Airlines

[QUOTE=Sidney]I waited 75 minutes to check-in. Employes said that was typical![/QUOTE]In my opinion, if you make this flight (or similar long hauls) more than a couple times a year, you should consider buying the admiral's club membership. With EP status, I think it is $300 (or you can use miles) That way, you can cool your heels in the lounge, check with the ladies at the desk periodically and make your way to the gate at the last minute. Also, if there is something wrong with the flight (count on it when flying to EZE) you can rebook or whatever with the lady at the desk in the lounge (one of the reasons I keep checking with them to see if the status changes) It also pays to be polite to the desk personnel (even if you are tired and have been on the road for many hours) In all likelihood, they have had a worse day than you. More than likely, at some point before you cast your shadow on that desk, some jerk ripped her a new one for something that was entirely beyond her control. A smile, a 'how are you?', 'I think you might be the only one at AA that can get anything done', etc. And a little charm goes a long way (like perfume and other small gifts for chicas)

I tend to travel a lot (120k-200k air miles / yr) so I also try, even if it costs a little more for tickets over the course of a year, to book as much of my travel as possible on AA. If I fly another airline in the alliance, I will book and AA ticket (code share) on that flight if possible. The EP status comes with 8 system wide upgrades and the AA personnel do treat you a little better when they know how much time you spend on their planes.

One flight to EZE, a year or so ago, the 10pm flight was initially delayed. The lady at the AC desk was on the walkie talkie with the guys in the ground crew (on the plane and runway) and was able to tell me that the flight was canceled (and going out the next morning) before any announcement was made. She then booked me into an airport hotel (covered by the voucher she gave me) As she was doing this, I got a text message from AA about the flight status change and then the PA announcement was made. I was getting ready to leave the lounge (reservation and voucher in hand) as everyone else was learning about the cancellation. The hotel was way over booked (waited 45 mins in a huge line to check in) I was one of the last people to get a room. I would guess more than one hundred people were turned away, amongst them I recognized many faces from gate 37 (although no cute chicas, to whom I could offer lodging) The next morning, I learned from some of the other folks that most people didn't get vouchers or lodging (I have had that happen before were AA initially starts issuing vouchers and then changes midstream and says "nope.")

In addition to delays related to the equipment (plane) not showing up on time to make the flight, often the cause for the delay is related to the airport to which you will be traveling. I would say that of the 30 something flights I have taken to Bs As, less than 50% have left on time. Delays have ranged from 30 mins to 36 hours. As for flights leaving Bs As for the US, I would guess 70% on-time departure with dealys 30 mins to 14 hours (including one emergency landing and being rerouted through a connection in another US city)

Many airline alliances also give free access to their lounges for some elite members. Usually mid or top tier, it's good to find out, as waiting in the lounge, plus being able to use the elite / biz class line makes checking in much quicker.

Like Punter 127 below, take advantage of double qualifying mile promotions and get top tier status, which can bring free upgrades either via SWU's (System Wide Upgrades) or on some shorter routes (Domestic US, plus maybe Central America and such) you get upgraded for free as well.

Some people will fly another airline if they are $1 cheaper. That's not smart these days, as you need to find the major alliance (Star, Oneworld or Skyteam) and try to fly the airlines in that alliance.

[QUOTE=Wild Walleye]In my opinion, if you make this flight (or similar long hauls) more than a couple times a year, you should consider buying the admiral's club membership. With EP status, I think it is $300 (or you can use miles) [/QUOTE]Actually if he was Executive Platinum or even Platinum status he could use the Admirals clubs without buying a membership anytime any part of his itinerary is international. Also with status you can check in at the first / business class check in window, even if you ’re flying coach.

BTW I don ’t think you can get to the Admirals club until after you check in, you need your boarding pass to clear security.

Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.

[QUOTE=Punter 127]Actually if he was Executive Platinum or even Platinum status he could use the Admirals clubs without buying a membership anytime any part of his itinerary is international.[/QUOTE]I believe you are correct.

