Traveling Better Forums - American Airlines

More changes to Eagle/Connection routes?

Madison Guy — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:21:01 GMT

If this had already been addressed, please feel free to merge or delete.

Sadly, about a year ago MSN lost a number of routes/fights and many of the remaining ones went from Eagle to Connection. (I think the only remaining Eagle route was DFW.) I noticed a schedule change where an ORD-MSN segment went back to the 4000 (AE) series from the 5000 (AC) series for February, 2011. A little research seems to show November 18 as the magic date when Eagle again starts serving (at least some) of the flights on this route. Where this is just a single example, I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a more general realignment taking place, or if this is just a one-off. (Personally, I far prefer Eagle over Connection.)

What's AAs Involuntary Downgrade algorithm?

returnzero — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:48:51 GMT

Me and my partner (both EXP) were booked on STL-ORD-LAX-SAN (overnight) DFW-STL (taking advantage of STLTD of course). We're also booked on a one way STL-ORD later today.

DFW-STL leg this morning was originally scheduled as a 757. We got upgraded at roughly T-100 and the FC cabin was relatively empty when we did get the upgrade. Today, however, after getting to the gate, the GA announced that there was an equipment change and we were now flying a MD-80, and we needed to get new BPs. We were downgraded to coach :td: and the GA said that the computers did it and they had no control over it so what we got was what we got, but was surprised that we were not in FC. We got re-seated in 7AB, and we realize someone had to get bumped due to less FC inventory, but based on the GAs comments, it seems that three EXPs got bumped into coach (7D also was EXP and downgraded) and some PLT/GLDs didn't. I realize that anything out of DFW is always likely to be full of EXPs, but in this case I think that we got downgraded in a case where we shouldn't have IMHO.

What is the algorithm that the "computers" use to downgrade people in this circumstance? Also, even if the computers did it, shouldn't the GA still have the right to fix things? A few factors that may have affected this: ORD-LAX leg had a mechanical last night and we got reticketed on a direct ORD-SAN, perhaps affecting our upgrade time? Also, we probably were not listed as thru passengers since our connection is on a different PNR. Not sure if there's a way to do without merging the PNRs (we don't want to do that because of STLTD). Just looking for a reasonable explanation of what might have happened before I write to customer service.

It's mildly annoying that the first several flights after I just crossed 1MM on Sunday have run into issues like this, so thanks in advance for any feedback.

I did it again-- validated 100's of spammers by accident

JonNYC — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:46:54 GMT

Expect a flood of trash and porn here-- and this time it was a biggie.

Documenting Change Fee

cornellalum — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:42:27 GMT

I have an upcoming interview with a potential employer which requires that I make changes to a non-refundable AA ticket. The employer agreed to pay fees related to changing my AA ticket.

I called AA to find out how much it would cost. As expected, there is a $150 change fee and approximately $50 fare difference. However, the AA phone representative says that only the fare difference would show on the receipt.

How do I get documentation for the $150 change fee to submit for reimbursement?

757 Power ports out for inspection

JonNYC — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:33:02 GMT

Picked this up from FT:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...false&from=nav

Quote:

Due to a recent issue involving a powerport on an American Airlines Boeing 757, the American Airlines team will proactively deactivate all powerports on the domestic fleet. The deactivation will begin on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, as the team inspects all 104 aircraft. It is yet to be determined how long the powerports will be deactivated. We realize this is an inconvenience and the issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

Jon - any info on RTW and CirPac pricing discrepancies

aaupgrade — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:16:11 GMT

Jon,

OW site shows very affordable CirPac and xONEx fares, yet AA RTW desk and EF do not reflect these price reductions.

Do you have any info on whether the OW site prices are a mistake (old prices loaded by accident), or (preferably) does AA and EF pricing source not yet reflect the price reductions.

Current prices ex-USA listed on OW site:

Code:

Fare Type        



Estimated Cost from:



oneworld Explorer -

3 continent

        

Economy           USD         3,900

Business           USD         7,500

First                   USD         9,600



oneworld Explorer -

4 continent

        

Economy           USD         4,100

Business           USD         8,300

First                   USD         10,400



oneworld Explorer -

5 continent

        

Economy           USD         4,900

Business           USD         9,200

First                   USD         11,300



oneworld Explorer -

6 continent

        

Economy           USD         5,300

Business           USD         10,400

First                   USD         13,200

Code:

Fare Type        



Estimated Cost from:



Circle Pacific

< 22,000 miles

        

Economy           USD         3,000

Business           USD         5,300

First                 USD         7,500



Circle Pacific

< 26,000 miles

        

Economy           USD         3,600

Business           USD         6,200

First                   USD         8,400



Circle Pacific

< 29,000 miles

        

Economy           USD         4,000

Business           USD         6,600

First                   USD         9,100

Mexicana reacommodation policy question

snorkmaster — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:57:26 GMT

I can't claim to have experience with the "saver award itinerary got whacked by airline going belly up" scenario and I'm not really getting consistent answers from AA reservations on issues resulting from Mexicana ceasing operations. "They may start business again" and "wait 'til Monday when the big guys come up with a new policy" really aren't answers that are going to get us to Spain. (Nor are the conflicting answers on the current policy.)

