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 19, 2021, 2:56 am
#766
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Sep 19, 2021, 5:40 am
#767
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Right now - in another thread - there is a ~$600 Alaska fare, BWI-PDX in domestic first. 3 would cost you ~$1800 and would net ~$4400 EQD and get you there. Not a fun trip but it would get you where you need to be. ORD-BOM in business would get you almost there for ~$2400 on BA, JFK-MLE in business $2600 would do it on QR. There are other partner flights out there that can yield good returns as well. Look at the premium fare thread to find more.
Sep 19, 2021, 6:49 am
#768
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Right now - in another thread - there is a ~$600 Alaska fare, BWI-PDX in domestic first. 3 would cost you ~$1800 and would net ~$4400 EQD and get you there. Not a fun trip but it would get you where you need to be. ORD-BOM in business would get you almost there for ~$2400 on BA, JFK-MLE in business $2600 would do it on QR. There are other partner flights out there that can yield good returns as well. Look at the premium fare thread to find more.
Sep 19, 2021, 7:29 am
#769
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: EK Gold, A3 *G, AB Gold, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 1,386
I misconnected in DOH-SEA a few months back and was given a flight to JFK instead. Can I claim the difference in EQDs that I would have earned? Anyone have experience with this?
If there is a better thread please move this post
If there is a better thread please move this post
Sep 19, 2021, 8:52 am
#770
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Also, not sure what fare class you booked, but on a 20% earning business fare the difference would be an extra ~$140 EQD. So honestly I wouldn't waste my time unless I really needed that extra EQD.
Sep 19, 2021, 9:48 am
#771
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: EK Gold, A3 *G, AB Gold, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 1,386
You can try calling AAdvantage Customer Service and asking for Original Routing Credit, although sometimes when the ORC request is for partner carrier flights it's not as easy of an ask as if it was AA metal.
Also, not sure what fare class you booked, but on a 20% earning business fare the difference would be an extra ~$140 EQD. So honestly I wouldn't waste my time unless I really needed that extra EQD.
Also, not sure what fare class you booked, but on a 20% earning business fare the difference would be an extra ~$140 EQD. So honestly I wouldn't waste my time unless I really needed that extra EQD.
Sep 19, 2021, 11:08 am
#772
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
That 140 EQD might make a difference on a domestic upgrade and might be the difference between sitting at the pointy end where the freeze booze lives, or prohibition era MCE!
Sep 19, 2021, 9:48 pm
#773
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
Hi there,
I first want to thank everyone on the AA forum... Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly. Great experience switching over
Quick question... As someone who primarily buys J fares, is there any noticeable benefits to having status with AA? I haven't decided where to credit my flights for the remainder of the year to either hit AS MVP75K or AA PlatinumPro. I could hit EXP as well with one more extra trip, so I'm curious if there are any noticeable benefits with having status compared to just buying J fares on AA. Does EXP get Flagship lounge access on non INTL J fares or anything extra from J?
Air Canada Super Elite - has Concierge service(very valuable only certain J tix receive), meal priority, priority rewards
United 1K - I didn't receive any noticeable benefits from buying J fares except having the priority phone line and free same day change(which I never used with limited flights ex.Canada).
I really want to say how happy I've been with AA... All J fares to USA/Mexico/Central America are $550USD-$900 R/T, and lots of destinations with widebodies. Much better experience than I had with UA and AC.
Thanks again for your help!!
I first want to thank everyone on the AA forum... Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly. Great experience switching over
Quick question... As someone who primarily buys J fares, is there any noticeable benefits to having status with AA? I haven't decided where to credit my flights for the remainder of the year to either hit AS MVP75K or AA PlatinumPro. I could hit EXP as well with one more extra trip, so I'm curious if there are any noticeable benefits with having status compared to just buying J fares on AA. Does EXP get Flagship lounge access on non INTL J fares or anything extra from J?
Air Canada Super Elite - has Concierge service(very valuable only certain J tix receive), meal priority, priority rewards
United 1K - I didn't receive any noticeable benefits from buying J fares except having the priority phone line and free same day change(which I never used with limited flights ex.Canada).
I really want to say how happy I've been with AA... All J fares to USA/Mexico/Central America are $550USD-$900 R/T, and lots of destinations with widebodies. Much better experience than I had with UA and AC.
Thanks again for your help!!
Last edited by SKYEG; Sep 19, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Sep 20, 2021, 5:48 am
#774
formerly DreAAmliner
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 419
Hi,
I flew DFW-LHR-ORK booked on BA stock and LHR-ORK was codeshare with lingus.