[quote=]Also with status you can check in at the first / business class check in window, even if you 're flying coach.[/QUOTE]Yes. However, I have occasionally had AA personnel turn me away from FC check-in with a coach ticket. One tried telling me the EP didn't get you FC check-in. I politely pointed to a sign that contradicted her.

[quote=]BTW I don 't think you can get to the Admirals club until after you check in, you need your boarding pass to clear security.[/QUOTE]I am pretty sure that you need a boarding pass (normally printed although AA and some others are using electronic BP sent to your phone) and proper ID to get through security. I don't know of any ACs that are outside security.

There used to be (may still be) a UA lounge (forget what they call it) at Laguardia where you could walk from the parking garage to the door of the UA club, check in at the desk and hang out. However, post-911, you needed to guess about how much time it would take to clear security (whish was between you and the gate, at that point)

[quote=]Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.[/QUOTE]He could, however, the price difference on AA for round trips (between JFK, MIA, DFW and EZE) between biz and coach can run $3,500 - $7,000. That is a lot of chica money.

[QUOTE=Punter 127]Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.[/QUOTE]Hey, this not the jokes and one liners thread.:)

Biz class prices really depends on the time of year and routing. I found some $3500 seats on Continental, and then had a 10% coupon from when a plane was delayed, as well as a $400 voucher from when they rerouted me and I had to ride in the back for a leg. So, in the end $2800. Not a superb deal, but not horrible, either.

[QUOTE=Wild Walleye]Yes. However, I have occasionally had AA personnel turn me away from FC check-in with a coach ticket. One tried telling me the EP didn't get you FC check-in. I politely pointed to a sign that contradicted her. [/QUOTE] Yes, I ’ve had the same problem a time or two, but that ’s a better problem than waiting 75 minutes in the check in line.

[QUOTE]I am pretty sure that you need a boarding pass (normally printed although AA and some others are using electronic BP sent to your phone) and proper ID to get through security. I don't know of any ACs that are outside security. [/QUOTE] I ’ve tried electronic check in several times, but I ’ve never had any luck with it for international flights. I've always had to scan or show my passport before I could get a boarding pass.

[QUOTE]He could, however, the price difference on AA for round trips (between JFK, MIA, DFW and EZE) between biz and coach can run $3,500 - $7,000. That is a lot of chica money.[/QUOTE]I generally agree with most of your post and I don't disagree with what you ’re saying here, except we ’re talking about Sid, and he ’s got more money than Obama, Reid, and Pelosi put together could spend in three lifetimes. So I don't have much sympathy when he starts crying about having to wait in the coach check in line. Bottom line; self inflicted wound.

BTW I highly recommend Jaimito Cartero to anyone wanting information about flying. This guy knows more about airlines and flyer programs than anybody I've ever met.

[QUOTE=Punter 127]I generally agree with most of your post and I don't disagree with what you 're saying here, except we 're talking about Sid, and he 's got more money than Obama, Reid, and Pelosi put together could spend in three lifetimes. So I don't have much sympathy when he starts crying about having to wait in the coach check in line. Bottom line; self inflicted wound.[/QUOTE]It's an illness. Exon suffers from the same affliction. No matter how much money they have, no matter how old they are, and no matter how little time they may have remaining on this earthly world, they just can't spend even the smallest additional amount for their own comfort and / or to significantly enhance their experience.

Thanks,

Jackson

I made Ex Plat this year on AA. Usually I am Plt. 800k BIS miles on AA. Every trip to EZE has been on AA, sans one I flew LAN from SCL from a business trip that was on AA.

I have never been turned away from first or business class check in when flying in coach on AA with any status, including Gold. Its in writing. If a schmoe turns you away ask for another person that knows the rules.

I will say that the EZE Admirals Club does sort of suck. At least you don't have to ask for more drink tickets, its all self serve. The AC angels are also not up to par with say DFW, or even LHR.

I have had many more problems flying out of LHR over EZE.

The last two times I flew down were on cheap business tickets (3K$) Both times I was upgraded to First class as an operational upgrade, both ways for the long leg. I bummed out Exon last time in the AC showing him my FC ticket while he was in coach.

