to ourselves, but it looks like someone took it. There are only blue middle seats left, with a couple rows of green and orange seats left. Is seat availability likely to change (flight is next week) so that we can secure a row to ourselves, or should I bite the bullet and pay for a better seat?
Jul 26, 2020, 1:07 am
#160
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: DFW
Posts: 311
Hello everyone, my wife and I have an upcoming 7 hour flight on American. It's the longest flight either of us has taken and we're hoping to be able to get some work done in the main cabin. Right now we have two regular "blue" seats. I was hoping nobody would take the aisle seat so we could have the row to ourselves, but it looks like someone took it. There are only blue middle seats left, with a couple rows of green and orange seats left. Is seat availability likely to change (flight is next week) so that we can secure a row to ourselves, or should I bite the bullet and pay for a better seat?
FYI, the general strategy to trying to get your own row is to pick an aisle and window seat in the same row as far back in the cabin as possible. A middle seat in the back of coach is likely last to be filled, and even if so, it should be simple to switch the middle with either window or aisle so you and your wife can still sit together.
If your only reason for paying for premium seat assignments is to try and get an empty seat, don't waste your money. It's highly possible that any the middle seat may be filled with a standby if the flight is almost full. But that depends on the overall load factor.
Jul 26, 2020, 7:35 am
#161
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: Marriott Plat, AA Plat
Posts: 122
Quick Question,
Does any one know...if *a friend* has PHL>DFW>YVR, but doesn't meet the entry criteria for Canada (as of July 2020 policies wrt COVID), would the airline give you any trouble trying to board PHL>DFW? The way that I read all of the regulations, one has to indicate they meet the entry requirements of the arriving country when the boarding the leg of the itinerary that arrives in Canada (and then subsequently at border control of course), but there does not seem to be anything indicating travel clearance around previous legs in the journey. Agent in PHL likely to give any hassle during the passport check? Anyone with thoughts or experience around this? The friend in the scenario has no status, and is just looking to hop out at DFW. One-way itin.
Thanks.
Does any one know...if *a friend* has PHL>DFW>YVR, but doesn't meet the entry criteria for Canada (as of July 2020 policies wrt COVID), would the airline give you any trouble trying to board PHL>DFW? The way that I read all of the regulations, one has to indicate they meet the entry requirements of the arriving country when the boarding the leg of the itinerary that arrives in Canada (and then subsequently at border control of course), but there does not seem to be anything indicating travel clearance around previous legs in the journey. Agent in PHL likely to give any hassle during the passport check? Anyone with thoughts or experience around this? The friend in the scenario has no status, and is just looking to hop out at DFW. One-way itin.
Thanks.
Jul 26, 2020, 10:54 am
#162
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,706
What's the flight number/date?
FYI, the general strategy to trying to get your own row is to pick an aisle and window seat in the same row as far back in the cabin as possible. A middle seat in the back of coach is likely last to be filled, and even if so, it should be simple to switch the middle with either window or aisle so you and your wife can still sit together.
If your only reason for paying for premium seat assignments is to try and get an empty seat, don't waste your money. It's highly possible that any the middle seat may be filled with a standby if the flight is almost full. But that depends on the overall load factor.
FYI, the general strategy to trying to get your own row is to pick an aisle and window seat in the same row as far back in the cabin as possible. A middle seat in the back of coach is likely last to be filled, and even if so, it should be simple to switch the middle with either window or aisle so you and your wife can still sit together.
If your only reason for paying for premium seat assignments is to try and get an empty seat, don't waste your money. It's highly possible that any the middle seat may be filled with a standby if the flight is almost full. But that depends on the overall load factor.
Jul 26, 2020, 10:56 am
#163
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,706
Quick Question,
Does any one know...if *a friend* has PHL>DFW>YVR, but doesn't meet the entry criteria for Canada (as of July 2020 policies wrt COVID), would the airline give you any trouble trying to board PHL>DFW? The way that I read all of the regulations, one has to indicate they meet the entry requirements of the arriving country when the boarding the leg of the itinerary that arrives in Canada (and then subsequently at border control of course), but there does not seem to be anything indicating travel clearance around previous legs in the journey. Agent in PHL likely to give any hassle during the passport check? Anyone with thoughts or experience around this? The friend in the scenario has no status, and is just looking to hop out at DFW. One-way itin.
Thanks.
Does any one know...if *a friend* has PHL>DFW>YVR, but doesn't meet the entry criteria for Canada (as of July 2020 policies wrt COVID), would the airline give you any trouble trying to board PHL>DFW? The way that I read all of the regulations, one has to indicate they meet the entry requirements of the arriving country when the boarding the leg of the itinerary that arrives in Canada (and then subsequently at border control of course), but there does not seem to be anything indicating travel clearance around previous legs in the journey. Agent in PHL likely to give any hassle during the passport check? Anyone with thoughts or experience around this? The friend in the scenario has no status, and is just looking to hop out at DFW. One-way itin.
Thanks.
Jul 26, 2020, 1:51 pm
#164
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SAN, LAX
Programs: JMB, Bonvoy, Hyatt
Posts: 237
I always assumed they'd be checking entry requirements at the start of the trip and would not board you on the first domestic segment if you won't be able to fly int'l segments further down the line. Is this not true?
Jul 26, 2020, 1:56 pm
#165
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,933
That is generally true. People do seem to have managed to get boarded by having to pick up their passport at the intermediate stop but if they suspect that you are stopping there then they will want to sell you a new ticket for the first leg only.