Apr 30, 2016, 12:36 pm
Last edit by: Server
OCTOBER 2016 UPDATE
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
6. PTY Customs:
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
Recent fare rule inclusions, effective October 2016, now prevent any routing via JFK on the non-stop transcontinental A321T aircraft. Any future booking will demand a significantly higher fare to route on the non-stops via JFK. Unless the fare rules are modified and these clauses are removed (highly doubtful), the ability to fly on the transcons via JFK is a thing of the past.
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN LAX AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
LAX AIRPORT
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
6. PTY Customs:
Inbound to PTY -
Outbound to MIA -
7. Finding flights: - 12 noon - no lines reported
- 8PM Fri (5/27/16) - ~10 min line
Outbound to MIA -
- 4:40am - no lines reported
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
AA: LAX-JFK-MIA-PTY RT $702 in A/J 18.9K EQMs
Sep 25, 2016, 12:22 am
#1788
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Australia / USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA 1K, VA Platinum, HA Platinum, QF Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 414
Flagship check in is also only for customers traveling in First on the 3-class transcontinentals or First on an international AA or oneworld flight. The only airport allowing EXPs, emeralds, and Business class guests to use Flagship check in is London Heathrow. Clearly, LHR is irrelevant to this itinerary.
Don't attempt to use Flagship check in when you aren't allowed to. You'll be turned away and embarrassed in the least.
If you wish to benefit from Flagship check in especially if originating in LAX and with JFK layovers, you can usually find space to do mileage/copay upgrades into First on the transcons. That way you can take advantage of Flagship check in as well as have access to the Flagship lounges (especially great for non EXP flyers).
Last edited by wanderlust4life; Sep 25, 2016 at 6:12 pm
Sep 25, 2016, 9:45 am
#1789
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 51
I'm sitting in the MIA Admirals Club at the moment. I am Platinum and had no issue gaining access to the ORD and MIA ACs. I was booked on the 787 in First as well as a 777-300ER 4-class config in First so that may / may not have had a impact.
Sep 25, 2016, 11:46 am
#1790
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: AA Exec Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
I do not. I only went to 2 places outside the hotel. One of which was in the attached mall (multicentro, or something like that). Don't recall the name but it was a local restaurant tucked away in a corner of the food court. I don't speak Spanish so I couldn't say exactly what I had but both dinners were delicious. Worth stopping by if you're at the mall anyway.
Sep 25, 2016, 11:59 am
#1791
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: AA Exec Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 45
I too am platinum and went to AC in LAX, JFK, and MIA with no issues. Also used PP to access Copa Lounge in MIA. Imo, none compare to Centurion lounges. Any airport.
Sep 25, 2016, 12:09 pm
#1792
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
Sep 25, 2016, 6:01 pm
#1793
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
...no one gets access to Flagship check-in on this itinerary. The PTY-MIA-PTY flights are booked as Business. EXPs do not have access to this either. EXPs do have access to the Flagship lounges whereas all non-EXPs traveling in Business access Admirals Clubs.
...Don't attempt to use Flagship check in when you aren't allowed to. You'll be turned away and embarrassed in the least.
...Don't attempt to use Flagship check in when you aren't allowed to. You'll be turned away and embarrassed in the least.
1. Yes, you do have Flagship Lounge access as an EXP. (That corrects the previous poster that said EXP do not.)
2. You DO have Flagship Check-in ONLY if you booked into FIRST on the LAX/SFO-JFK segment as many of have in the past or if you chose to upgrade those segments to first. (I will update my post to be accurate on that point. You may want to clarify your's as well.)
Sep 25, 2016, 6:09 pm
#1794
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Australia / USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA 1K, VA Platinum, HA Platinum, QF Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 414
Sorry - I should have been more specific. There were two statements that should have been separated and made more clear.
1. Yes, you do have Flagship Lounge access as an EXP. (That corrects the previous poster that said EXP do not.)
2. You DO have Flagship Check-in ONLY if you booked into FIRST on the LAX/SFO-JFK segment as many of have in the past or if you chose to upgrade those segments to first. (I will update my post to be accurate on that point. You may want to clarify your's as well.)
1. Yes, you do have Flagship Lounge access as an EXP. (That corrects the previous poster that said EXP do not.)
2. You DO have Flagship Check-in ONLY if you booked into FIRST on the LAX/SFO-JFK segment as many of have in the past or if you chose to upgrade those segments to first. (I will update my post to be accurate on that point. You may want to clarify your's as well.)
Sep 25, 2016, 8:09 pm
#1795
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: qantas, virgin
Posts: 16
Hey tritraveller, excuse the ignorance on my behalf, I only just joined FT today.
Can you explain how I find this fare? I punched in the first 3 legs in Google Flights but couldn't find such a fare. Obviously I'm 'nubeing' it up, can you help me out?
Can you explain how I find this fare? I punched in the first 3 legs in Google Flights but couldn't find such a fare. Obviously I'm 'nubeing' it up, can you help me out?
Sep 25, 2016, 9:09 pm
#1796
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Australia / USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA 1K, VA Platinum, HA Platinum, QF Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 414
Just a heads up.... just got a schedule change email for a PTY run scheduled for OCTOBER 23. The MIA-PTY-MIA e-jet flights have been retimed on my travel day.
AA4434 MIA-PTY 1:16pm - 3:23pm CHANGED TO 12:33pm - 2:50pm
AA4434 PTY-MIA 4:03pm - 8:09pm CHANGED TO 3:30pm - 7:45pm
As you can see, these changes can have a considerable impact on itineraries that involve short connections prior to the MIA-PTY-MIA flights. Obviously, this shouldn't affect connecting after PTY-MIA as now more time is added to make those connections onward from Miami.
