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
Jan 2, 2021, 7:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
NEWBIE LOUNGE 2021: Ask AA newbie questions here - flame-free thread
What is the absolute latest to standby on a previous flight? There are like flights every hour. I get past the security line pretty fast and see the previous flight boarding. Can I get on that one?
Jan 2, 2021, 7:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
In theory, yes, as long as they have not called for all passengers. (At that point they may have already closed the flight and printed out the final paperwork.) If there is a seat and your ticket/status allows it, it should not be a problem. Of course, GA's can always say no. However, as an EXP if I get there during boarding and there is a seat available, I have never been turned down.
Jan 4, 2021, 3:34 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
When I try to change the return trip, AA website does not show all the flights. They are still being sold.
I noticed AA "hiding" some trips in other ways. Like some overnight layovers are available paying by cash but not by points.
I noticed AA "hiding" some trips in other ways. Like some overnight layovers are available paying by cash but not by points.
Jan 4, 2021, 3:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Not all flights are available using a saver award. That is true for all airlines.
Jan 5, 2021, 7:38 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
How does this work if AA allows changes/cancellations due to COVID?
Express Deals-Priceline deals, in which the full itinerary is revealed only after you book, are nonchangeable and non-refundable.
Express Deals-Priceline deals, in which the full itinerary is revealed only after you book, are nonchangeable and non-refundable.
Jan 7, 2021, 9:03 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
I'm not a newbie but...
I don't search well (old age disease
)
I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
I don't search well (old age disease
)I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
Jan 7, 2021, 10:32 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I'm not a newbie but...
I don't search well (old age disease)
I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
I don't search well (old age disease
)I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
I would re-check your seatmap as something is off. On a 788, rows 6-9 are Premium Economy. Neither the 788 or 789 have a business mini cabin.
Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” seating guide
Jan 7, 2021, 11:32 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
I'm not a newbie but...
I don't search well (old age disease)
I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
I don't search well (old age disease
)I am flying for the first time on AA F 787. The seat chart shows 9 rows and what appears to be a F mini cabin after the F main cabin. Seat Guru is useless, but I cannot find anything that tells me which seat would be better. I currently have 7A in the front of the mini cabin, but can get 6L at the rear of the main cabin.
Anything that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated.
TIA
I looked at the wrong plane. My bad
Jan 10, 2021, 5:18 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,303
Interested in booking an award flight to Mexico from lower 48 with points. Booking myself and spouse. If needed to cancel, will both my ticket and spouses be auto refunded back to my AA account and will the TSA fees also be auto refunded for both?
Also, if I book with Chase Points through the UR portal will that be refundable if i need to cancel ?
Also, if I book with Chase Points through the UR portal will that be refundable if i need to cancel ?
Last edited by DeltaNeutral28; Jan 10, 2021 at 5:25 pm
Jan 10, 2021, 5:22 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
You still have to call American Airlines to have the miles placed back into your AAdvantage account.
Jan 10, 2021, 7:18 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ORD, sadly...
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 599
I dunno...every award I've cancelled (mix of domestic and int'l, including partners) since the 'rona hit has re-deposited the miles within an hour or so. Automatically. Taxes/fees took a few days to show up on the CC. As with all things AA, I suppose YMMV...
Jan 12, 2021, 8:46 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: DFW
Programs: PLAT -- 2.7Million
Posts: 2,051
Please advise...Are all seats in first/business pointing forward on the 772's?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Jan 12, 2021, 9:03 pm
#13
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: 14,186
For more information, you could consult this thread: Boeing 777 seating guide
Jan 13, 2021, 9:46 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 264
If I use trip credits and/or eVouchers to pay for a flight, do I still earn the full amount of EQD's or do they affect that number somehow? I think they don't have any effect on EQD's but wanted to confirm... I have a bunch that expire this year so ultimately it doesn't really matter because I'll use them no matter what, but I'm curious.
Jan 13, 2021, 11:28 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
If I use trip credits and/or eVouchers to pay for a flight, do I still earn the full amount of EQD's or do they affect that number somehow? I think they don't have any effect on EQD's but wanted to confirm... I have a bunch that expire this year so ultimately it doesn't really matter because I'll use them no matter what, but I'm curious.