While FC is nice on AA, it has nothing on Cathay, or Qantas that have hot flight attendants, not old hags.

I have also landed in EZE at 10:20, cleared customs with my bag, got a cheap cab and I was balls deep by noon in recoleta. Can't do that caught up in the coach herd!

Mongers,

Just a few relevant comments regarding airlines; first, the Admirals Club at PHL is for some reason outside the secure area and it is the only one I know of, but I would think there are others. Second, AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum can always get priority check-in and boarding. AA Executive Platinum members traveling internationally may enter the AA Flagship Lounge, in addition to the Admirals Club, for free. There are AA Flagship Lounges at both MIA and JFK (possibly DFW, but I never fly that airport so I cannot confirm) and admittance to the Flagship Lounge gets you free booze (Grey Goose, Beefeaters, just about anything you want) and free food. Another benefit of AAdvantage status (Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum) is that the 100k mile per year cap earned via the AAdvantage Mastercard is waved, meaning you can rack up as many miles as you can spend on the card. Actually, the best credit card for racking up AAdvantage miles is actually the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express, which transfer at 1 Starpoint /1.25 AAdvantage mile when transferred in 20k point increments (meaning you transfer 20k Starpoints, you get 25k AAdvantage miles)

Suerte,

Rock Harders

You cannot get EXPLT via points on credit cards or other means. Ass in the seat on this one. Plat is possible.

Flagship lounge does not exist in DFW.

You need to be EXPLT or in First for this one. I met Shakira in the MIA Flagship lounge once. Yeah I had a hard on the whole time.

I haven't been in the AA flagship lounge, but have been in UA's in SFO, plus Emirates in Dubai. Lufthansa in Frankfurt, Thai in Bangkok. In general, the foreign lounges put the US carriers to shame, however it's still a really nice way to relax, if you're in one of the special First or Flagship type lounges.

Some carriers even give you car / limo service once you land, and some even will take you out to the plane. A nice touch.

[QUOTE=Gato Hunter]You cannot get EXPLT via points on credit cards or other means. Ass in the seat on this one. Plat is possible.[/QUOTE] What card gives you Plat qualifying miles? I ’m currently using Citibank / AA World Elite Gold Master Card and I can ’t find where any of my credit card miles were ever applied as qualifying miles. I did however get to EXPLT status last year when AA was offering double “qualifying ” miles. (I think some other airlines also offered this last year.)
I also got Plat a few years ago when I took the Challenge, but I ’ve never gotten any kind of status from credit card miles. Please tell me more.

[QUOTE]I have never been turned away from first or business class check in when flying in coach on AA with any status, including Gold. Its in writing. If a schmoe turns you away ask for another person that knows the rules. [/QUOTE]I've never been turned away from the window either, I have had them try to usher me to the coach line before getting to the window. It ’s always been a minor thing and a simple reminder of the priority check in policy was all that was needed.

I have however had them try to deny enter to the AC on the grounds I was not a member, both times was in Chicago. After I pointed out I was flying international they granted entry. I've never liked ORD and I avoid it as much as possible, I just think the people there have a bad attitude.

Well, your AA credit card spend will apply towards lifetime gold and plat status. (1 million and 2 million miles, I think) This is one nice thing about AA, is that all miles that accrue to your account, will go towards that lifetime status. As Sr Gato said, I don't think they'll give Exp Plat for lifetime, unless it's some sort of super duper executive spiff.

Some credit cards do apply to EQM, I know Delta gives 10 or 20k EQM if you hit a certain dollar amount on their Reserve card.

Some airlines (KLM, that I know of) give you top status if you maintain it for 10 consecutive years.

The bad thing about attaining top status, is that once you get used to it, going back down is no fun. The last couple of years there have been double EQM promotions on different airlines. Who knows what 2010 will bring.

However, limited time offer.

[url]http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2878[/url]

[url]https://www.centuryinthemaking.com/[/url]

This is a 10% off coupon for American Airlines. Pick a few teams and you get a coupon code.

You will be able to do this four times this year.

I have been following the board for 6 or 7 years. How did you possibly find this one. Kudos to you!