On my lingus boarding pass it showed my AA number. I received my DFW-LHR miles already. Any chance I can get any for the lingus leg?
I know they arnt a partner but my AA number was on their boarding pass so I thought I’d ask.
thanks!
I flew DFW-LHR-ORK booked on BA stock and LHR-ORK was codeshare with lingus.
On my lingus boarding pass it showed my AA number. I received my DFW-LHR miles already. Any chance I can get any for the lingus leg?
I know they arnt a partner but my AA number was on their boarding pass so I thought I’d ask.
thanks!
Sep 20, 2021, 6:07 am
#775
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Quick question... As someone who primarily buys J fares, is there any noticeable benefits to having status with AA? I haven't decided where to credit my flights for the remainder of the year to either hit AS MVP75K or AA PlatinumPro. I could hit EXP as well with one more extra trip, so I'm curious if there are any noticeable benefits with having status compared to just buying J fares on AA. Does EXP get Flagship lounge access on non INTL J fares or anything extra from J?
You would also get a separate reservations number, with PLT Pro you'd have the highest priority in the queue for normal reservations agents, while EXP has another number with a subset of agents ("EXP Desk") that are generally more competent and experienced.
But in terms of lounges no, if you're already buying J then PLT Pro or EXP status won't give you anything you wouldn't already get with business class (at least domestically speaking and within North America).
Sep 20, 2021, 10:21 pm
#776
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: ORD/LHR
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, 1MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,302
With AA, the real added benefit would be waitlist priority, helpful in the case of irrops or if you want to go standby, etc.
You would also get a separate reservations number, with PLT Pro you'd have the highest priority in the queue for normal reservations agents, while EXP has another number with a subset of agents ("EXP Desk") that are generally more competent and experienced.
But in terms of lounges no, if you're already buying J then PLT Pro or EXP status won't give you anything you wouldn't already get with business class (at least domestically speaking and within North America).
You would also get a separate reservations number, with PLT Pro you'd have the highest priority in the queue for normal reservations agents, while EXP has another number with a subset of agents ("EXP Desk") that are generally more competent and experienced.
But in terms of lounges no, if you're already buying J then PLT Pro or EXP status won't give you anything you wouldn't already get with business class (at least domestically speaking and within North America).
There's always the added complication of codeshares, so that aside, I'd say go with the carrier whose metal you anticipate flying most often. You didn't say if you'd qualify for AS MVP 100k either, so look at the benefits there (but they seem a little lackluster, and require a lot of flying on AS metal). If you were asking me personally, I'd say go for AA EXP, as they have the larger route network, as well as (presumably) a lot more elites, and their 'EXP Desk' agents are extremely valuable in the case of IROPS.
Sep 21, 2021, 7:23 am
#777
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
While this is true, it is a pale shadow of what it used to be. The decline started when they closed the TUS call center which had absolutely phenomenal agents. Most of them took early retirement although they were all offered relocation to DFW or RDU.
In those days it was fairly normal to have favorite AAgents and ask to be connected to them by name.
In those days it was fairly normal to have favorite AAgents and ask to be connected to them by name.
Sep 21, 2021, 9:20 am
#778
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 911
Hello, seeing conflicting info on Flagship Lounge access....Does the Mexico City destination qualify for access (when FL reopen) when flying business class on American? Thank you!
Sep 21, 2021, 9:52 am
#779
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
In the main page it says access is only available now for First & Business to/from Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and deep South America (now excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela). According to this Central America & MEX no longer qualify.
However in the bottom footnotes AA still lists Central America, all of South America, and MEX as qualifying destinations ("Qualifying international flights are those between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico City (MEX) only...").
I'm guessing the footnotes are wrong and just haven't been updated to reflect the revised eligible destinations, which would be very typical of lazy AA and aa.com website marketing folks.
Sep 21, 2021, 10:22 am
#780
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Posts: 2,119
The wording on AA.com states that passengers on "Flights with seats ticketed as Flagship"
between LAX and MIA have Admirals Club access. Do passengers who upgrade to Flagship
First or Business using 500 mile upgrades get Admirals Club access on these flights or is the
word "ticketed" code for only those who purchased actual Flagship First or Business fares get
access?
between LAX and MIA have Admirals Club access. Do passengers who upgrade to Flagship
First or Business using 500 mile upgrades get Admirals Club access on these flights or is the
word "ticketed" code for only those who purchased actual Flagship First or Business fares get
access?