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
Sep 7, 2021, 1:22 pm
#721
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: ORD/LHR
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, 1MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,302
Current American Airlines member with several flights booked with the airline over the next few months. Looking to do a mileage run in order to get gold status by the end of this calendar year. Was wondering if I would earn EQS on an award redemption or if I would have to pay cash in order to be able to get those EQSs needed to achieve gold status. Thanks very much!
You only “earn” any status related attribute from a paid flight. So an award would not earn a segment. More importantly, and this is my honest opinion. I wouldn’t spend any extra time/money to stretch to make Gold. It’s essentially worthless, or you could easily get most of the benefits awarded from a co-branded credit card if you don’t fly enough organically.
Sep 7, 2021, 1:32 pm
#722
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,361
You only “earn” any status related attribute from a paid flight. So an award would not earn a segment. More importantly, and this is my honest opinion. I wouldn’t spend any extra time/money to stretch to make Gold. It’s essentially worthless, or you could easily get most of the benefits awarded from a co-branded credit card if you don’t fly enough organically.
- Priority check-in and security
- Access to preferred seating (which can mean being able to select an aisle/window if all non-preferred aisle/windows are already selected)
- Access to MCE at check-in
- Comp upgrades on sub 500 miles flights
- The ability to upgrade with stickers on longer flights
- Better priority and handling in IROPs
- OneWorld Ruby status which isn't much but at least provide some benefits if on partners while an AA-branded CC will only extend the benefits when you're on an AA flight
Sep 7, 2021, 1:39 pm
#723
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
Current American Airlines member with several flights booked with the airline over the next few months. Looking to do a mileage run in order to get gold status by the end of this calendar year. Was wondering if I would earn EQS on an award redemption or if I would have to pay cash in order to be able to get those EQSs needed to achieve gold status. Thanks very much!
Sep 8, 2021, 6:44 am
#724
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 106
Complimentary upgrades ever?
I'm Platinum, flying AA 44 JFK - CDG this afternoon flying in V (coach). It looks like the flight is pretty empty.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Sep 8, 2021, 7:10 am
#725
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
I'm Platinum, flying AA 44 JFK - CDG this afternoon flying in V (coach). It looks like the flight is pretty empty.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Sep 8, 2021, 7:15 am
#726
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
I'm Platinum, flying AA 44 JFK - CDG this afternoon flying in V (coach). It looks like the flight is pretty empty.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Sep 8, 2021, 7:54 am
#727
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,361
I'm Platinum, flying AA 44 JFK - CDG this afternoon flying in V (coach). It looks like the flight is pretty empty.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
Are complimentary upgrades a thing ever and would it even be worth asking at the Platinum check in at airport?
I recall getting one back in about 2016 when I was EXP but assume they are ancient history these days.
That said, right now, what may be easier than usual to obtain is "Poor Man's Business Class". Looking at the seat map for today for AA 44 the seat map indicates a pretty light load in the back (not always a solid indicator since there could be Basic Economy passengers and non-revs who may be assigned some of those seats before departure) so there's a chance** you could score a row of 3 or 4 to yourself and be able to lie-down to sleep.
**This should not be expected and other passengers who are in a full row may also move to a row you have moved to.
Sep 8, 2021, 9:35 am
#728
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 106
None of the US Big 3 (AA, DL, UA) offer complimentary upgrades on TATL//TPAC flights, even to top tier elites. What you likely received in 2016 was what is called an "OpUp" or "Operational Upgrade" in which you were bumped up from Y to J because Y was oversold. If an OpUp is needed, generally airlines will upgrade their highest ranking elites but there's also no (at least publicly) published rank order for an OpUp.
That said, right now, what may be easier than usual to obtain is "Poor Man's Business Class". Looking at the seat map for today for AA 44 the seat map indicates a pretty light load in the back (not always a solid indicator since there could be Basic Economy passengers and non-revs who may be assigned some of those seats before departure) so there's a chance** you could score a row of 3 or 4 to yourself and be able to lie-down to sleep.