Everyone should check their itineraries to see if the flights have changed on their travel dates. Since this is a schedule change, this will allow additional changes to be made to affected itineraries and no change fees will be imposed.
AA4434 MIA-PTY 1:16pm - 3:23pm CHANGED TO 12:33pm - 2:50pm
AA4434 PTY-MIA 4:03pm - 8:09pm CHANGED TO 3:30pm - 7:45pm
As you can see, these changes can have a considerable impact on itineraries that involve short connections prior to the MIA-PTY-MIA flights. Obviously, this shouldn't affect connecting after PTY-MIA as now more time is added to make those connections onward from Miami.
Everyone should check their itineraries to see if the flights have changed on their travel dates. Since this is a schedule change, this will allow additional changes to be made to affected itineraries and no change fees will be imposed.
Sep 25, 2016, 9:13 pm
#1797
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Australia / USA
Programs: AS 100K, UA 1K, VA Platinum, HA Platinum, QF Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Gold
Posts: 414
There are like 120 pages of comments on this thread and several of the recent pages include google flights links to actual upcoming itineraries where you can see how they were inputed. This will give you ideas to how complex itineraries are structured and then you can play around with the dates to find something suitable to your liking. It does take a certain level of skill and planning/time so don't give up if you can't figure it out on the first few tries. If these mileage runs were indeed so simple to structure and book, then an increasing number of bookings would be made and even less availability. Best of luck.
Sep 26, 2016, 2:31 am
#1798
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Upper U.S.
Programs: AA EXP x 1.5, DL GM, JB, HH GLD
Posts: 145
This is a link to a sample of the LAX-PTY MR via JFK https://goo.gl/flights/BKm3 You can then see what happens when you change any date variable. A $700 flight can immediately run into the thousands. It takes some playing around, and adjustment of dates, until you locate another date combo with a good price. Keep reading.
Sep 26, 2016, 7:02 am
#1799
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: qantas, virgin
Posts: 16
wanderlust4life & Flyerhandle
Thanks very much. I'm very happy to do the reading, and did spend considerable time last night getting my head around it. The only thing I couldn't work out was how to exceed Google Flights maximum flights in their multi section.
I'm referring specifically to this one: "LAX-ORD-MIA-PTY-MIA-ORD-LAX in First pricing out at $645 for December travel currently"
From what I can see, it's 6 flights, but Google Flights only allows me to search 5 legs. So that's where I can't understand it... anyway, working on it now. Having been travelling solidly for the last 6 months, I look forward to being an active member.
I know how frustrating newbies are, so don't feel compelled to answer unless you have time to burn. I'm on a bus for the next few hours, lots of time to troll through and understand it.
Thanks guys.
Thanks very much. I'm very happy to do the reading, and did spend considerable time last night getting my head around it. The only thing I couldn't work out was how to exceed Google Flights maximum flights in their multi section.
I'm referring specifically to this one: "LAX-ORD-MIA-PTY-MIA-ORD-LAX in First pricing out at $645 for December travel currently"
From what I can see, it's 6 flights, but Google Flights only allows me to search 5 legs. So that's where I can't understand it... anyway, working on it now. Having been travelling solidly for the last 6 months, I look forward to being an active member.
I know how frustrating newbies are, so don't feel compelled to answer unless you have time to burn. I'm on a bus for the next few hours, lots of time to troll through and understand it.
Thanks guys.
Sep 26, 2016, 7:12 am
#1800
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
wanderlust4life & Flyerhandle
Thanks very much. I'm very happy to do the reading, and did spend considerable time last night getting my head around it. The only thing I couldn't work out was how to exceed Google Flights maximum flights in their multi section.
I'm referring specifically to this one: "LAX-ORD-MIA-PTY-MIA-ORD-LAX in First pricing out at $645 for December travel currently"
From what I can see, it's 6 flights, but Google Flights only allows me to search 5 legs. So that's where I can't understand it... anyway, working on it now. Having been travelling solidly for the last 6 months, I look forward to being an active member.
I know how frustrating newbies are, so don't feel compelled to answer unless you have time to burn. I'm on a bus for the next few hours, lots of time to troll through and understand it.
Thanks guys.
Thanks very much. I'm very happy to do the reading, and did spend considerable time last night getting my head around it. The only thing I couldn't work out was how to exceed Google Flights maximum flights in their multi section.
I'm referring specifically to this one: "LAX-ORD-MIA-PTY-MIA-ORD-LAX in First pricing out at $645 for December travel currently"
From what I can see, it's 6 flights, but Google Flights only allows me to search 5 legs. So that's where I can't understand it... anyway, working on it now. Having been travelling solidly for the last 6 months, I look forward to being an active member.
I know how frustrating newbies are, so don't feel compelled to answer unless you have time to burn. I'm on a bus for the next few hours, lots of time to troll through and understand it.
Thanks guys.
When you play with flights, do not put all segments in.
In your example... If you input LAX-ORD,ORD-PTY, you will get LAX-ORD, ORD-MIA, MIA-PTY. (Two segments entered, three actual)
The Miami segment/connection gets added automatically because AA does not fly ORD-PTY.
Input LAX-JFK, JFK-PTY and you could easily get LAX-ORD,ORD-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY. (Two segments entered, four actual)
Do not be shy to ask more questions.
Good luck!