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
Nov 2, 2021, 1:01 pm
#992
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 16
I recently had a flight to Japan in March cancelled (DFW-HND), and was not automatically rebooked on JAL. I understand that I can call in and request a full refund or to be rebooked on JAL.
My question is, if I ask to be rebooked on JAL, am I forfeiting my right to a full refund if Japan is not open in March? Or if Japan is still closed and I am unable to go, can I still request a full refund after being rebooked since my original itinerary was cancelled/changed?
My question is, if I ask to be rebooked on JAL, am I forfeiting my right to a full refund if Japan is not open in March? Or if Japan is still closed and I am unable to go, can I still request a full refund after being rebooked since my original itinerary was cancelled/changed?
Nov 2, 2021, 2:09 pm
#993
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
Where do you send your hotel receipt for a hotel I paid for due to AA cancellation this past weekend? Or is it pointless? only old fashioned way of fax and snail mail?
Nov 2, 2021, 2:13 pm
#994
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: 14,185
Usually you need to ask them to book a hotel for you. I am not sure if booking your own hotel and sending the bill to American Airlines would work.
Nov 2, 2021, 2:47 pm
#995
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,442
I would typically send a complaint to customer relations about the delay and ask where to send receipts for reimbursement.
Nov 2, 2021, 3:25 pm
#996
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,384
Just use a good credit card to book the flights in the future and save yourself the hassle of dealing with AA. I've had zero issues dealing with Amex whenever this has happened to me before, including room service.
Nov 2, 2021, 3:35 pm
#997
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
it was a one way ticket. i buy the return when im sure of the date. AMEX will turn it down if its one way ticket.
Nov 2, 2021, 4:43 pm
#998
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,532
Nov 2, 2021, 5:16 pm
#999
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,716
If an AA member is at a Platinum Pro level but has no status with Hyatt, is she eligible for a higher status with Hyatt? If yes, how does one go about applying for it?
Nov 3, 2021, 1:09 pm
#1000
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 7
Question about admirals club access on a round trip business class ticket from Boston to Quito with a layover in Miami (sorry for it probably being a dumb question but I'm new to the game). I wanted to make sure I would also be able to access the admirals club in Boston and not just Miami? Thanks in advance!
Nov 4, 2021, 2:10 am
#1001
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
I'm looking for a sanity check - I think I'm leaving the game with AA and airline loyalty in general, but wanted to see if I'm missing anything.
Anything I'm missing? The only downside I can see is that I would lose access to the BA First Lounge in LHR, which I transit about 4x per year. I have an admirals club membership, so I could use that when it is reopened, or just use the business lounge rather than First.
- 2021 Travel (with booked flights included)
- EQD: 14,500
- EQM: 120k
- Segments: 27, though only ~18 on AA
- Lifetime Gold, probably will make lifetime platinum at some point
- At least six of my segments were with BA
- I typically book discount domestic F and discount international J if the prices look good. If those are too expensive then I book economy
- I don't think my need for business travel will ever return
- I think my 2022 activity will be similar to the above
- Lots of expired SWUs every year because they never seem to clear when I need them
Anything I'm missing? The only downside I can see is that I would lose access to the BA First Lounge in LHR, which I transit about 4x per year. I have an admirals club membership, so I could use that when it is reopened, or just use the business lounge rather than First.
Nov 5, 2021, 7:34 pm
#1002
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
No. U cannot request a refund later unless there is a further cancellation or significant skd change. if u want a refund now is the time to request it.
I recently had a flight to Japan in March cancelled (DFW-HND), and was not automatically rebooked on JAL. I understand that I can call in and request a full refund or to be rebooked on JAL.
My question is, if I ask to be rebooked on JAL, am I forfeiting my right to a full refund if Japan is not open in March? Or if Japan is still closed and I am unable to go, can I still request a full refund after being rebooked since my original itinerary was cancelled/changed?
My question is, if I ask to be rebooked on JAL, am I forfeiting my right to a full refund if Japan is not open in March? Or if Japan is still closed and I am unable to go, can I still request a full refund after being rebooked since my original itinerary was cancelled/changed?
Nov 5, 2021, 10:42 pm
#1003
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: Southwest A-List, Alaska MVP
Posts: 1,231
FlyIng DOH-ORD in QR Business (upgraded) Will that get me lounge access in Chicago ahead of the domestic connection?
Nov 5, 2021, 11:01 pm
#1004
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,532
Nov 6, 2021, 6:26 pm
#1005
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,716
Is there an analysis somewhere on the web that shows whether it is worth aiming for 2022 flights on other (partner) Oneworld carriers instead of AA when a choice is available (e.g. BA or JL instead of AA) for the purpose of status on AAdvantage?