**This should not be expected and other passengers who are in a full row may also move to a row you have moved to.
That said, right now, what may be easier than usual to obtain is "Poor Man's Business Class". Looking at the seat map for today for AA 44 the seat map indicates a pretty light load in the back (not always a solid indicator since there could be Basic Economy passengers and non-revs who may be assigned some of those seats before departure) so there's a chance** you could score a row of 3 or 4 to yourself and be able to lie-down to sleep.
**This should not be expected and other passengers who are in a full row may also move to a row you have moved to.
Thanks - this was super helpful. Much appreciated.
I ended up cancelling my paid seat and booking a web award for 69,000 points in J. Figure this was pretty good value given one way is selling for $7,000 today and I'll actually be able to get some rest!
Sep 8, 2021, 12:51 pm
#729
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DAL/DFW
Programs: Unloyal, disloyal
Posts: 84
My former supervisor booked a return trip for me via Concur, and I received the confirmation for it via 'American Express Global Business Travel'. That supervisor has since left the company. I want to change the return leg of the flight. Trying on AA.com tells me to contact the site/agency where I made the booking. The booking does not appear in my own Concur account. 'AEGBT' appears to have no contact information. Is there any way I can work with the airline to change the flight or do I need to figure something out at my workplace? Thank you!
Sep 8, 2021, 1:24 pm
#730
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
My former supervisor booked a return trip for me via Concur, and I received the confirmation for it via 'American Express Global Business Travel'. That supervisor has since left the company. I want to change the return leg of the flight. Trying on AA.com tells me to contact the site/agency where I made the booking. The booking does not appear in my own Concur account. 'AEGBT' appears to have no contact information. Is there any way I can work with the airline to change the flight or do I need to figure something out at my workplace? Thank you!
Sep 8, 2021, 1:33 pm
#731
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: DAL/DFW
Programs: Unloyal, disloyal
Posts: 84
I will make the call.
Sep 11, 2021, 9:06 pm
#732
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: Delta Plat
Posts: 3,363
Flying AA JFK - GRU on November 28th in Premium Economy.
What can I expect service-wise?
By the way I am also in 16a and 16L would you say those are good seats or should I switch them up? I chose the bulkhead because I thought maybe it would be better not to have someone being able to recline in front of me. But please advise.
Thanks.
What can I expect service-wise?
By the way I am also in 16a and 16L would you say those are good seats or should I switch them up? I chose the bulkhead because I thought maybe it would be better not to have someone being able to recline in front of me. But please advise.
Thanks.
Last edited by HWGeeks; Sep 11, 2021 at 9:12 pm
Sep 12, 2021, 8:52 am
#733
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: ORD/LHR
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, 1MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,302
Sep 12, 2021, 12:54 pm
#734
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Somewhere
Programs: Delta Plat
Posts: 3,363
Thank you just moved to 17a and 17L
Sep 12, 2021, 1:00 pm
#735
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 825
None of the US Big 3 (AA, DL, UA) offer complimentary upgrades on TATL//TPAC flights, even to top tier elites. What you likely received in 2016 was what is called an "OpUp" or "Operational Upgrade" in which you were bumped up from Y to J because Y was oversold. If an OpUp is needed, generally airlines will upgrade their highest ranking elites but there's also no (at least publicly) published rank order for an OpUp.
That said, right now, what may be easier than usual to obtain is "Poor Man's Business Class". Looking at the seat map for today for AA 44 the seat map indicates a pretty light load in the back (not always a solid indicator since there could be Basic Economy passengers and non-revs who may be assigned some of those seats before departure) so there's a chance** you could score a row of 3 or 4 to yourself and be able to lie-down to sleep.
**This should not be expected and other passengers who are in a full row may also move to a row you have moved to.
That said, right now, what may be easier than usual to obtain is "Poor Man's Business Class". Looking at the seat map for today for AA 44 the seat map indicates a pretty light load in the back (not always a solid indicator since there could be Basic Economy passengers and non-revs who may be assigned some of those seats before departure) so there's a chance** you could score a row of 3 or 4 to yourself and be able to lie-down to sleep.
**This should not be expected and other passengers who are in a full row may also move to a row you have moved to.