Browsing for a trip to S America for September, and found AA has LAX-EZE roundtrip for a total of $811, and LAX-BOG for about $550. Has not look this good for awhile.

Could not access the Sales / Offers page, so not sure if this is just seasonal or a promotion.

Yup, AA seems to have the best rates going right now. Will be flying that LAX to EZE flight in August for close to that price. (DFW Stopover.

Return will be EZE to LAX (miami stopover.

It is possible to get it down to $533 from Lax on United, if you know how to trick the fare and dump the YQ.

Can you explain what you mean by "trick the fare and dump the YQ?"

The YQ is the fuel surcharge that some airlines have, for UA and Continental right now it is $320 for a US-EZE roundtrip, it is possible to book a ticket without having to pay this by adding in a 3rd segment to the ticket (3x) this thread over on flyertalk explains how it works [url]http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/930922-trick-negotiate-special-savings-lounge-thread.html[/url]

Gorgon, thanks for dropping the knowledge.

I Learn something new everyday.

I use groupon web site in New York and today they were offering ths: $22 for a One-Visit Pass to Delta Sky Club.

[url]http://www.groupon.com/deals/delta-sky-club-for-delta-air-lines-inc-new-york/posts[/url]

I flew in on American business class [on upgrade] with a large priority tag on my bag. I checked the bag at first class check-in Miami 3 hours before the flight.

In EZE a supervisor gave me a lode of crap--the palne was not close to being full, yet she told me that there was too much to load everything. I asked about the priority tag, my platinum staus and business class ticket and she would not look me in the eye.

She told me that the bag was in Miami and would arrive in ba Thursday morning and be delivered early afternoon.

They gave me a locale phone to call and have my cell.

What should I except? How may I protect myself. I am looking for experienced people with actual AA experience in the same situation. I can read the rules, but reality rarelly parallels the rules nor law.

Thanks

Bob,

If your back in BA you're getting more pussy than I am, so Fuck your bag, "Deal With It", It I'll show up.

Exon

Write a letter to AA, in email. I'm guessing you will get 20k miles. Maybe more if you can really write a good letter. That's almost half an upgrade for next trip.

I recently got 15k for no IFE, ORD to LHR. I am explat though.

[QUOTE=Exon123]Bob,

If your back in be. A. Your getting more pussy than I am, so Fuck your bag, "Deal With It", It I'll show up.

Exon[/QUOTE]Your getting more pussy than me too! Just hang out naked and have chicas "vini la bolas" also.

Hope your trip gets better bob.

Cheers!

You have a couple situations 1) wearing the same clothes for a few days, 2) recovering your possessions and clothing and 3) getting something for the inconvenience.

For #1, I suggestion going native. Head to the shops on Ste Fe and pick up some bombachas de Campo, a fajas, a poncho, some alpargatas and top it off with a boina.

As for #2, you will have to see whether or not your stuff arrives and if it does, what if anything is missing. If you get all your stuff back, go to #3, if not, you have to go through the process of claiming the loss with AA.

For both #2 & #3, call them. On the back of your AA freq flier card, there should be a priority number for you level (I know that there is an exec plat number that is supposed to prioritize the handling of your issues) politely lay a heap of crap about what an inconvenience it is, how you can't imagine 3 hours wasn't enough time to get your bag on the plane and that you got the run around from the local AA staff in Bs As (whether true or not, the airline HQ is very removed from the front lines) No need to mention that you were upgraded (that info is in the record anyhow) your ticket was b-class, your bag was priority (which I always thought meant it will be the last f-ing bag off the plane) and you're being inconvenienced and possibly facing the loss of the half dozen Armani suits you had in your bag (hand tailored by Georgio himself) Hopefully, they will give you a bunch of miles and proper compensation for any lost items.

Usually, the airlines are capped out on what the owe you for lost or stolen items. I haven't had this issue for some time. However, I would venture that the info should be on their website.

Good luck. Let me know if you get your stuff (I am jealous that you are in Bs As)

WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.

Will call the plarinum desk and get an email address to complain about everything that has gone wrong with American over the last 30 days. They usually will give me miles to sooth by batterred soul.