I have a SFO-MEX-MAD RT booked with MX on the SFO-MEX legs and IB on the MEX-MAD legs. Finding alternative flights between SFO-MEX is proving to be difficult (particularly on the way back.)

My hunch is that they won't open up award inventory for saver business class tickets, and that I ought to just suck it up with some long connections that I've found (e.g., 12 hours in MEX and an overnight in LAX) or just buy coach tickets and redeposit the miles.

Often, the initial hunch is the way to go but I am curious if anyone has better guidance to share.

Thanks.

double EQMs ex-XXX questions

JonNYC — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:27:24 GMT

Can anyone summarize what's been proven to work (and not work) when constructing runs out of the cities that have the double-EQM promos? Open jaw? nested itins? codeshare? stopover? interline? etc., etc.

Looking to construct a very concise and accurate guide to the "do's and the do not do's" based on the info in the lengthy FT threads on same. And which, if any, issues are still in dispute.

Any help much appreciated.

Question about cancelling a ticket with A and I fares

justageek — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:29:46 GMT

Let's say I have a ticket with a combination of A and I fares (the I fare is a North America-LHR segment) and want to "downgrade" (still fly the same itinerary, but in coach).

I have two questions:

1) Is this treated the same as just canceling the ticket and using it to buy a new ticket on an unrelated itinerary? (I assume yes.)

2) How much value from the original ticket will I recover (in the form of a travel credit)? The fare rules mention a $300 change fee, but it wasn't clear to me whether that also applies to this scenario (canceling the ticket completely and buying a new one).

Thanks!

Citi card big sign-up bonuses

Raindeer — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:03:30 GMT

Going back to the conversations on ways to earn miles fast, Citibank has dramatically upped the enrollment bonuses on their cards.

http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc...4769EC7999F7C5

This one is for 75K miles, and there's another floating around for 100K miles (but that would require $10K of spend for the second 50K tranche of miles, which could take some folks a few months.)

Maya Leibman named President - AAdvantage

eolesen — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:25:27 GMT

Interesting... Derek was president for just over a month? (http://www.travelingbetter.com/forum...ead.php?t=4526)

I worked closely with Maya for several years. Interesting pick -- she has both a RM and IT background. Not a lot of time in marketing lately, which goes along with some of Arpey's other picks lately (e.g. Bella Goren as CFO when she hadn't been part of Finance for over a decade).

Quote:

American Airlines Continues Realignment of Executive Resources to Capitalize on Opportunities

Names Kurt Stache Vice President - International, Derek DeCross Vice President and General Sales Manager, and Maya Leibman as President - AAdvantage

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation, today announced that Kurt Stache will assume the role of Vice President – International and Derek DeCross will replace Stache as Vice President and General Sales Manager. In addition, Maya Leibman will take over the position of President – AAdvantage.

Stache will be based in London and will be responsible for American's business in the Atlantic and Pacific regions. He will report to Tom Horton, President of AMR and American. He has served in numerous leadership roles at American, including at AAdvantage and in revenue management, since joining the company 15 years ago.

DeCross will be responsible for leading American's sales team and for developing all sales policies worldwide. In his new role, he will also lead American's relationships with corporate accounts and travel agencies. He joined American in 1996 and has held positions in revenue management, sales, interactive marketing and finance.

As President of AAdvantage, Leibman will be responsible for American's frequent flyer program that has more than 62 million members and more than 700 award destinations across the globe. She joined American in 1994 and has held leadership positions in revenue management, marketing and information technology.

DeCross and Leibman will report to Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer.

In these positions, Stache, DeCross and Leibman will play important roles in implementing American's pending joint ventures with British Airways and Iberia across the Atlantic and with Japan Airlines across the Pacific.

"We are pleased to have Kurt, Derek and Maya leading key elements of our global business, especially as we implement our joint business with British Airways and Iberia on the Atlantic and plan for a similar partnership with Japan Airlines on the Pacific," said Horton. "These stronger partnerships, as well as our own network plans both in our U.S. cornerstone markets and internationally, represent important opportunities for our company. This energetic and talented group of leaders will help ensure that we leverage these opportunities to the great benefit of our customers, our people and our shareholders."

