AA Qatar Award buyer beware (ensure baggage allowance)
Sep 19, 23, 7:34 pm
#211
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 99
I booked BLR-DOH on Qatar using AA miles at aa.com, ran into same issue. Ticket doesn't show any baggage allowance. When contacted Qatar, they said contact AA to fix the issue. When I contacted AA, they verbally assured standard economy allowance is allowed. I don't want to take any risk, I canceled my ticket.
Sep 19, 23, 8:46 pm
#213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 10,600
Sep 28, 23, 5:50 am
#214
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ KF
Posts: 158
Adding to this. I have a Business award on QF. QF confirmed that there is no checked baggage allowance for this ticket.
Tweeted AA and they say there is 40kg but there are no systems that are able to show it. Asked me to quote the chat reference number if there are issues and check again when the online check in window opens. Not hopeful this will work out.
Tweeted AA and they say there is 40kg but there are no systems that are able to show it. Asked me to quote the chat reference number if there are issues and check again when the online check in window opens. Not hopeful this will work out.
Sep 28, 23, 9:51 am
#215
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,173
If QF is saying no checked baggage allowance showing on the ticket, then you MUST get AA to re-issue it with the correct baggage allowance showing.
Even if most QF check-in agents wouldn't normally notice, all it takes is one diligent check-in agent when it's your turn, and you suddenly have an expensive problem to try to solve at the airport.
Even if most QF check-in agents wouldn't normally notice, all it takes is one diligent check-in agent when it's your turn, and you suddenly have an expensive problem to try to solve at the airport.
Sep 28, 23, 8:35 pm
#216
Join Date: May 2002
Location: LEESBURG, VA, USA
Posts: 254
And this is about the discussion at hand. Use the chat function to sort out your checked baggage allowance. Isn't that what we are discussing?
Sep 28, 23, 11:35 pm
#217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 10,600
I would still treat anything by a chat agent with a grain of salt. Better to check online via the partner airline site. AA agents are known to invent things in the absence of knowledge.
Oct 5, 23, 6:10 pm
#218
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: Marriott/SPG Gold, Krisflyer Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 38
I stumbled upon this thread and checked my AA award booking and had the same baggage allowance issue. My original AA confirmation email made no mention of checked bags only cabin bags. So I thought I'd share my experience with getting this resolved.
1) Checked my PNR on QR's website and there was no baggage stated in the booking summary (consistent with screenshots posted by others earlier). Did an online chat with QR who said "there is no baggage allowance reflecting on the ticket, we are unable to confirm the baggage allowance, please contact AA".
2) Called AA explaining the issue that QR couldn't see any baggage on the booking, AA agent did some checks and could see there was an issue with the baggage allowance, said they would reissue the ticket. On hold for about 10 mins and agent said ticket had been reissued with correct allowances and that a new confirmation email would be sent to me within 1 hour. Didn't receive an email, checked AA site and could see ticket status was "on request". Logged in the next day and could see status had changed to "ticketed" but no confirmation email received and QR's website was still showing no baggage.
3) Called AA again a few days later, explaining the issue, agent understood the issue and said they will get in touch with ticketing department to get ticket reissued, put on hold for about 15mins. As I was on hold, a new email confirmation from AA came through however the new AA email still made no mention of checked baggage !! Agent came back from the hold and asked me to recheck QR's website and what do you know, there was a baggage allowance listed (40kg) !
I've saved the eticket summary and trip summary from QR's website which states the 40kg allowance.
I've gone back to my past AA award confirmation emails and there has been a mixed record when it comes to having the checked baggage explicitly being mentioned:
QF: No checked baggage mentioned on AA email, can't recall if QF site ever had confirmation of baggage but didn't have any issue at airport (BKK).
CX/JL: Checked baggage allowance stated on AA email.
I think 9999 times out of 10000, most people won't have any issues at the airport even with this AA baggage issue, otherwise we'd be seeing a lot more threads here with people outlining their grievances. However, there will be the odd occasion (like the OP's) where you do run into an issue. For piece of mind, I'm glad I was able to resolve the issue with AA, as the last thing you'd want is to be on the phone with AA at the airport trying to resolve a baggage issue with your ticket.
1) Checked my PNR on QR's website and there was no baggage stated in the booking summary (consistent with screenshots posted by others earlier). Did an online chat with QR who said "there is no baggage allowance reflecting on the ticket, we are unable to confirm the baggage allowance, please contact AA".
2) Called AA explaining the issue that QR couldn't see any baggage on the booking, AA agent did some checks and could see there was an issue with the baggage allowance, said they would reissue the ticket. On hold for about 10 mins and agent said ticket had been reissued with correct allowances and that a new confirmation email would be sent to me within 1 hour. Didn't receive an email, checked AA site and could see ticket status was "on request". Logged in the next day and could see status had changed to "ticketed" but no confirmation email received and QR's website was still showing no baggage.
3) Called AA again a few days later, explaining the issue, agent understood the issue and said they will get in touch with ticketing department to get ticket reissued, put on hold for about 15mins. As I was on hold, a new email confirmation from AA came through however the new AA email still made no mention of checked baggage !! Agent came back from the hold and asked me to recheck QR's website and what do you know, there was a baggage allowance listed (40kg) !
I've saved the eticket summary and trip summary from QR's website which states the 40kg allowance.
I've gone back to my past AA award confirmation emails and there has been a mixed record when it comes to having the checked baggage explicitly being mentioned:
QF: No checked baggage mentioned on AA email, can't recall if QF site ever had confirmation of baggage but didn't have any issue at airport (BKK).
CX/JL: Checked baggage allowance stated on AA email.
