NEWBIE LOUNGE 2022: Ask AA newbie questions here - flame-free thread
#2131
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VNY | BUR | LAX
Programs: AAdvantage | MileagePlus
Posts: 18,323
#2132
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Manchester
Programs: BAEC (Silver), Hilton HHonors (Gold)
Posts: 312
It's the same as for a domestic mainline flight, 1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for... oneworld® Sapphire members.
NV
#2133
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
Hi all -
My wife and I are planning a short hop from DCA to BOS (one way), and the specific flight we want is an A319 with 3 seats in each row/each side. We'd like to book 3 seats for the two of us, few questions:
1. can this be done online? If so, is there a specific name/format we should enter for the third 'passenger'...? Or do we need to call in to reservations?
2. What should we know in terms of checking in, showing a boarding pass, etc.?
3. If they change the flight/equipment and we end up on something with 2 seats would we be able/likely to get a refund or anything? We're planning to book in basic economy so I think I can guess that one...
4. Anything else to consider?
Thanks so much!
My wife and I are planning a short hop from DCA to BOS (one way), and the specific flight we want is an A319 with 3 seats in each row/each side. We'd like to book 3 seats for the two of us, few questions:
1. can this be done online? If so, is there a specific name/format we should enter for the third 'passenger'...? Or do we need to call in to reservations?
2. What should we know in terms of checking in, showing a boarding pass, etc.?
3. If they change the flight/equipment and we end up on something with 2 seats would we be able/likely to get a refund or anything? We're planning to book in basic economy so I think I can guess that one...
4. Anything else to consider?
Thanks so much!
#2134
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, QRPC, Amex MR, World of Hyatt, IHG one rewards, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, etc…
Posts: 453
Hi all -
My wife and I are planning a short hop from DCA to BOS (one way), and the specific flight we want is an A319 with 3 seats in each row/each side. We'd like to book 3 seats for the two of us, few questions:
1. can this be done online? If so, is there a specific name/format we should enter for the third 'passenger'...? Or do we need to call in to reservations?
2. What should we know in terms of checking in, showing a boarding pass, etc.?
3. If they change the flight/equipment and we end up on something with 2 seats would we be able/likely to get a refund or anything? We're planning to book in basic economy so I think I can guess that one...
4. Anything else to consider?
Thanks so much!
My wife and I are planning a short hop from DCA to BOS (one way), and the specific flight we want is an A319 with 3 seats in each row/each side. We'd like to book 3 seats for the two of us, few questions:
1. can this be done online? If so, is there a specific name/format we should enter for the third 'passenger'...? Or do we need to call in to reservations?
2. What should we know in terms of checking in, showing a boarding pass, etc.?
3. If they change the flight/equipment and we end up on something with 2 seats would we be able/likely to get a refund or anything? We're planning to book in basic economy so I think I can guess that one...
4. Anything else to consider?
Thanks so much!
American Airlines
American Airlines permits customers to book a second seat for a musical instrument because they require -- or simply want -- the additional space.To book two seats, the customer must call reservations directly. According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the second seat must be purchased at the same fare and in the same fare class as the first seat. You can redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat, but again, only if you redeem miles for both seats in the same fare class. Unfortunately, miles cannot be earned on the additional seat purchase even if you pay cash. Additionally, if you desire a second seat, it must be booked for the full itinerary -- not just one segment.
(https://thepointsguy.com/guide/buy-s...rican-airlines)
#2135
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
from the TPG site:
To book two seats, the customer must call reservations directly. According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the second seat must be purchased at the same fare and in the same fare class as the first seat. You can redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat, but again, only if you redeem miles for both seats in the same fare class. Unfortunately, miles cannot be earned on the additional seat purchase even if you pay cash. Additionally, if you desire a second seat, it must be booked for the full itinerary -- not just one segment.
(https://thepointsguy.com/guide/buy-s...rican-airlines)
American Airlines
American Airlines permits customers to book a second seat for a musical instrument because they require -- or simply want -- the additional space.To book two seats, the customer must call reservations directly. According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the second seat must be purchased at the same fare and in the same fare class as the first seat. You can redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat, but again, only if you redeem miles for both seats in the same fare class. Unfortunately, miles cannot be earned on the additional seat purchase even if you pay cash. Additionally, if you desire a second seat, it must be booked for the full itinerary -- not just one segment.
(https://thepointsguy.com/guide/buy-s...rican-airlines)
Thanks again.
#2136
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 26,524

Of course, if you prefer an aircraft with 2 x 2 seating, you could book JetBlue on this route.
Did you have any elite status with AAdvantage?
Last edited by guv1976; Jan 28, 23 at 10:36 pm
#2137
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BAEC, QRPC, Amex MR, World of Hyatt, IHG one rewards, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, etc…
Posts: 453
Thanks! I wound up booking over the phone, appreciate the info. Don't suppose you have any thoughts/knowledge/links/guesses as to how the actual travel would go? I assume (?) I'd check all three seats in normally the night before, and expect to just present 2 passes to go through security, then show all three at the gate? Thoughts on what I could/would/should do in the event the equipment on my flight is changed to a 2-seater and we no longer 'need' the third seat? (again, noting we bought basic economy, so my guess is we eat it?)
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
#2138
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
If the aircraft were changed to one with 2 x 2 seating in Economy, that would likely be a regional jet, not operated by mainline AA, but by a subsidiary airline. A change in carrier of your flight should entitle you to a full refund. 
Of course, if you prefer an aircraft with 2 x 2 seating, you could book JetBlue on this route.
Did you have any elite status with AAdvantage?

