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
Oct 2, 2021, 5:34 pm
#841
Join Date: May 2021
Programs: Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, AA Platinum
Posts: 81
Newbie Question:
In middle of booking a flight from DOH-SEA-MSP and SEA-MSP legs is on Alaska Airlines. I have a 6.5 hours layover in Seattle - This will be Business class ticket booked with miles. Do i get access to Lounge in Seattle Tacoma airport with the International Business class booked with American Airlines miles?
In middle of booking a flight from DOH-SEA-MSP and SEA-MSP legs is on Alaska Airlines. I have a 6.5 hours layover in Seattle - This will be Business class ticket booked with miles. Do i get access to Lounge in Seattle Tacoma airport with the International Business class booked with American Airlines miles?
Oct 3, 2021, 1:04 pm
#843
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
OK, dumb question time. I am still "newer" to have airline status and I want to make sure I understand my options.
I am Platinum, have a flight coming up, SEA-LAX-MIA. My first leg has already cleared at 48 hours out (yay CRJ for 3 hours....). My upgrade is pending on the 777-300ER, with one seat available for sale. I have a nice window seat in the Premium Economy section (sold as MCE of course) secured which is certainly the place I would want to be if not in business. There is a 777-200 flight two hours later that has 8 open seats in business class, but all the good premium economy seats are already taken.
Is there any way to request to be moved to the later flight ONLY if I can be upgraded to business simultaneously to be assured the flat bed for the redeye flight? Basically I would not want to gamble on an upgrade if it means I risk losing the window recliner seat which will be acceptable for a quick night's sleep and arriving two hours sooner.
I am Platinum, have a flight coming up, SEA-LAX-MIA. My first leg has already cleared at 48 hours out (yay CRJ for 3 hours....). My upgrade is pending on the 777-300ER, with one seat available for sale. I have a nice window seat in the Premium Economy section (sold as MCE of course) secured which is certainly the place I would want to be if not in business. There is a 777-200 flight two hours later that has 8 open seats in business class, but all the good premium economy seats are already taken.
Is there any way to request to be moved to the later flight ONLY if I can be upgraded to business simultaneously to be assured the flat bed for the redeye flight? Basically I would not want to gamble on an upgrade if it means I risk losing the window recliner seat which will be acceptable for a quick night's sleep and arriving two hours sooner.
Oct 3, 2021, 11:53 pm
#844
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
bag fees on award tix
I haven't redeemed AA miles for an award ticket in many years and would like to confirm if my understanding is correct. This is for a SFO-MIA o/w tix in Y for Dec., No elite status.
1. Are checked bags free or $30 for the 1st bag?
2. I don't quite understand this note:
Web Special rules and restrictions
This trip includes a Web Special award and cannot be changed once ticketed. You can cancel your trip and reinstate miles at no charge if your plans change.
If I can cancel and get my miles reinstated with no fees - can I do this anytime prior to the day and time of departure? - doesn't that mean I can then use my reinstated miles to redeem for another ticket if I need to change my date and/or time? Why does it say the trip cannot be changed once ticketed? (Is it just a warning because my changed trip may cost more miles?)
Also: I see "Web Special - Main Cabin, Booking Code: Y". I thought "Y" is for full-fare economy - why does it apply to a redemption ticket?
1. Are checked bags free or $30 for the 1st bag?
2. I don't quite understand this note:
Web Special rules and restrictions
This trip includes a Web Special award and cannot be changed once ticketed. You can cancel your trip and reinstate miles at no charge if your plans change.
If I can cancel and get my miles reinstated with no fees - can I do this anytime prior to the day and time of departure? - doesn't that mean I can then use my reinstated miles to redeem for another ticket if I need to change my date and/or time? Why does it say the trip cannot be changed once ticketed? (Is it just a warning because my changed trip may cost more miles?)
Also: I see "Web Special - Main Cabin, Booking Code: Y". I thought "Y" is for full-fare economy - why does it apply to a redemption ticket?
Last edited by sfvoyage; Oct 4, 2021 at 12:16 am
Oct 4, 2021, 12:22 am
#845
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,606
I haven't redeemed AA miles for an award ticket in many years and would like to confirm if my understanding is correct. This is for a SFO-MIA o/w tix in Y for Dec., No elite status.
1. Are checked bags free or $30 for the 1st bag?
2. I don't quite understand this note:
Web Special rules and restrictions
This trip includes a Web Special award and cannot be changed once ticketed. You can cancel your trip and reinstate miles at no charge if your plans change.
If I can cancel and get my miles reinstated with no fees - can I do this anytime prior to the day and time of departure? - doesn't that mean I can then use my reinstated miles to redeem for another ticket if I need to change my date and/or time? Why does it say the trip cannot be changed once ticketed? (Is it just a warning because my changed trip may cost more miles?)
Also: I see "Web Special - Main Cabin, Booking Code: Y". I thought "Y" is for full-fare economy - why does it apply to a redemption ticket?
1. Are checked bags free or $30 for the 1st bag?
2. I don't quite understand this note:
Web Special rules and restrictions
This trip includes a Web Special award and cannot be changed once ticketed. You can cancel your trip and reinstate miles at no charge if your plans change.
If I can cancel and get my miles reinstated with no fees - can I do this anytime prior to the day and time of departure? - doesn't that mean I can then use my reinstated miles to redeem for another ticket if I need to change my date and/or time? Why does it say the trip cannot be changed once ticketed? (Is it just a warning because my changed trip may cost more miles?)
