Jan 18, 2021, 1:06 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the archived 2021 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST: (This post can only be edited by moderators.)
FOR THE 2022 THREAD, SEE HERE: link
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
Important links:
Link to American Airlines Conditions of Carriage
Link to AAdvantage Terms and Conditions
NOTE: See below for links to the archived older threads.
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:
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:
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: 2020 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here.
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!
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST: (This post can only be edited by moderators.)
FOR THE 2022 THREAD, SEE HERE: link
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.)
Link to American Airlines Conditions of Carriage
Link to AAdvantage Terms and Conditions
NOTE: See below for links to the archived older threads.
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?)
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.
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: 2020 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here.
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!
NEWBIE LOUNGE 2021: Ask AA newbie questions here - flame-free thread
Apr 19, 2021, 3:04 pm
#211
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,707
Apr 19, 2021, 5:07 pm
#212
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
Does C availability play into the UG processing within your elite window? Say it’s within my elite window, but I haven’t been upgraded, but there is 4 C space, are they mutually exclusive?
Apr 19, 2021, 6:55 pm
#213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,542
Yes, just because a flight happens to be C4 doesn't mean that there will be complimentary sticker upgrade space available.
Apr 20, 2021, 8:39 am
#214
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4
Hi all! What are the chances that an occupied seat in a particular fare class will open up? For example, I'm booked in MCE but would prefer to upgrade to PE. All PE seats according to the seat map are occupied. Do these seats often (if ever) become available even after showing up as occupied?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2021, 8:43 am
#215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Hi all! What are the chances that an occupied seat in a particular fare class will open up? For example, I'm booked in MCE but would prefer to upgrade to PE. All PE seats according to the seat map are occupied. Do these seats often (if ever) become available even after showing up as occupied?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2021, 9:10 am
#217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Your changes are really low to get 2 PE seats on that flight as it seems.
Apr 20, 2021, 8:07 pm
#218
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,485
Anyone know if elite benefits carry if booking via Amex?
When I go to select seats it has me down the back of coach, just want to make sure I can (eventually) choose my MCE seat before I book, otherwise I'll do a cash booking direct with AA.
When I go to select seats it has me down the back of coach, just want to make sure I can (eventually) choose my MCE seat before I book, otherwise I'll do a cash booking direct with AA.
Apr 20, 2021, 8:22 pm
#219
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 237
Anyone know if the admirals club offers complimentary mimosas?
Apr 20, 2021, 8:23 pm
#220
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 237
Yep, booking via Amex shouldn’t stop you from using your elite status. You just need to make sure you elite number is registered on the booking.
Apr 20, 2021, 9:51 pm
#221
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
the only complimentary bubbles I’ve seen with AA lounges, have been in the flagship lounges.
I was rather surprised to see complimentary bubbles in the United lounge at LAX back in 2019. I was in J flying to MEX, so got access to a lounge that I’ve not visited since US Airways left *A
I was rather surprised to see complimentary bubbles in the United lounge at LAX back in 2019. I was in J flying to MEX, so got access to a lounge that I’ve not visited since US Airways left *A
Apr 20, 2021, 11:09 pm
#222
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,485
Apr 21, 2021, 3:55 pm
#223
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Wayne, NJ USA
Programs: UA Million Miler, Lifetime United Club member
Posts: 2,175
the only complimentary bubbles I’ve seen with AA lounges, have been in the flagship lounges.
I was rather surprised to see complimentary bubbles in the United lounge at LAX back in 2019. I was in J flying to MEX, so got access to a lounge that I’ve not visited since US Airways left *A
I was rather surprised to see complimentary bubbles in the United lounge at LAX back in 2019. I was in J flying to MEX, so got access to a lounge that I’ve not visited since US Airways left *A
Apr 21, 2021, 8:09 pm
#224
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 7
I have a question about basic economy fares and upgrades on AA.
(A) My wife has gold status in AA, though she hasn't had the chance to use it yet and she is completely new to the perks, including 500-mile upgrades. She earned status around the time of the COVID-19 outbreak and we haven't flown AA since then. In case it makes a difference, I'm an AAdvantage member but I have no status, but we would travel on the same booking.
(B) We are interested in traveling to the Caribbean from the United States in May or June 2021.
(C) We are considering buying a basic economy fare and using 500-mile upgrades to get into first class on both segments (we have to make a connection over MIA), taking advantage of the fact that one companion on the same booking can be upgraded too. I believe using 500-mile upgrades on basic economy is allowed now (but please correct me if I'm wrong).
I have two questions:
(1) I noticed on AA's seat map that first class still seems to be available on most of the days we are considering on all segments. Will upgrading to first class be as simple as purchasing a basic economy fare and applying 500-mile upgrades to get into first class since seats are currently available? Or do we have to be placed on some sort of upgrade list that we hope to clear?
(2) I understand that AA basic economy does not earn EQMs, EQDs, or EQSs under their new policy. However, if we are able to upgrade to first class using 500-mile upgrades, will we then earn EQMs, EQDs, and EQSs at that point? I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying the difference between "basic economy" and "main cabin" for the miles.
(A) My wife has gold status in AA, though she hasn't had the chance to use it yet and she is completely new to the perks, including 500-mile upgrades. She earned status around the time of the COVID-19 outbreak and we haven't flown AA since then. In case it makes a difference, I'm an AAdvantage member but I have no status, but we would travel on the same booking.
(B) We are interested in traveling to the Caribbean from the United States in May or June 2021.
(C) We are considering buying a basic economy fare and using 500-mile upgrades to get into first class on both segments (we have to make a connection over MIA), taking advantage of the fact that one companion on the same booking can be upgraded too. I believe using 500-mile upgrades on basic economy is allowed now (but please correct me if I'm wrong).
I have two questions:
(1) I noticed on AA's seat map that first class still seems to be available on most of the days we are considering on all segments. Will upgrading to first class be as simple as purchasing a basic economy fare and applying 500-mile upgrades to get into first class since seats are currently available? Or do we have to be placed on some sort of upgrade list that we hope to clear?
(2) I understand that AA basic economy does not earn EQMs, EQDs, or EQSs under their new policy. However, if we are able to upgrade to first class using 500-mile upgrades, will we then earn EQMs, EQDs, and EQSs at that point? I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying the difference between "basic economy" and "main cabin" for the miles.
Apr 21, 2021, 8:51 pm
#225
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,542
(1) I noticed on AA's seat map that first class still seems to be available on most of the days we are considering on all segments. Will upgrading to first class be as simple as purchasing a basic economy fare and applying 500-mile upgrades to get into first class since seats are currently available? Or do we have to be placed on some sort of upgrade list that we hope to clear?
(2) I understand that AA basic economy does not earn EQMs, EQDs, or EQSs under their new policy. However, if we are able to upgrade to first class using 500-mile upgrades, will we then earn EQMs, EQDs, and EQSs at that point? I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying the difference between "basic economy" and "main cabin" for the miles.
(2) I understand that AA basic economy does not earn EQMs, EQDs, or EQSs under their new policy. However, if we are able to upgrade to first class using 500-mile upgrades, will we then earn EQMs, EQDs, and EQSs at that point? I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying the difference between "basic economy" and "main cabin" for the miles.
2) Generally speaking you earn miles and EQD based on your original fare, not the cabin you upgrade in to. So even if you were to get upgraded you would still not earn any EQM, EQD, etc.