Of course, if you prefer an aircraft with 2 x 2 seating, you could book JetBlue on this route.
Did you have any elite status with AAdvantage?

Gold status for the next few months, curious if (but doubting whether) that would have done anything for me here.

Appreciate the assist, I'm sure/hoping it won't be an issue while traveling; will be "fun" to see if my third seat gets Pre-Check lol.
Thanks.
Last edited by JY1024; Jan 31, 23 at 4:29 pm Reason: Merged consecutive posts
#2139
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Reno/Tahoe
Programs: Alaska 75k/One World Emerald
Posts: 406
Just curious if anyone knows if you are One World Emerald seated in the middle "elite" section (not MCE) if you get free drinks? I've heard Alaska offers it in the equivalent situation so I was curious if AA does the same. Thanks!
#2140
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 26,524
Thanks! We actually prefer the A319 larger configuration over the regional option, but good thought to keep in mind re: the full refund
Edit to add: Going in for a same day wedding, so trying to balance sleeping in as much as possible, arrival time, and preferred airport/equipment.
Gold status for the next few months, curious if (but doubting whether) that would have done anything for me here.

Gold status for the next few months, curious if (but doubting whether) that would have done anything for me here.
AAdvantage Gold on JetBlue would get you each a free checked bag at the airport. In addition, at T-24, you would get free "Even More Space" seats (if any were still available).
#2141
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ontario, California
Programs: PC Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt plat,...
Posts: 369
when to book award travel to London
I have been saving for years and was planning a UK trip form the US. I originally wanted to go 2020/2021 but plans got delayed.
Now I am planning a trip this summer. Should I book immediately? I remember in the past if I cancelled an award flight I had to pay to get miles reinstated but now it seems different.
FYI I am shooting for Business on either AA or BA metal (I know BA has fuel surcharges, but it's less miles so I figure it's a wash).
Now I am planning a trip this summer. Should I book immediately? I remember in the past if I cancelled an award flight I had to pay to get miles reinstated but now it seems different.
FYI I am shooting for Business on either AA or BA metal (I know BA has fuel surcharges, but it's less miles so I figure it's a wash).
#2142
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 26,524
I have been saving for years and was planning a UK trip form the US. I originally wanted to go 2020/2021 but plans got delayed.
Now I am planning a trip this summer. Should I book immediately? I remember in the past if I cancelled an award flight I had to pay to get miles reinstated but now it seems different.
FYI I am shooting for Business on either AA or BA metal (I know BA has fuel surcharges, but it's less miles so I figure it's a wash).
Now I am planning a trip this summer. Should I book immediately? I remember in the past if I cancelled an award flight I had to pay to get miles reinstated but now it seems different.
FYI I am shooting for Business on either AA or BA metal (I know BA has fuel surcharges, but it's less miles so I figure it's a wash).
If you're going to book an AAdvantage award for travel on BA, be sure to compare the surcharges on a roundtrip against those on two separately-booked one-ways. BA has been known to have higher surcharges on award travel originating in the U.S.

#2143
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Ontario, California
Programs: PC Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt plat,...
Posts: 369
Thank you, (FYI I notice flying to LON there is around $750 surcharge, but coming back from LON to LAX its less than $500, and know I know why)
I have one last question for the group.
I am traveling solo and the day I want to go from LAX to LON I can do
business nonstop
OR
First with 1 layover at JFK
OR
Orange County to LON
FIrst with 1 Layover in DFW
Anyone with experience on these routes. (I don't travel to much so any insight is welcomed)
I have one last question for the group.
I am traveling solo and the day I want to go from LAX to LON I can do
business nonstop
OR
First with 1 layover at JFK
OR
Orange County to LON
FIrst with 1 Layover in DFW
Anyone with experience on these routes. (I don't travel to much so any insight is welcomed)
Last edited by FOX85; Jan 29, 23 at 4:48 pm
#2144
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: VNY | BUR | LAX
Programs: AAdvantage | MileagePlus
Posts: 18,323
Thank you, (FYI I notice flying to LON there is around $750 surcharge, but coming back from LON to LAX its less than $500, and know I know why)
I have one last question for the group.
I am traveling solo and the day I want to go from LAX to LON I can do
business nonstop
OR
First with 1 layover at JFK
OR
Orange County to LON
FIrst with 1 Layover in DFW
Anyone with experience on these routes. (I don't travel to much so any insight is welcomed)
I have one last question for the group.
I am traveling solo and the day I want to go from LAX to LON I can do
business nonstop
OR
First with 1 layover at JFK
OR
Orange County to LON
FIrst with 1 Layover in DFW
Anyone with experience on these routes. (I don't travel to much so any insight is welcomed)
#2145
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 247
Question regarding reward flight on BA (booked through AA). Club world booking. I am Platinum pro but we had to split the reservation to have enough miles (she is Gold). The reservations are linked but her status is not allowing seat selection without a fee on BA. Has anyone had any luck getting seats selected using a linked reservation earlier than the 7 days prior to departure?