I think 9999 times out of 10000, most people won't have any issues at the airport even with this AA baggage issue, otherwise we'd be seeing a lot more threads here with people outlining their grievances. However, there will be the odd occasion (like the OP's) where you do run into an issue. For piece of mind, I'm glad I was able to resolve the issue with AA, as the last thing you'd want is to be on the phone with AA at the airport trying to resolve a baggage issue with your ticket.
Oct 5, 23, 7:36 pm
#219
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vienna, Austria
Posts: 651
Ok so if when I check the AA receipt it gives me the fee options and when I check the QR itinerary in their website it has no info on baggagedoes that mean I have to call AA and get it reticketed or has this mess been fixed? Even when the ticket doesnt include fees would AA/OW status help in checking in luggage due to the benefits?
For a DOH-CPT it does say 1st and 2nd bag no charge
for an AKL-DOH trip it shows the bag fees on the AA receipt and no luggage info on QR
For a DOH-CPT it does say 1st and 2nd bag no charge
for an AKL-DOH trip it shows the bag fees on the AA receipt and no luggage info on QR
Oct 5, 23, 7:45 pm
#220
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, DL, HH Diamond, WoH Globalist
Posts: 48
Depends on your risk tolerance. You'll probably be fine, especially with OW status. I didn't want to take that chance, potentially with contract staff at an outstation, so I made several calls and a Twitter request to get my baggage allowances sorted.
Oct 5, 23, 7:54 pm
#221
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, DL, HH Diamond, WoH Globalist
Posts: 48
Based on the data points on this thread, I think the issue might be the mismatch between QR and AA units for baggage allowance. For flights to/from the US and/or Africa, both airlines allot baggage by piece. For flights to all other locations, Qatar uses a max weight allowance (any number of bags as long as it's within a total weight limit), while AA still allots by pieces. If this assumption is correct, segments to/from the US or Africa should have proper baggage endorsements while other tickets can expect the problems.
As an aside, after I got my baggage endorsements issued properly, my flight was re-ticketed due to a schedule change and the correct baggage endorsement is still reflected in the newly ticketed itinerary, on the QR app and the website. So at least it sticks once it's fixed...
As an aside, after I got my baggage endorsements issued properly, my flight was re-ticketed due to a schedule change and the correct baggage endorsement is still reflected in the newly ticketed itinerary, on the QR app and the website. So at least it sticks once it's fixed...
Oct 11, 23, 9:40 am
#223
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 21
Hello there, many thanks for the contributions.
Just reading this thread as I have an upcoming flight booked with AA miles on Qatar and am checking luggage allowances
I referenced the AA confirmation email but it doesn't clarify the checked bag (airport) allowance:
On the same place as highlighted in the red box,, it reads:
"Carry-on bags 1st carry-on Includes purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or similar item that must fit under the seat in front of you. 2nd carry-on Maximum dimensions not to exceed: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall (56 x 35 x 23 cm). Bag information For information regarding American Airlines checked baggage policies, please visit: Bag and optional fees Bag fees apply at each Check-in location. Additional allowances and/or discounts may apply. Bag and optional fees If your flight is operated by a partner airline, see the other airlines website for carry-on and checked bag policies."
The links don't clarify re this particular situation
I've now contacted AA via DM on X/Twitter (they have previously been v responsive there) and am waiting for a reply
Any further info much appreciated! Thx
Just reading this thread as I have an upcoming flight booked with AA miles on Qatar and am checking luggage allowances
I referenced the AA confirmation email but it doesn't clarify the checked bag (airport) allowance:
On the same place as highlighted in the red box,, it reads:
"Carry-on bags 1st carry-on Includes purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or similar item that must fit under the seat in front of you. 2nd carry-on Maximum dimensions not to exceed: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall (56 x 35 x 23 cm). Bag information For information regarding American Airlines checked baggage policies, please visit: Bag and optional fees Bag fees apply at each Check-in location. Additional allowances and/or discounts may apply. Bag and optional fees If your flight is operated by a partner airline, see the other airlines website for carry-on and checked bag policies."
The links don't clarify re this particular situation
I've now contacted AA via DM on X/Twitter (they have previously been v responsive there) and am waiting for a reply
Any further info much appreciated! Thx
Oct 21, 23, 3:49 am
#225
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 21
Hello everyone, thanks for comments
The good news is that may partner and I had no probs checking in with bags in BKK or Beirut for our Qatar flights in biz on AA miles
But the ticket booking and even check-in documentation continued to show no info for any bag allowances. So having read the comments/experiences of some others, I was relieved there were no issues.
I did raise this with American customer service via DM on Twitter/X. They responded as always v quickly and assured me that we would have 40 kgs.
But when I pressed for some confirmation of this on the ticket/booking etc, they kept referring me to Qatar, eg: “We've double checked and as these are flights operated by Qatar, they should be able to provide more details for you. Also, it wouldn't be possible to issue a receipt confirming the baggage allowance.”
Maybe varies from check-in to check-in
Good luck all
The good news is that may partner and I had no probs checking in with bags in BKK or Beirut for our Qatar flights in biz on AA miles
But the ticket booking and even check-in documentation continued to show no info for any bag allowances. So having read the comments/experiences of some others, I was relieved there were no issues.
I did raise this with American customer service via DM on Twitter/X. They responded as always v quickly and assured me that we would have 40 kgs.
But when I pressed for some confirmation of this on the ticket/booking etc, they kept referring me to Qatar, eg: “We've double checked and as these are flights operated by Qatar, they should be able to provide more details for you. Also, it wouldn't be possible to issue a receipt confirming the baggage allowance.”
Maybe varies from check-in to check-in
Good luck all