Also: I see "Web Special - Main Cabin, Booking Code: Y". I thought "Y" is for full-fare economy - why does it apply to a redemption ticket?
The no-changes language predates AA's decision to allow free cancellation and reinstatement of miles on award tickets. With other award types, you can change date and time of travel without redepositing miles, as long as award seats are available at the same mileage amount.
I can't answer your question about the "Y" booking code, but I wouldn't worry about it.
Oct 5, 2021, 3:40 pm
#846
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: AA EXP, BonVoy Titanium
Posts: 118
Can someone help me understand how the circled Base Miles are calculated? This is a Premium Economy revenue fare. The SEA -> LHR segment was booked on AA.com and flown on AA metal (SNA -> SEA was on AS metal, LHR -> DUB was on BA metal).
The Base Miles seem very low to me - shouldn't they match the actual miles flown for that leg since it was on AA metal, which would be 4,801?
The Base Miles seem very low to me - shouldn't they match the actual miles flown for that leg since it was on AA metal, which would be 4,801?
Oct 5, 2021, 3:53 pm
#847
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,419
Base award miles are given based on the USD spent. Base for everybody is 5 award miles per USD (basically your EQD for the flight). Then based on your status, you earn additional miles/$, which is included in the Bonus column.
Oct 6, 2021, 2:25 pm
#848
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
Oct 6, 2021, 2:52 pm
#849
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 235
is there any way to know if AA will release any extra award space? AA 236 on October 22 is showing only the 112K mile J award - i see J is about 60% full, does that mean anything further being released as saver is unlikely (obviously this is all sort of tea leaf reading)?
Oct 6, 2021, 3:20 pm
#850
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
...Is there any way to request to be moved to the later flight ONLY if I can be upgraded to business simultaneously to be assured the flat bed for the redeye flight? Basically I would not want to gamble on an upgrade if it means I risk losing the window recliner seat which will be acceptable for a quick night's sleep and arriving two hours sooner.
Of course you can. When you call or are at the desk, ask if you move to XXX flight will the upgrade clear at the same time. Did it all the time pre-pandemic. Simple request and answer.
Oct 6, 2021, 6:12 pm
#851
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 632
I already took the flight and my upgrade cleared on the first itinerary but I wanted to know for future reference anyway so I appreciate the confirmation.
Oct 7, 2021, 6:53 am
#852
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
Of course you can ask if upgrade space is available and, if so, ask to be moved to the new flight. I'm not sure why that would even be a question.
Oct 7, 2021, 6:56 am
#853
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
Can someone help me understand how the circled Base Miles are calculated? This is a Premium Economy revenue fare. The SEA -> LHR segment was booked on AA.com and flown on AA metal (SNA -> SEA was on AS metal, LHR -> DUB was on BA metal).
The Base Miles seem very low to me - shouldn't they match the actual miles flown for that leg since it was on AA metal, which would be 4,801?
The Base Miles seem very low to me - shouldn't they match the actual miles flown for that leg since it was on AA metal, which would be 4,801?
I'm surprised that the EQD was only $179 for SEA-LHR, though. Something is not right here. What did you pay for the whole ticket?
Oct 7, 2021, 11:40 am
#854
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 16
Kind of a noob question about trying to piece together an AA award. My understanding was that you could call in and have them attach a domestic flight to a international award that wasn't showing up when searching on the website but has a valid connection (3 hours). Can this be done after the international award is ticketed, or only prior to booking or when its on hold?
I called and the agent said that they can't do it without cancelling it and rebooking, at which point would depend on award inventory still being available for the international long haul.
For example, if I have LAX-HKG on CX J and want to attach domestic XXX-LAX on the front end. There is only "web special" XXX-LAX awards available right now so they say they cannot piece it together right now either.
I called and the agent said that they can't do it without cancelling it and rebooking, at which point would depend on award inventory still being available for the international long haul.
For example, if I have LAX-HKG on CX J and want to attach domestic XXX-LAX on the front end. There is only "web special" XXX-LAX awards available right now so they say they cannot piece it together right now either.
Oct 7, 2021, 11:50 am
#855
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,500
Kind of a noob question about trying to piece together an AA award. My understanding was that you could call in and have them attach a domestic flight to a international award that wasn't showing up when searching on the website but has a valid connection (3 hours). Can this be done after the international award is ticketed, or only prior to booking or when its on hold?
I called and the agent said that they can't do it without cancelling it and rebooking, at which point would depend on award inventory still being available for the international long haul.
For example, if I have LAX-HKG on CX J and want to attach domestic XXX-LAX on the front end. There is only "web special" XXX-LAX awards available right now so they say they cannot piece it together right now either.
I called and the agent said that they can't do it without cancelling it and rebooking, at which point would depend on award inventory still being available for the international long haul.
For example, if I have LAX-HKG on CX J and want to attach domestic XXX-LAX on the front end. There is only "web special" XXX-LAX awards available right now so they say they cannot piece it together right now either.
If the long haul flight is ticketed, a good agent can definitely add a flight to an existing ticketed award without having to cancel and start over, however many agents don't know how and just say you need availability on everything. Try HUCA.
Couple points: on int'l awards you have up to 24 hrs to connect any connection point (not 3 hrs). Also the agent was correct in that you cannot combine a web special award with a partner award like you were trying to do. You need sAAver space on the XXX-LAX to be able to add it on the same award.