Jan 1, 2019, 2:12 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Welcome to the 2019 "NEWBIE LOUNGE"
Ask Your Consolidated / Combined AA Questions Here (flame free)
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
MODERATOR GUIDEPOST:
(This post can only be edited by moderators.)
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge!
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.)
Check out the following resources:
- GUIDE: FT - AA Forum, LOUNGE DASHBOARD and OSO / IRROPS (Links to most important threads, "Help Desk" assistance threads, the thread with resources for off-schedule operations / irregular operations (including links to AA weather policy and tools), hub airport threads, AA lounge Dashboard for all lounges and lounge related issues.)
- 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. [/U]
- 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: 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!
ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE 2019: Ask "Newbie" AA Questions Here (flame free)
Jan 11, 2019 | 5:24 am
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 15,124
Skipping one domestic segment in an international itinerary
I'll shortly be travelling internationally from Europe to the US. The return journey is 3 flights with 2 stops in the US before the international leg. I have now arranged to spend time close to the first of these stops and it would be convenient to start the return journey there. I assumed I'd have to get a one way flight to back to the origin of the return journey, and use all the vouchers in the ticket. Just to be sure: Is that really the case? Could I somehow liaise with AA and arrange to be no show on the first leg? If so, how would one do that? The ticket is AA stock mostly on AA metal but the leg I'd be interested in skipping is HA metal. Thanks.
I'll shortly be travelling internationally from Europe to the US. The return journey is 3 flights with 2 stops in the US before the international leg. I have now arranged to spend time close to the first of these stops and it would be convenient to start the return journey there. I assumed I'd have to get a one way flight to back to the origin of the return journey, and use all the vouchers in the ticket. Just to be sure: Is that really the case? Could I somehow liaise with AA and arrange to be no show on the first leg? If so, how would one do that? The ticket is AA stock mostly on AA metal but the leg I'd be interested in skipping is HA metal. Thanks.
Jan 11, 2019 | 11:18 pm
#62
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: Delta Gold
Posts: 161
These crazy 500 mile certs....
So... long time Delta Gold making a transition due to a move to an AA hub. I'm scared!!!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Jan 11, 2019 | 11:24 pm
#63
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: Delta Gold
Posts: 161
Questions on Credit Cards....
Okay! Long time Delta Gold moving to an AA hub - quite nervous.
My primary concern is status and getting upgrades. I have had Delta Gold for ages, made possible mostly by the Delta Amex card which waives you the need for a minimum dollar spend with the airline and also gives bonus elite qualifying miles. No such thing on AA, so that has me quite concerned. Now even the Aviator card has killed their measly $3000 dollar bonus for AA.
Does anyone forsee any card emerging that will help achieve status on AA? The best I can find is the 10K EQM bonus on the mastercard with the insane $450 annual fee. Is that really it?
My primary concern is status and getting upgrades. I have had Delta Gold for ages, made possible mostly by the Delta Amex card which waives you the need for a minimum dollar spend with the airline and also gives bonus elite qualifying miles. No such thing on AA, so that has me quite concerned. Now even the Aviator card has killed their measly $3000 dollar bonus for AA.
Does anyone forsee any card emerging that will help achieve status on AA? The best I can find is the 10K EQM bonus on the mastercard with the insane $450 annual fee. Is that really it?
Jan 12, 2019 | 12:31 am
#64
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: QR Plat., Bonvoy LT Plt, IHG Diamond Amb, Foolish Hoarder of Miles, Fid. Def.
Posts: 126
So... long time Delta Gold making a transition due to a move to an AA hub. I'm scared!!!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Two: theoretically, the benefit of sticker upgrades is that not EVERY elite in economy will be on the upgrade list--just those >=PRO and those who care enough to burn their ammo--so if an upgrade is important to you and not to those who'd otherwise be ahead of you, your chances are improved. Having never been based at a hub, I can't say firsthand what your upgrade chances would be at PLT level, but those tend to be AA elite-heavy markets and so competition for upgrades will be stiff, stickers or no stickers.
Jan 12, 2019 | 7:06 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,812
So... long time Delta Gold making a transition due to a move to an AA hub. I'm scared!!!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Anyway, these 500 mile certificates.
