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
Jan 5, 2024 | 10:32 am
#46
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15
Lounge newbie here. After decades of Citi cards, I accidentally landed in Platinum status and lifted a Basic Economy fare to Main Cabin Extra, then a free upgrade to First. Domestic, LAX to STL.
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If there’s a Newbie’s Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If there’s a Newbie’s Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
Jan 5, 2024 | 10:40 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,811
Lounge newbie here. After decades of Citi cards, I accidentally landed in Platinum status and lifted a Basic Economy fare to Main Cabin Extra, then a free upgrade to First. Domestic, LAX to STL.
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If there’s a Newbie’s Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If there’s a Newbie’s Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
More information here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2023-a.html
Jan 5, 2024 | 10:42 am
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
Lounge newbie here. After decades of Citi cards, I accidentally landed in Platinum status and lifted a Basic Economy fare to Main Cabin Extra, then a free upgrade to First. Domestic, LAX to STL.
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If theres a Newbies Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If theres a Newbies Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
Jan 5, 2024 | 4:19 pm
#50
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 191
Lounge newbie here. After decades of Citi cards, I accidentally landed in Platinum status and lifted a Basic Economy fare to Main Cabin Extra, then a free upgrade to First. Domestic, LAX to STL.
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If theres a Newbies Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
So, how does one Lounge? Just show up and show your boarding pass? (If theres a Newbies Guide, please link me!)
Thanks!
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
On a side note, I don't think Priorit Pass will offer much help with those airports either.
Jan 6, 2024 | 8:17 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,487
Kinda of a newbie question
Just booked ARN-LHR-DFW land at 6:30 pm - return home trip so will check luggage
Next day 8:30 AA51 to DFW (found J 57.5k + $100), couple of questions please
will we have to touch our bags at LHR?
HGI at Hatton Cross is only 30k, can we use the tube from T5 without an oyster card?
the am walk to T3 looks easy, leave the hotel at 6:30 am?
Just booked ARN-LHR-DFW land at 6:30 pm - return home trip so will check luggage
Next day 8:30 AA51 to DFW (found J 57.5k + $100), couple of questions please
will we have to touch our bags at LHR?
HGI at Hatton Cross is only 30k, can we use the tube from T5 without an oyster card?
the am walk to T3 looks easy, leave the hotel at 6:30 am?
Jan 6, 2024 | 3:06 pm
#52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 4,023
Kinda of a newbie question
Just booked ARN-LHR-DFW land at 6:30 pm - return home trip so will check luggage
Next day 8:30 AA51 to DFW (found J 57.5k + $100), couple of questions please
will we have to touch our bags at LHR?
HGI at Hatton Cross is only 30k, can we use the tube from T5 without an oyster card?
the am walk to T3 looks easy, leave the hotel at 6:30 am?
Just booked ARN-LHR-DFW land at 6:30 pm - return home trip so will check luggage
Next day 8:30 AA51 to DFW (found J 57.5k + $100), couple of questions please
will we have to touch our bags at LHR?
HGI at Hatton Cross is only 30k, can we use the tube from T5 without an oyster card?
the am walk to T3 looks easy, leave the hotel at 6:30 am?
You can use the tube with a contactless card just as if it is an Oyster card however not all US cards work and I am not sure that anyone has figured out which do and which don't! Each person will need their own card.
Jan 6, 2024 | 6:57 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 31,144
The only Business Class awards to Europe which might price at less than 57.5K miles one way would be those on all-AA metal. And I would be surprised to find any such awards pricing much less than 57.5K.
Jan 7, 2024 | 5:39 am
#56
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: New York
Posts: 828
to piggy back on this for my return flight in a few weeks, would I have to mention anything specific to the check in desk in GYE? Like tell them oh Im flying business from Miami back to New York, so Im allowed X amount of bags to check in for free?
Jan 7, 2024 | 6:22 am
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
You shouldn't have to mention anything, but when you're checking your bags if they were to try and charge you then just mention it then.
Jan 8, 2024 | 10:46 am
#58
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 21
Trying to find a decent points deal to fly DC area to NAP in May or June
Do you feel like looking up something else? $ for these AerLingus flights are pretty low - just curious what it would cost in Avios + fees? TIA!
EI IAD - NAP May 7
EI NAP - IAD May 15
(I tried submitting a screenshot but I'm such a newbie that I need 5 posts before I can include a pic.)
EI IAD - NAP May 7
EI NAP - IAD May 15
(I tried submitting a screenshot but I'm such a newbie that I need 5 posts before I can include a pic.)
Jan 8, 2024 | 1:59 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Valley of the Sun, AZ, USA
Programs: AA Plat, HHonors (working back up)
Posts: 512
Hi - have PHX-PVT (Puerto Villarta, Mexico) awards in Business/Fist (on a 738) booked in a few week. Do these come with lounge access? Website says US-Mexico flights do, but wondering if that's the case as this is a narrow body flight with no actual international Business class.
Jan 8, 2024 | 2:06 pm
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
Hi - have PHX-PVT (Puerto Villarta, Mexico) awards in Business/Fist (on a 738) booked in a few week. Do these come with lounge access? Website says US-Mexico flights do, but wondering if that's the case as this is a narrow body flight with no actual international Business class.