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
Apr 5, 2024 | 9:48 am
#483
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier Gold, AA, DL, IHG Diamond Amb, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver, National
Posts: 1,545
Platinum Select Mastercard Benefits question
I have the Citi AA Plat Select WorldElite MC, and no status with AA. In order to get the card benefit of a free checked bag and/or preferred boarding on a domestic AA flight, is it sufficient to simply be a cardholder, or is it necessary to actually pay for the ticket using the card?
TIA for any info.
TIA for any info.
Apr 5, 2024 | 10:55 am
#484
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: AA EXP and Marriott Titanium
Posts: 850
I have the Citi AA Plat Select WorldElite MC, and no status with AA. In order to get the card benefit of a free checked bag and/or preferred boarding on a domestic AA flight, is it sufficient to simply be a cardholder, or is it necessary to actually pay for the ticket using the card?
TIA for any info.
TIA for any info.
Apr 5, 2024 | 9:25 pm
#485
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: EK Gold, A3 *G, AB Gold, Jetblue Mosaic
Posts: 1,397
Hi All
Im trying to travel NBO-USA on an award in J. I see lots of flights NBO-DOH as well as DOH-Europe-USA but the total routing is never given as an option unless booked as multicity. Is there a routing rule/program rule that prevents me from calling up AA and requesting the normal 75k miles price for this routing as opposed to paying for each award separately?
Im trying to travel NBO-USA on an award in J. I see lots of flights NBO-DOH as well as DOH-Europe-USA but the total routing is never given as an option unless booked as multicity. Is there a routing rule/program rule that prevents me from calling up AA and requesting the normal 75k miles price for this routing as opposed to paying for each award separately?
Apr 5, 2024 | 9:39 pm
#486
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
Hi All
Im trying to travel NBO-USA on an award in J. I see lots of flights NBO-DOH as well as DOH-Europe-USA but the total routing is never given as an option unless booked as multicity. Is there a routing rule/program rule that prevents me from calling up AA and requesting the normal 75k miles price for this routing as opposed to paying for each award separately?
Im trying to travel NBO-USA on an award in J. I see lots of flights NBO-DOH as well as DOH-Europe-USA but the total routing is never given as an option unless booked as multicity. Is there a routing rule/program rule that prevents me from calling up AA and requesting the normal 75k miles price for this routing as opposed to paying for each award separately?
Apr 7, 2024 | 1:41 pm
#488
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 1
I have Platinum status with American, and looking to fly the family to Europe in the fall (2 adults + 3 kids). The fare difference between Basic Economy and Main is a few hundred/ticket, so we would save close to $1500 buying Basic Economy. I've never flown BE before, and the articles about BE online tend to only include a handful of sentences about how BE works with status. They all mention things like our normal boarding group, standard checked baggage allowance, complementary preferred/main extra seats. But I'm still uncertain for things like:
Thanks in advance!
- Can we select our own seats at booking (including preferred/main) because of the status? Or is there no seat selection until X days before the flight w/ BE?
- If there is no seat selection, are there any guarantees we would be sitting next to each other on BE?
- Would the seat selection and standard baggage allowance only apply to me as the one with status, or to everyone?
- I also have ~$1,800 across four separate Trip Credits. I assume those could be used for five tickets on BE?
- If seat selection and baggage allowance are standard because of the status, what are the biggest drawbacks of booking BE?
Thanks in advance!
Apr 7, 2024 | 1:52 pm
#489
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
I have Platinum status with American, and looking to fly the family to Europe in the fall (2 adults + 3 kids). The fare difference between Basic Economy and Main is a few hundred/ticket, so we would save close to $1500 buying Basic Economy. I've never flown BE before, and the articles about BE online tend to only include a handful of sentences about how BE works with status. They all mention things like our normal boarding group, standard checked baggage allowance, complementary preferred/main extra seats. But I'm still uncertain for things like:
- Can we select our own seats at booking (including preferred/main) because of the status? Or is there no seat selection until X days before the flight w/ BE?
- If there is no seat selection, are there any guarantees we would be sitting next to each other on BE?
- Would the seat selection and standard baggage allowance only apply to me as the one with status, or to everyone?
- If seat selection and baggage allowance are standard because of the status, what are the biggest drawbacks of booking BE?
The disadvantages of Basic Economy tickets are: lower AAdvantage earnings rate, and no future travel credit if you cancel. (AA now offers future travel credit for Basic Economy cancellations for a fee, but that appears to be limited to wholly domestic travel on AA. Details here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...elbasiceconomy. )
Also, I'm not sure if your AA credits can be redeemed for BE tickets.
Edited to add: Make sure that you are flying on AA metal, or you might find that your baggage and seating benefits will not be what you were expecting.
