Mar 8, 2021, 11:15 am
Last edit by: JDiver
ARCHIVE of 2015-2019 posts on this topic.
For current thread, please see here.
AA operates non-status, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro combined call center as well as Executive Platinum, Concierge Key dedicated call centers.
Read on for alternatives
There can be several causes of lengthy call answering, among them irregular or off schedule operations (OSO / IROPS) caused by weather.
● Call wait times extend as OSO develop - storms, etc. particularly affecting hubs, which produce knock-on effects that may persist a day or two.
● You can see current AA travel policies: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInform...avelAlerts.jsp
● You can always check FlightStats current North America airport delays, for example, to see how things are - here.
● For other useful links, tools etc. see the wiki for AA OSO, IROPS / IRROPS, delay, cancelation etc. resources (master thread).
● Try using the AA Twitter team: @AmericanAir can help. Send them a request they follow you so you can send them DM (Direct Messages), then you can send them your AAdvantage number and EP status,which they can add to their profile on you. Then you can DM them privately with your PNR etc. (You must have a Twitter account.) This can be useful and rapid.
● At times like these AA may open their OSO (Off-Schedule Operations) desk to help inconvenienced travelers. 800-446-7834 is the number, and the desk is only staffed during severe OSO. (Please call only if your travel is disrupted, of course.)
● Others have called 1.800.222.2377 (web services) and had shorter response times.
● If you speak Castilian Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese or use a TDD, you may get faster attention; see numbers below.
● You can try calling non-USA numbers, listed here:
● bchandler42 reports "During weather events, the elite line will have the option to press 1 for the callback. I use that, longest I've ever waited was about 40 minutes which was accurate with the expected time it gave me."
● giblet called Thailand using Skype (2.3 cents a minute).
● There is one call-handling nexus, with prioritized lines for Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro status holders, and separate Executive Platinum and Concierge Key "desks". Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro callers are prioritized to be answered by the same agents that respond to non-status customers.
Link to archived previous posts in ARCHIVE: Long wait / delay / hold times for AA phone lines (2014) [/FONT]
Also:
and
Link to USA airport delays (FlightAware)
Link to FlightAware “Misery Map” (graphic representation of troubles on a USA map)
Link to AA cancelled flights today (FlightAware)
Link to cancelled flights (today, to two days out - FlightAware)
Link to FT Original Routing Credit thread in cases of involuntary reroute
Link to archive of this thread, posts 2015-2019
For current thread, please see here.
AA operates non-status, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro combined call center as well as Executive Platinum, Concierge Key dedicated call centers.
Read on for alternatives
There can be several causes of lengthy call answering, among them irregular or off schedule operations (OSO / IROPS) caused by weather.
● Call wait times extend as OSO develop - storms, etc. particularly affecting hubs, which produce knock-on effects that may persist a day or two.
● You can see current AA travel policies: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInform...avelAlerts.jsp
● You can always check FlightStats current North America airport delays, for example, to see how things are - here.
● For other useful links, tools etc. see the wiki for AA OSO, IROPS / IRROPS, delay, cancelation etc. resources (master thread).
● Try using the AA Twitter team: @AmericanAir can help. Send them a request they follow you so you can send them DM (Direct Messages), then you can send them your AAdvantage number and EP status,which they can add to their profile on you. Then you can DM them privately with your PNR etc. (You must have a Twitter account.) This can be useful and rapid.
● At times like these AA may open their OSO (Off-Schedule Operations) desk to help inconvenienced travelers. 800-446-7834 is the number, and the desk is only staffed during severe OSO. (Please call only if your travel is disrupted, of course.)
● Others have called 1.800.222.2377 (web services) and had shorter response times.
● If you speak Castilian Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese or use a TDD, you may get faster attention; see numbers below.
● You can try calling non-USA numbers, listed here:
● bchandler42 reports "During weather events, the elite line will have the option to press 1 for the callback. I use that, longest I've ever waited was about 40 minutes which was accurate with the expected time it gave me."
● giblet called Thailand using Skype (2.3 cents a minute).
● There is one call-handling nexus, with prioritized lines for Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro status holders, and separate Executive Platinum and Concierge Key "desks". Gold, Platinum and Platinum Pro callers are prioritized to be answered by the same agents that respond to non-status customers.
Code:
Telephone numbers for speakers of Castilian Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese: English (Inglés) 1-800-433-7300 7 days a week Japanese 1-800-237-0027 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. CT 7 days a week Mandarin Chinese 1-800-492-8095 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. CT Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. CT Sat and Sun Spanish 1-800-633-3711 7 días a la semana TDD 1-800-543-1586 (for hearing impaired or deaf people / para personas con discapacidad auditiva o del habla)
"Transplanted from another post, for those affected overseas.
So many ways of calling AA directly; I'd try:
AT&T.
Smartphones that will automatically switch to using Internet for calls.
Skype 2 cents per minute), Google Hangouts or other VOIP services, including WiFi or Internet.