Question one: It's not possible to use any less than 2 of them because you always get the first 500mi free... right? So I can either use ZERO for a 400 mile flight or TWO for an 800 mile flight. It's not possible to use just one... is that right?
Question two: make me love these things. I'm used to being upgraded for free about 50% of the time on Delta. Paying with these certs sounds horrible. Convince me I'm wrong!
Jan 12, 2019 | 7:32 am
#66
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 68
Question about economy service onboard PHX-SJO
Quick question re economy service on flights PHX-SJO and return: on our AA itinerary it says "Lunch" (PHX-SJO) and "Breakfast" (SJO-PHX) but on the aa website it only mentions "for sale" food in economy (except for Hawaii and Trans-continental) - are lunch and breakfast served free on these flights in economy or only for sale?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jan 12, 2019 | 3:17 pm
#67
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: CMH
Programs: AA- EP, Marriott, HH
Posts: 5
AA SWU
When does AA typically release SWUs on flights?
Jan 12, 2019 | 8:12 pm
#69
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Sometimes, far out. If one books then, one can secure a seat and upgrade.
Often, revenue management determines the release of award seats and it can occur anytime up to boarding - its a dynamic process that depends on historic and actual sales, etc.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html
Upgrade Priority: Status, Upgrade Type, Rolling 12 Month EQD Spend
Often, revenue management determines the release of award seats and it can occur anytime up to boarding - its a dynamic process that depends on historic and actual sales, etc.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html
Upgrade Priority: Status, Upgrade Type, Rolling 12 Month EQD Spend
Jan 13, 2019 | 1:20 am
#70
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 647
Noob to redeeming AA miles - have built up a decent balance but never used. Looking to go to Australia in October 2019, one way in biz for 2 people from LAX/SFO. Can go LAX/SFO to SYD/BRIS/MEL - just one way. No luck so far in finding anything on aa.com, only economy. Any tips much appreciated.
Jan 13, 2019 | 8:59 am
#71
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: San Diego, Ca
Programs: AA 2MM LT PLT; AS Atmos Gold; Honors Diamond; IHG PLT
Posts: 4,245
Thread regarding award availability tricks through hubs?
I recall seeing a thread describing award availability for flights connecting through an AA hub, but no O&D, success holding such an itinerary, having the unwanted removed prior to booking. I have searched high and low, unable to locate it. Perhaps a sticky, wiki link, ... ?
Jan 13, 2019 | 10:37 am
#72
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I recall seeing a thread describing award availability for flights connecting through an AA hub, but no O&D, success holding such an itinerary, having the unwanted removed prior to booking. I have searched high and low, unable to locate it. Perhaps a sticky, wiki link, ... ?
Jan 13, 2019 | 1:00 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,868
Noob to redeeming AA miles - have built up a decent balance but never used. Looking to go to Australia in October 2019, one way in biz for 2 people from LAX/SFO. Can go LAX/SFO to SYD/BRIS/MEL - just one way. No luck so far in finding anything on aa.com, only economy. Any tips much appreciated.
BNE has been reported as a little easier. Also consider HA (Hawaiian) & FJ (Fiji). AA fly LAX - SYD & LAX-AKL (NZ)
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance
AA oneworld & Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (master thd)
AA forum [Australia New Zealand] --->AAdvantage award to / from Australia, New Zealand (master thread)
QF---> AA miles awards: using / redeeming AA miles on Qantas (QF) & related (consolidated)
Jan 13, 2019 | 4:20 pm
#74
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 53
Hello everyone, I have a question. I am doing the AA challenge and I booked my ticket with AA but the flight is a BA plane. I am flying Premium economy (which is BA World Traveler +). My question is if I decide to buy a day of flight upgrade to BA business how will my EQD be calculated. The reason why I ask is because I bought my ticket with AA so AA calculates it buy how much I spent not including taxes and if I pay for a day of upgrade with BA then they calculate it my 25% of the miles flown, I think.
Thanks
Thanks
Jan 13, 2019 | 4:26 pm
#75
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 1,011
Hello FT: I am new EXP. I have a couple award tickets booked. I found better flights and put those on 5 day hold. Should I book the tickets on hold and then cancel the other award tickets? As EXP there is no cost, correct?
Thank you!
Thank you!