[QUOTE=Miami Bob]WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.

Will call the plarinum desk and get an email address to complain about everything that has gone wrong with American over the last 30 days. They usually will give me miles to sooth by batterred soul.[/QUOTE]Hey Bob:

I doubt this will help much, but:

A year ago, I had the exact same thing happen, flying the exact same airline, in the exact same business class, also going from Miami to Buenos Aires. They did, in fact, deliver my luggage to my door the next day. I can't guarantee it will also happen for you but, as of a year ago, they were at least competent enough to deliver on their promise. And, nothing was missing from my luggage.

Just a suggestion, and you probably already know this if you're Platinum: I always assume they're going to lose my luggage and travel with a day's worth of clothes in my carry-on. Especially if you're flying business class, it's not too much of a problem since you've got extra bin space and they don't give you grief if you have two carry-ons. It gets harder with liquids given airline restrictions, but those are usually the easiest items to buy when you're on the ground. Since you're Platinum, you obviously fly a lot. It's only a matter of time before they lose your luggage. May as well plan for it. Again, you probably know that, and my intent was not to be condescending.

[QUOTE=Miami Bob]WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.[/QUOTE]Bob,

For shoes check this thread: [url]http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3847[/url]

They are available:)

[QUOTE=Miami Bob]WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.

Will call the plarinum desk and get an email address to complain about everything that has gone wrong with American over the last 30 days. They usually will give me miles to sooth by batterred soul.[/QUOTE]To see you dressed up like a guacho, even if you were barefoot.

[QUOTE=Miami Bob]Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.[/QUOTE]What's that they say about guys with big feet?

and talked about LAN's better food and seat pitch.

I think AA is pretty stingy with miles compared to many other US airlines. Generally you should be able to buy clothing and other necessities up to $150 or so for the first 24 hours. Unless you had a very tight connection, your luggage should have made it.

I've had problems myself in Miami with luggage, so try not to route through there, if at all possible.

On about 75% of my trips, in fact, I only take carry-on luggage, so there is nothing for them to lose.

Pre=departure. This service just screwed-up. Even better, on the return, in business, three seats were broken out of 37. My seat did not recline and they could not relocate me.

They zapped me both legs and in business. Over all, american is my favorite and that is why I have concentrate on the american awards program, rather than the competition. The only other airline that is consistant is lan-be careful purchasing lan-you can fly lan direct or with 2 or 3 stops-don't buy blind on the web or you could be very disappointed. The miami-eze direc tis great and cheaper than american. If you book on the lan website, you can assign your miles to any of the one-world partners. I assign the miles to american and put in my advantage number. I have always received my miles. Of course, I cannot upgrade to business with my advantage miles

[quote=miami bob; 412214]pre=departure. This service just screwed-up. Even better, on the return, in business, three seats were broken out of 37. My seat did not recline and they could not relocate me.

They zapped me both legs and in business. Over all, american is my favorite and that is why I have concentrate on the american awards program, rather than the competition. The only other airline that is consistant is lan-be careful purchasing lan-you can fly lan direct or with 2 or 3 stops-don't buy blind on the web or you could be very disappointed. The miami-eze direc tis great and cheaper than american. If you book on the lan website, you can assign your miles to any of the one-world partners. I assign the miles to american and put in my advantage number. I have always received my miles. Of course, I cannot upgrade to business with my advantage miles[/quote]to make up for the seat not reclining in biz. They should return to you whatever miles you used to upgrade plus a little something for the effort.

Has anyone bought a ticket on LAN online lately? I am interested in buying a ticket to ecuador for $502. I noticed they don't allow you to choose your seat at the time of purchase with "base fare" tickets. In order to do so I would need to buy a "base fare" plus ticket for an extra $172 .

I could deal with whatever seat they gave me but who is to say they wouldn't bump me from the flight if they had a base fare plus buyer? After all I wouldn't have an assigned seat. Why not just assign me whatever seat they choose once I've paid for it. It looks like they are charging people these rates to be stand by's.

Anybody?