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[edit] Flying American Airlines
*** DRAFT ARTICLE ***
Welcome to the Flying American Airlines article! You've probably read AA's article on flying with them, now let us narrate some of the things that we've learned from flying with AA....
[edit] Before You Fly
Well before you even book a ticket with AA, make sure that you've taken the time to read the pages at AA.com and enroll in AA's frequent flyer program, AAdvantage. When you become a member, you will earn miles that you can use for things like Award tickets and Upgrades. Hold on, though...although every purchased domestic ticket will earn miles, there are a couple of quirky rules - make sure that your Inventory Classes or Booking Class can earn miles.
Now you may have noticed that in the forums everyone seems to be obsessed with AA's Elite Levels (or Status). If you're going to be flying quite a bit with AA, make sure that you investigate all of the options for getting elite status sooner. The Challenges are a very popular way of becoming Gold or Platinum with not too much flying. To get to Executive Platinum, you will have to do quite a bit of BIS (butt-in-seat) flying.
As well, it doesn't hurt to see if there are any extra bonus miles to be had.
AA flies a number of different planes - some people like some more than others and on each plane some seats are better or worse than others. You can choose your seat by going to AA.com.
24 hours before you fly, you can check-in for your domestic flight by logging into AA.com. Pay special attention to your itinerary. If it says OPERATED BY: xxxx, then your flight is going to be run by another airline. This is known as a Codeshare. Checking in online and printing up your boarding pass is one way that you can avoid some of the lines at the airport. At this time, you cannot check-in online for international flights. Some airports have kiosks for international check-in. Others will require you to see a Ticket Agent (TA) at the check-in counter no matter what.
If you have any luggage or baggage, there might be some convenient options for you like curbside check-in or interlining bags to another carrier. Be especially aware of weight restrictions of checked bags and size/content restrictions of carry-on bags.
[edit] At the Airport
When you're at the airport, you may notice some people going through these mysterious doors into the airport lounges. These lounges are generally quiet places to do work, have a drink, or even take a shower. AA's business lounges also feature AAngels who can help you with your travel plans. You can either pay for membership or you have Platinum or Executive Platinum status, you can visit them when traveling on long-haul international journeys. Be sure to check the access policies.
[edit] Getting onto the Plane
Your boarding pass will likely have a gate number on it. Regardless, it's always a good idea to look at the monitors to double-check the gate. Your boarding pass should also have a group number printed on it. The Gate Agent (GA) will call passengers to board by group. At this point you may notice a bunch of people from random groups blocking other passenger from boarding. These individuals are not-so-affectionately referred as 'Gate Lice'. Please do not contribute to the problem. When boarding be sure not to block the aisles or hog the overhead space. If you follow the crew's instructions and remember everything that you learned in kindergarten, you'll find that the experience is reasonably civil. As difficult as it is to have everyone crammed into an aluminum (soon to be composite) tube, remember that flying is a much easier than what our ancestors had to deal with (walking, stage coach, scurvy laden ships, etc...). Maybe take a peek out the window every once in a while and remember that you're actually flying.
Depending on the type of flight, your class of service, and the plane, you'll notice that there are different meal and entertainment options. If flying coach domestically, you'll probably find that you'll have to "bring-your-own-..."
[edit] Making Your Connection
Usually as the plane makes its approach, a Flight Attendant will announce connecting information. There are some airport maps in the American Way in-flight magazine and we have some additional information in the airports article. Gates do change, so make sure that you listen to the announcement even if your boarding pass has a gate number printed on it. As you exit the plane there may be an agent with a clipboard with additional gate information. As you to head towards what you think is the right gate, take a look at the monitors just to make sure.
If your plane is part of an airport or systemwide delay, then there is a good chance that you connecting flight will be delayed as well. If you do miss your flight try to find an available agent to get re-booked on another flight. If there is a huge line, you can try to find an available agent at a different podium. If things are a complete zoo, then call one of the elite hotlines or the general reservations number. Put these numbers in your cell phone before you depart. Once you have a reservation on a new flight, go to new your gate to get a boarding pass (or find an available agent).
If things really go sideways, you do have rights to be reaccommodated under the 240/80 rule. If you're delayed because of weather, under the Conditions of Carriage AA doesn't have to provide you any hotel or transportation vouchers - but it doesn't hurt to ask. Even if you don't get a voucher, ask for the "Distressed Traveler" rate at the hotel. If you're stuck because of a mechanical delay, AA normally provides vouchers.
[edit] Arrival
You may not be familiar with the airports that you'll be connecting or arriving in. We have some tips, but it doesn't hurt to Google the airport's website to get oriented.
Hopefully everything when smoothly and your bags were not delayed. If your checked bags are missing, make sure that you file a report with the last carrier you flew before leaving the airport. Weather delays and FAA ground holds are very routine. If you have an essential meeting to make, fly in the night before. If something really goes wrong, you can check the Compensation article to see what other have received in similar situations. Agents may give you vouchers that can be used on future flights. Note that if you are ever "Involuntarily Denied Boarding" on an overbooked flight, then you are entitled to cash compensation from the airline.
[edit] Maximizing the Benefits
So now hopefully you're starting to become a seasoned traveler on AA and you want to get as many benefits as possible. There are plenty of ways that you can earn miles without even stepping on a plane. You can also earn AA miles when on partners. Be very aware of restrictions when flying on partners.
When you check your miles on AA.com, the actual number of miles that you receive might be a little different than what you expected because of class of service bonuses and minimum mileage guarantees. This article does a good job of demystifying the calculation.
Once you've accumulated some miles, you can use them for awards and Upgrades. One thing to remember is that AA is part of the Oneworld alliance so that you can book AA awards on oneworld carriers or even special oneworld awards that lets you fly on multiple carriers. Using AA miles for domestic tickets is ok, but there are some flyers who use their miles for over-the-top first class award tickets on premium airlines. These tickets don't require as many miles as you might think.
If you make it to Executive Platinum and you get the special eVIP upgrades, take a look at these international destinations to maximize your benefits.
...to be continued...
