Jan 7, 2024, 11:12 am
Last edit by: JY1024
Welcome to the 2024 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST: (This post can only be edited by moderators.)
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:
2022-23 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here.
2021 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here
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.)
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:
- 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:
2022-23 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here.
2021 NEWBIE LOUNGE posts are here
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 2024: Ask AA newbie questions here - flame-free thread
Mar 26, 2024, 4:04 pm
#451
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 539
new EP here. I'm trying to fly to PVG sometime this July from DFW and would like to use a SWU to get there. Flight options I'm considering are 1) nonstop DFW-PVG, 2) one-stop DFW-HND-PVG 3) two stop DFW-LAX-HND-PVG
couple of newbie questions:
1. Since I'm still a few months out, is it better to wait on purchasing main cabin ticket and first find SWU through ExpertFlyer or when booking through American? or is it better to just get the ticket and put on waitlist?
2. can i request SWU for the American metal flight on mixed itierary, one with AA marketed/operated flight and another with a partner?
3. If i end up purchasing a one or two stop, like DFWHNDPVG, or DFWLAXHNDPVG, is it better to just request SWU for one segment, like the DFWHND leg or LAXHND? or can i / should I request SWU for all applicable segments that are going in the same direction?
Any strategy / tips for SWU to PVG is welcome. thank you in advance!
couple of newbie questions:
1. Since I'm still a few months out, is it better to wait on purchasing main cabin ticket and first find SWU through ExpertFlyer or when booking through American? or is it better to just get the ticket and put on waitlist?
2. can i request SWU for the American metal flight on mixed itierary, one with AA marketed/operated flight and another with a partner?
3. If i end up purchasing a one or two stop, like DFWHNDPVG, or DFWLAXHNDPVG, is it better to just request SWU for one segment, like the DFWHND leg or LAXHND? or can i / should I request SWU for all applicable segments that are going in the same direction?
Any strategy / tips for SWU to PVG is welcome. thank you in advance!
Second, yes, you can use an SWU on a mixed metal itinerary, but the SWU will only be applied to the AA flight (at least when flying TPAC - SWUs can’t be used on JL).
Finally, you can apply an SWU to up to three segments in one direction. It doesn’t matter if you are waitlisted on one or more - once waitlisted, if space clears you will be upgraded (if you are first in line…). It doesn’t matter how many segments you request / waitlist for - it doesn’t change your odds of being upgraded on any particular segment.
Mar 26, 2024, 4:46 pm
#452
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,486
But to this point most all of us here would only waitlist the long haul segment in these scenarios. Otherwise if you waitlist everything, then if say DFW-LAX clears but LAX-HND never does, then you just burned a SWU on DFW-LAX.
Mar 26, 2024, 5:38 pm
#453
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 539
Thank you for pointing that out… forgot that element.
Mar 26, 2024, 10:01 pm
#454
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 8
First, you can wait until confirmable upgrade space is available to buy your ticket, but you could be waiting a while (perhaps indefinitely). You may want to use EF now to see if there is any current availability and book it. But if there is not, you still may want to buy your ticket now before the price increases (if it does).
Second, yes, you can use an SWU on a mixed metal itinerary, but the SWU will only be applied to the AA flight (at least when flying TPAC - SWUs can’t be used on JL).
Finally, you can apply an SWU to up to three segments in one direction. It doesn’t matter if you are waitlisted on one or more - once waitlisted, if space clears you will be upgraded (if you are first in line…). It doesn’t matter how many segments you request / waitlist for - it doesn’t change your odds of being upgraded on any particular segment.
Second, yes, you can use an SWU on a mixed metal itinerary, but the SWU will only be applied to the AA flight (at least when flying TPAC - SWUs can’t be used on JL).
Finally, you can apply an SWU to up to three segments in one direction. It doesn’t matter if you are waitlisted on one or more - once waitlisted, if space clears you will be upgraded (if you are first in line…). It doesn’t matter how many segments you request / waitlist for - it doesn’t change your odds of being upgraded on any particular segment.
thanks both. great tips.
if EF shows C availability, but AA.com doesn't, does that mean the C count shown in EF not actually upgrade but just revenue space? Is this something we verify by calling EP desk?
also, suppose I'm flying out of DFW to LA on one PNR, and then from LA outbound to HND, will I still be able to access Flagship lounge in DFW as EP / OW Emerald, even if all segments are not on same PNR?