English 800-433-7300 24 hours, Daily
Japan +81 03-4333-7675
If you are calling from outside the U.S. or Canada, you may reach U.S. Reservations by using the following procedures. (Please note that the call is not toll free.)
So many ways of calling AA directly; I'd try:
AT&T.
Smartphones that will automatically switch to using Internet for calls.
Skype 2 cents per minute), Google Hangouts or other VOIP services, including WiFi or Internet.
English 800-433-7300 24 hours, Daily
Japan +81 03-4333-7675
If you are calling from outside the U.S. or Canada, you may reach U.S. Reservations by using the following procedures. (Please note that the call is not toll free.)
- Access the website http://www.business.att.com/bt/access.jsp. The site lists eligible countries and phone numbers.
- Dial the AT&T access number provided on the website (it is different for each country).
- An AT&T operator or English language voice prompt will ask for the telephone number you are calling. Dial 800-433-7300 for all American Airlines departments (except AAdvantage) or dial 800-882-8880 for the AAdvantage department.
- After the tone, enter your regular AT&T Calling Card number (not the international number). You may also use the AT&T Corporate Calling card and many other U.S. local phone company cards. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover/Novus or Diners Club cards can be used from many countries to place calls back to the U.S.
- For assistance, press zero or stay on the line for an AT&T operator.
I'm currently in BKK, and needed to talk to AA about my rezzy. I didn't want the local number which would be answered in who-knows-where, I wanted a direct US number. Looked around both AA.com and FT (which is how I found this thread). Found nothing particularly helpful or which worked. The back of my EXP card has only an 800 number for the U.S., no local DFW area number.
Eventually, I just dialed +1-800-xxx-xxxx, the regular 800 number on the back of my EXP card, the same way I dial regular, non-800 numbers from abroad. Voila!!! I was connected with the EXP desk, just as if I were in the U.S.
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MODERATOR'S NOTE
There are several ways to contact AA's U.S. numbers by telephone from outside the U.S. & Canada:
1) Those with Skype, Google Hangouts or other VOIP internet phone providers may be able to dial various AA 800 numbers directly toll free. Direct dialing an 800 number from a landline or mobile phone overseas may or may not work, and will not be toll free.
2) Use AT&T World Traveler Service to access AA 800 numbers from overseas. Long distance charges will apply and can be paid using an AT&T Calling Card, AT&T Prepaid Phone Card, credit card, or via collect call. AAdvantage elite customers (GLD, PLT, EXP) can dial their elite 800 number using this service and AT&T's systems will recognize these numbers and put the call through without asking for a payment method.
3) Call the AMR Headquarters number at 1-817-963-1234 from any telephone. Either an operator or the IVR system can then connect you with the appropriate department.
In addition, AA provides local numbers in many countries here: Worldwide Reservations Phone Numbers
See also the AA Wiki for additional information: Contacting American Airlines
This thread was extracted from an outdated 2002 thread, and merged with recent posts on this topic.
dstan
AA Forum Co-Moderator
Eventually, I just dialed +1-800-xxx-xxxx, the regular 800 number on the back of my EXP card, the same way I dial regular, non-800 numbers from abroad. Voila!!! I was connected with the EXP desk, just as if I were in the U.S.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODERATOR'S NOTE
There are several ways to contact AA's U.S. numbers by telephone from outside the U.S. & Canada:
1) Those with Skype, Google Hangouts or other VOIP internet phone providers may be able to dial various AA 800 numbers directly toll free. Direct dialing an 800 number from a landline or mobile phone overseas may or may not work, and will not be toll free.
2) Use AT&T World Traveler Service to access AA 800 numbers from overseas. Long distance charges will apply and can be paid using an AT&T Calling Card, AT&T Prepaid Phone Card, credit card, or via collect call. AAdvantage elite customers (GLD, PLT, EXP) can dial their elite 800 number using this service and AT&T's systems will recognize these numbers and put the call through without asking for a payment method.
3) Call the AMR Headquarters number at 1-817-963-1234 from any telephone. Either an operator or the IVR system can then connect you with the appropriate department.
In addition, AA provides local numbers in many countries here: Worldwide Reservations Phone Numbers
See also the AA Wiki for additional information: Contacting American Airlines
This thread was extracted from an outdated 2002 thread, and merged with recent posts on this topic.
dstan
AA Forum Co-Moderator
Link to USA airport delays (FlightAware)
Link to FlightAware “Misery Map” (graphic representation of troubles on a USA map)
Link to AA cancelled flights today (FlightAware)
Link to cancelled flights (today, to two days out - FlightAware)
Link to FT Original Routing Credit thread in cases of involuntary reroute
Link to archive of this thread, posts 2015-2019
ARCHIVE: Long call wait / delay / hold times for AA phone lines
Dec 13, 2017, 8:56 pm
#841
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 698
Does AA have a phone # like Delta does where you can call, select the option that you are in an airport, and get connected immediately? The Delta # has worked without fail for the past few years. Never any wait time. I have had great success using the phone # while still on an airplane (with mechanical difficulties) or while physically on line after a flight cancellation has been announced and have gotten re-booked in minutes beating everyone else waiting. Thanks in advance!