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection� serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com�, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld� Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

AmericanAirlines� We know why you fly�

Help with maximizing EQM - JFK to SIN

catwings01 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:52:43 GMT

I HAVE searched but am not very good at it. I will be booking economy, hopefully upgrading the JFK to NRT portion on AA metal to business with miles/co-pay. Will fly JAL NRT to SIN, but am confused what fare code I need to book to receive 100% EQM. I am holding AA JFK-NRT, then JAL (AA codeshare) NRT-SIN and the reverse right now in H. If I am reading the chart on AA.com correctly this should qualify me for 100% EQM - but if I change to a O or N fare code I will only receive 50% EQM. Is this correct?

Also, should I be able to preselect seats on JAL if using the H fare code? Have read that some deep discount fares don't allow for preassigned seats on JAL.

Thanks.

F seats available but inventory zero

brp — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:41:24 GMT

I wanted to bring up a situation I'm seeing more frequently in case folks come across this. It's really more for information as there's not much one can do to exploit the situation.

We all know that inventory (via EF or other source) is typically more reliable than a seatmap. There's a situation, however, where this is not true. In cases where Y is oversold (or sold-out, at the least) showing Y0, AA will often "hold" seats in F against the oversell. This will typically be visible as F0 with seats still available on the F seatmap. I've also seen F1 with 4 or so seats.

In these cases I've confirmed that the seats are not sold, but not for sale (or upgrade prior to gate). These invariably seem to go to upgraders at the gate to free up Y space. I've seen up to 6 seats go this way. In most of the cases I've seen, there never was an X bucket for the flight (not X0, just that X never existed...at least within the 24 hours that it was visible on EF).

I've written to AA to let them know that, while upgrades are a perk, if their RM rules say that these seats are going that way anyway (and with seats available and F0, seems the likely option) it would be better to do it earlier rather than later- frees up their seats earlier and better for those upgrading. It's being sent to the "appropriate department" for review :)

Cheers.

Award Travel Waitlist

cxn — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:31:50 GMT

Hi,

My family and I would like to fly DFW - LAX - KOA first with points. As others know, going over springbreak and trying to find inventory isnt always easy.

Question: I can book DFW - LAX in first and waitlist the LAX - KOA and when I see seats open up, call AA and have them move the them to first?

Thanks!

Z-class (FC Plan Ahead Award) standby for earlier flight: priority over X upgrades?

pdb — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:33:48 GMT

I apparently received inaccurate information regarding my ability/priority to standby for an earlier (domestic) flight when holding a BP for a later flight in Z class (Plan Ahead FC AAward). A couple of days ago, I was told that I would come after those confirmed coach PAX awaiting miles & eVIP upgrades; however, I would be before those awaiting sticker upgrades on the flight.

I'm now waiting at the AC on my return, hoping to standby for an earlier flight (but not willing to downgrade to coach) and have been told that I would be behind all others, including those awaiting sticker upgrades, in my quest for a seat up front on the earlier flight.

What is the definitive rule on this? My previous flight had a fairly light load in the economy cabin (and only a couple of unsold FC seats), whereas the present flight seems to be almost full in the back (again, with a couple of unsold FC seats being held back).

After searching, I did not find this specific topic addressed. Thanks in advance.

TAM & LAN to join and become LATAM

pb9997 — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:46:14 GMT

News are still very sparse as markets have just closed in Sao Paulo but open elsewhere; Enough news have already come out that point to a new company/holding called LATAM with flights to over 115 cities/20 countries and over 40,000 employees.

TAM and LAN logos should be kept on aircrafts.

Further info :

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1320658620100813

Unsure whether they'll become Star Alliance or OneWorld; I would venture say OW and Star Alliance would have another gap in South America.

Denver update

nomore1k — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:26:05 GMT

I'm sure it's been covered over there. But for folks like me who don't go there...

AA has moved to Concourse A in Denver. The Admirals Club is in a temporary space across from A45. There are no bathrooms or conference rooms and limited food service or business capabilities in the temporary space. They are scheduled to move into a new permanent space on October 19 (so say the AAngels), which will be up near the BA club above the atrium.

I'm just glad the club is apparently continuing, what with destinations dropping and some of the LAX flights going to AE.

I found on my flight out of DIA that Concourse A (and the bridge across to it) saves about 20 minutes curb to club over the old Concourse C spot. But I miss the Lear Jet hanging in the atrium.