Last edited by sb_flyer; Mar 26, 2024 at 10:07 pm
Mar 27, 2024, 4:50 am
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,486
if EF shows C availability, but AA.com doesn't, does that mean the C count shown in EF not actually upgrade but just revenue space? Is this something we verify by calling EP desk?
also, suppose I'm flying out of DFW to LA on one PNR, and then from LA outbound to HND, will I still be able to access Flagship lounge in DFW as EP / OW Emerald, even if all segments are not on same PNR?
also, suppose I'm flying out of DFW to LA on one PNR, and then from LA outbound to HND, will I still be able to access Flagship lounge in DFW as EP / OW Emerald, even if all segments are not on same PNR?
Make sure you are searching EF correctly. You must use the "Awards & Upgrades" search function, and you must search segment by segment to see true availability.
So if you search "DFW-HND" at EF you will probably see a routing of DFW-LAX-HND and It will show C7 on both segments. That is bogus, false positive. You must search just LAX-HND to see see the real upgrade space on that LAX-HND flight.
For lounge access separate tix don't matter, just show your LAX-HND boarding pass for entry to the DFW lounges. But separate tix do matter for SWU use, you cannot use a single SWU across different PNR's.
Mar 28, 2024, 5:36 am
#456
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,857
Does AAdvantage customer service have an email address? Or is chat/phone the only option?
Mar 28, 2024, 6:13 am
#457
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: AA EXP and Marriott Titanium
Posts: 776
Mar 28, 2024, 7:54 pm
#458
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 30
Amex flight credit for future AA travel
Hi I’ve been using my travel credit on my various Amex cards with flight / airline credits to build up Southwest flight credit and United travel bank, but AA doesn’t have any obvious way to do this.
i presume though that when you cancel an AA flight you get a travel credit but I’m presuming it’s only good for 12 months correct?
i presume though that when you cancel an AA flight you get a travel credit but I’m presuming it’s only good for 12 months correct?
Mar 28, 2024, 7:55 pm
#459
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 539
Hi I’ve been using my travel credit on my various Amex cards with flight / airline credits to build up Southwest flight credit and United travel bank, but AA doesn’t have any obvious way to do this.
i presume though that when you cancel an AA flight you get a travel credit but I’m presuming it’s only good for 12 months correct?
i presume though that when you cancel an AA flight you get a travel credit but I’m presuming it’s only good for 12 months correct?
Mar 29, 2024, 12:02 pm
#460
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 30
Miles for opinions loves to waste your time
So the last 3 surveys it has me do the entire thing and reaching the end and instead of getting credit I’m treated to the following. I think I’m done with this garbage. Anyone find any kind of workaround for this?
getting credit
getting credit
Mar 29, 2024, 4:50 pm
#461
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,450
Thanks for reminding me. I just formally deactivated my account.
Mar 29, 2024, 6:03 pm
#462
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: DSM
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 110
I've gotten some to work, but often get a similar message. I did one a couple weeks ago, after a few initial questions I got a message that said - congratulations you are qualified to complete this survey. Then after answering 40-50 questions, got the old "sorry you do not meet our target demographic". Pretty frustrating, I haven't attempted one again since then. Too bad, mindlessly completing a few surveys while watching TV could be a good way to get some extra LP's, but it's not consistent enough to bother.
Mar 30, 2024, 12:00 pm
#464
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,486
AA.com - Admirals Club Locations
Mar 30, 2024, 5:31 pm
#465
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: Marriott Plat, AA Plat
Posts: 122
Cancelled an international basic economy within the 24hr window, March 27 2024 (yes, more than 2 days before departure). As I understand it, AA is supposed to refund to the original form of payment, which in this case was my credit card. However, I instead see a Flight Credit with the corresponding ticket number in my account, instead of a refund to my credit card. Am I misinterpreting the rules and regulations?