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
Dec 6, 2021, 12:38 pm
#1156
Join Date: Dec 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 5
That is a bummer of a situation to be in.
You could call and ask for good will, but don't expect it.
They may offer to sell you a "pack" of EQM for money, which was publicly advertised earlier this year. Or AA may launch their elite status buy-up website as they have done in the last few years and offer to extend your status for cash. Both options will cost you much more than just buying a cheap return ticket.
You could call and ask for good will, but don't expect it.
They may offer to sell you a "pack" of EQM for money, which was publicly advertised earlier this year. Or AA may launch their elite status buy-up website as they have done in the last few years and offer to extend your status for cash. Both options will cost you much more than just buying a cheap return ticket.
Dec 6, 2021, 12:39 pm
#1157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Hi there all. Current Platinum, but not gonna requalify in the next 3 weeks. In fact, if I don't do anything else, I won't even qualify for Gold. I'm exactly 10 (not a typo -- ten) EQMs short. Any suggestions? Should I just call and ask them to give me those? I was kind of hoping that they'd just extend my Platinum status as a goodwill gesture, but I'm barely halfway on EQDs for Platinum, and less than half on EQM/EQS. I'd like to keep some status, but I really don't want to have to fly just to get those 10 EQMs. Thanks!
Dec 6, 2021, 1:06 pm
#1158
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Don’t u have until end of feb 22 to qualify? Have seen some $99 flights dfw lax
Dec 6, 2021, 1:15 pm
#1159
Join Date: Dec 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 5
Ah. I think so. Just found this on the website:
Eligible qualifying activity in January and February of 2022 will count toward earning both 2022 and 2023 status – giving you an extra 2 months to earn status for both years.
Dec 6, 2021, 2:56 pm
#1160
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 85
Last question and thanks to everyone for all the help - if I book an international flight in Main Cabin for myself and my girlfriend on the same itinerary and want to apply a SWU, would the SWU apply both of us? Or only me? If it's only me, would I need two SWUs for that one ticket? Not sure how that works when booking 2 people on the same ticket.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Dec 6, 2021, 3:01 pm
#1161
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Last question and thanks to everyone for all the help - if I book an international flight in Main Cabin for myself and my girlfriend on the same itinerary and want to apply a SWU, would the SWU apply both of us? Or only me? If it's only me, would I need two SWUs for that one ticket? Not sure how that works when booking 2 people on the same ticket.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Dec 6, 2021, 3:39 pm
#1163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
We shall be flying with AA and connecting via Phoenix with the advent of the New Year. Our connecting interval is around three hours and we would like to have lunch in the terminal.
Any suggestions or recommendations for a sit down lunch at a restaurant in the PHX terminal serving AA? And is any type of upscale dining offered at PHX?
Any suggestions or recommendations for a sit down lunch at a restaurant in the PHX terminal serving AA? And is any type of upscale dining offered at PHX?
Dec 6, 2021, 5:11 pm
#1164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
We shall be flying with AA and connecting via Phoenix with the advent of the New Year. Our connecting interval is around three hours and we would like to have lunch in the terminal.
Any suggestions or recommendations for a sit down lunch at a restaurant in the PHX terminal serving AA? And is any type of upscale dining offered at PHX?
Any suggestions or recommendations for a sit down lunch at a restaurant in the PHX terminal serving AA? And is any type of upscale dining offered at PHX?
AA Guide: PHX / Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Dec 7, 2021, 5:41 pm
#1165
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
I am a United 1K who has been flying American quite often this year in the past few months and have achieved the lowly level of platinum. I am booked in flagship first MIA-LAX tomorrow 12/8. I received a phone call this evening 12/7 from an American Airlines agent telling me that flagship first is oversold and they are looking for volunteers to either downgrade to business or travel another day for $500. I have flown flagship first seven times this year and this is the first I've seen this happen. Is this a regular occurrence with American Airlines? It's the only true first class cabin in North America. Sounds strange to oversell it or... Are they looking to open up space for a concierge key? $500 seems a little low for a ticket purchased for twice or more that amount.
Dec 7, 2021, 5:42 pm
#1166
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
Maybe next time I should negotiate for a status match 🤷
Dec 8, 2021, 3:28 am
#1167
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 643
Can anyone tell me if there are still bonus categories for going beyond the explat threshhold and what they are for 2021? I requalified with 85000 miles, and I'm considering another ticket that would kick me over 100,000 before year's end. I'll only buy this ticket, though, if it pushed me into another category of award. Unfortunately, I can't find this revised information anywhere on AA! I do see a page saying 120k for addtional awards, but that seems high, and I'm wondering if it's not revised.
Dec 8, 2021, 4:37 am
#1168
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Can anyone tell me if there are still bonus categories for going beyond the explat threshhold and what they are for 2021? I requalified with 85000 miles, and I'm considering another ticket that would kick me over 100,000 before year's end. I'll only buy this ticket, though, if it pushed me into another category of award. Unfortunately, I can't find this revised information anywhere on AA! I do see a page saying 120k for addtional awards, but that seems high, and I'm wondering if it's not revised.
Dec 8, 2021, 9:08 am
#1170
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
maybe u could have asked them? How would we know for sure…possibly the have a MX on another flight and have had to move people to your flight? Maybe there is a 3 class international that required rebooking of the domestic leg?
many times AA will tell u the issue. — Ie we had a few cancelled flights
many times AA will tell u the issue. — Ie we had a few cancelled flights
I am a United 1K who has been flying American quite often this year in the past few months and have achieved the lowly level of platinum. I am booked in flagship first MIA-LAX tomorrow 12/8. I received a phone call this evening 12/7 from an American Airlines agent telling me that flagship first is oversold and they are looking for volunteers to either downgrade to business or travel another day for $500. I have flown flagship first seven times this year and this is the first I've seen this happen. Is this a regular occurrence with American Airlines? It's the only true first class cabin in North America. Sounds strange to oversell it or... Are they looking to open up space for a concierge key? $500 seems a little low for a ticket purchased for twice or more that amount.