Last edited by guv1976; Apr 7, 2024 at 1:57 pm
Apr 7, 2024 | 2:55 pm
#490
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: FCA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 934
Sorry, not sure how to formulate a search query for this to narrow it down enough:
If I book a trip with my AAdvantage miles, and am MVP Gold on Alaska (OneWorld Sapphire): how do I get AA to recognize my Sapphire status (extra checked bag, premium economy seat) given that I'll be using my no-status AAdvantage number to book?
If I book a trip with my AAdvantage miles, and am MVP Gold on Alaska (OneWorld Sapphire): how do I get AA to recognize my Sapphire status (extra checked bag, premium economy seat) given that I'll be using my no-status AAdvantage number to book?
Apr 7, 2024 | 3:34 pm
#491
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
Sorry, not sure how to formulate a search query for this to narrow it down enough:
If I book a trip with my AAdvantage miles, and am MVP Gold on Alaska (OneWorld Sapphire): how do I get AA to recognize my Sapphire status (extra checked bag, premium economy seat) given that I'll be using my no-status AAdvantage number to book?
If I book a trip with my AAdvantage miles, and am MVP Gold on Alaska (OneWorld Sapphire): how do I get AA to recognize my Sapphire status (extra checked bag, premium economy seat) given that I'll be using my no-status AAdvantage number to book?
Apr 7, 2024 | 5:50 pm
#492
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 191
I have Platinum status with American, and looking to fly the family to Europe in the fall (2 adults + 3 kids). The fare difference between Basic Economy and Main is a few hundred/ticket, so we would save close to $1500 buying Basic Economy. I've never flown BE before, and the articles about BE online tend to only include a handful of sentences about how BE works with status. They all mention things like our normal boarding group, standard checked baggage allowance, complementary preferred/main extra seats. But I'm still uncertain for things like:
Thanks in advance!
- Can we select our own seats at booking (including preferred/main) because of the status? Or is there no seat selection until X days before the flight w/ BE?
- If there is no seat selection, are there any guarantees we would be sitting next to each other on BE?
- Would the seat selection and standard baggage allowance only apply to me as the one with status, or to everyone?
- I also have ~$1,800 across four separate Trip Credits. I assume those could be used for five tickets on BE?
- If seat selection and baggage allowance are standard because of the status, what are the biggest drawbacks of booking BE?
Thanks in advance!
With AAdvantage Platinum status, you can select seats -- including Main Cabin Extra seats -- at time of booking for you and those traveling with you. Each of you will also get your free-checked-baggage allowance.
The disadvantages of Basic Economy tickets are: lower AAdvantage earnings rate, and no future travel credit if you cancel. (AA now offers future travel credit for Basic Economy cancellations for a fee, but that appears to be limited to wholly domestic travel on AA. Details here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...elbasiceconomy. )
Also, I'm not sure if your AA credits can be redeemed for BE tickets.
Edited to add: Make sure that you are flying on AA metal, or you might find that your baggage and seating benefits will not be what you were expecting.
The disadvantages of Basic Economy tickets are: lower AAdvantage earnings rate, and no future travel credit if you cancel. (AA now offers future travel credit for Basic Economy cancellations for a fee, but that appears to be limited to wholly domestic travel on AA. Details here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...elbasiceconomy. )
Also, I'm not sure if your AA credits can be redeemed for BE tickets.
Edited to add: Make sure that you are flying on AA metal, or you might find that your baggage and seating benefits will not be what you were expecting.
Apr 7, 2024 | 11:11 pm
#493
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: YVR/LAX/PVG/TPE
Posts: 786
Hi guys, not sure who you can contact when AA credited me in the wrong cabin.
I flew CZ in D class 2 months ago, and after 1 month of non-activity, I decided to submit the form to request mileage credit for missing flights, and I got a credit a few days later: in H class, which earns only 50%. Is there any way I can contact someone to fix this? Or should I submit the form again which I believe would likely not work?
I flew CZ in D class 2 months ago, and after 1 month of non-activity, I decided to submit the form to request mileage credit for missing flights, and I got a credit a few days later: in H class, which earns only 50%. Is there any way I can contact someone to fix this? Or should I submit the form again which I believe would likely not work?
Apr 8, 2024 | 3:01 am
#494
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
Hi guys, not sure who you can contact when AA credited me in the wrong cabin.
I flew CZ in D class 2 months ago, and after 1 month of non-activity, I decided to submit the form to request mileage credit for missing flights, and I got a credit a few days later: in H class, which earns only 50%. Is there any way I can contact someone to fix this? Or should I submit the form again which I believe would likely not work?
I flew CZ in D class 2 months ago, and after 1 month of non-activity, I decided to submit the form to request mileage credit for missing flights, and I got a credit a few days later: in H class, which earns only 50%. Is there any way I can contact someone to fix this? Or should I submit the form again which I believe would likely not work?
Apr 8, 2024 | 8:24 am
#495
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA ExPlat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 17,796
Spend $200, get 500 RDM (no LP), by 4/15.
Oops, wrong thread. Well, now that you have read it, it’s for AA Shopping.