Dec 14, 2017, 8:05 am
#842
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,929
Does AA have a phone # like Delta does where you can call, select the option that you are in an airport, and get connected immediately? The Delta # has worked without fail for the past few years. Never any wait time. I have had great success using the phone # while still on an airplane (with mechanical difficulties) or while physically on line after a flight cancellation has been announced and have gotten re-booked in minutes beating everyone else waiting. Thanks in advance!
This is the archive thread of “Long call wait / delay / hold times for AA phone lines (master thread). For the current thread see
Long call wait / delay / hold times for AA phone lines (master thread)
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 16, 2020 at 9:24 pm Reason: Add moderator note
Jan 3, 2018, 6:09 pm
#843
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ABE
Programs: AA G, UA, HH G
Posts: 141
Just a data point that y'all pulled my bacon out of the fire yet again, thank you FT. My flight MCO-CLT-PHL on 1/5 was going to be in the middle of (or, at the very least, screwed by) the winter storm. And having no status, I was trying to use the app to change the flight (which theoretically should work) but instead it would let me pick a new flight for 1/6 and then just crash/time out/bring me back to the main screen. I logged out and in, I tried Android, I tried iPhone, I prayed....
After hours of this (literally, my phone was dying at this point) I pulled up this Wiki and instead called Web Services at 1.800.222.2377. The very helpful young lady snagged me the last F seat on my preferred non-stop for 1/6 and must have thanked me for my custom/apologized for the app failure about 5 times.
After hours of this (literally, my phone was dying at this point) I pulled up this Wiki and instead called Web Services at 1.800.222.2377. The very helpful young lady snagged me the last F seat on my preferred non-stop for 1/6 and must have thanked me for my custom/apologized for the app failure about 5 times.
Jan 15, 2018, 10:16 pm
#844
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Is there weather somewhere? 30 minute wait on exec line
I'm calling from Thailand and getting message of about 30 minute wait on exec. line. I had given up after 15 minutes on hold then called back and got this message. Even when there was bad weather I don't remember holds of this length. Anyone know what's going on? (btw I'm calling using my phone and it recognizes me and calls me by name)
Jan 15, 2018, 10:35 pm
#845
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
I think it is the Dallas ft Worth weather and re accommodations from the alert posted.
30 min is nothing. It was 2 hours during the NE weather event last week.
30 min is nothing. It was 2 hours during the NE weather event last week.
I'm calling from Thailand and getting message of about 30 minute wait on exec. line. I had given up after 15 minutes on hold then called back and got this message. Even when there was bad weather I don't remember holds of this length. Anyone know what's going on? (btw I'm calling using my phone and it recognizes me and calls me by name)
Jan 15, 2018, 10:59 pm
#846
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Thanks - couldn't find that weather on the web with a quick search.
Jan 21, 2018, 5:30 pm
#847
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: United, America
Posts: 5
I am getting similar hold times for the EXP line - consistently 20 minutes or so.
Jan 22, 2018, 10:30 am
#848
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,969
Trying to apply a SWU last week and got EXP line with 2.5 hour wait. Called Sunday and had 30 min wait.
Jan 22, 2018, 11:25 am
#850
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 307
The callback system also seems to be broken today -- I receive the callback, confirm that I'm on the phone, and it then rings once and disconnects. Sigh. I watched C inventory disappear while this happened twice today.
Jan 22, 2018, 12:29 pm
#851
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,969
Sadly that is what happened to me too. Instead of waiting I now just tweet to them. It works 75% of the time.
Jan 22, 2018, 12:30 pm
#852
Join Date: May 2015
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 179
In this situation, I'd recommend asking the Twitter team to process your upgrade. If it's miles + copay, they've been able to take the C inventory and tell me to call the EXP desk to provide my credit card for the copay. You will still have to wait on hold, but at least you get your upgrade before C disappears.
Jan 23, 2018, 10:07 am
#853
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 307
Thanks. This is really good to know. Embarrassingly, I had tweeted them a heads up about the phone system being not good, but didn't think to ask them to process the upgrades, or know they could.
Jan 23, 2018, 11:50 am
#854
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,969
The twitter response times can be long too. Last time was over an hour or so for a response. And then some additional time for them to get more information. So give them as much as possible up front.
Jan 23, 2018, 2:47 pm
#855
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: FLL / MIA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 58
I needed to call the EXP line 3 times in the past week for various things (processing SWUs, etc.). Each time there was a delay and request from them to call back. The shortest wait time on any of these calls has been 12 minutes (longest was 24 mins). They days I called there were no significant weather events, and one was a Saturday (which is typically not as busy). Could this be the USAir management cutting back even more on service points? I hope not!