On the cusp of 1st time silver - do I go for it?

[thewinchester]

OW Ruby gets AAccess which means that they can virtually skip the security screening lines.

That's handy to know. Just went looking for the information on that service (its called PriorityAAccess), and it was only on their US site:
Introducing PriorityAAccess(SM) Privileges

New Boarding Privileges - And More - For American's Top Customers

American Airlines has a new way for AAdvantage elite status members and other top customers to enjoy more control and ease when they travel -- PriorityAAccessSM privileges. From check-in to boarding, the PriorityAAccess benefit is another way we're working to improve the airport experience.

Exclusive Boarding Lanes at Every Gate

Now available at American Airlines gates system wide, new PriorityAAccess lanes will offer a fast track to board the aircraft.

Customers with PriorityAAccess privileges are among the first to board the plane. We will begin by inviting our First or Business Class passengers onboard, followed by AAdvantage Executive Platinum members, next our AAdvantage Platinum members, and then all other PriorityAAccess customers. Should you arrive at the gate after PriorityAAccess customers have been called, you can bypass any lines and enjoy the convenience of boarding anytime via your new dedicated boarding lane.

Simply look for the PriorityAAccess sign in the gate area.

Convenient Designation on Boarding Pass

"PriorityAAccess" is noted on the boarding pass, so there is no need to show a membership card or other documentation.

Simply show your boarding pass, and you're on your way!

Expedited Check-in and Security Screening, Too

PriorityAAccess benefits also include the use of exclusive security screening lanes (where available) and dedicated check-in areas at ticket counters. Look for the distinctive PriorityAAccess signs to speed your way through check-in and the security screening process.

Who's eligible for PriorityAAccess?

• First Class and Business Class passengers
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum®,
• AAdvantage Platinum®, and
• AAdvantage Gold® members
• AAirpass® travelers
• Customers traveling on a full fare Economy Class ticket booked in Y
• oneworld® Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby members

 

[drewbles]

That's handy to know. Just went looking for the information on that service (its called PriorityAAccess), and it was only on their US site:
Introducing PriorityAAccess(SM) Privileges

OW Ruby is probably most useful on AA out of all the OW airlines. I was PS last year (and earlier this year before I stepped up to SG) and the Priority AAccess is a godsend at the airport. Also, the priority boarding is a big plus in a country where people tend to take the kitchen sink in their carryon.

If you plan on doing US travel, its handy to have, but just wait till you get there, do a YUP (one run in a day can net as much as 300 SC's) and you'll be Silver for a lot less, or go for broke and head for WP.

BA has no OW Ruby level, and as such, tend to ignore OW Ruby to a large degree (baring the business class checkin facilities).

 

[straitman]

American Airlines Checked Baggage Charge Exceptions | AA.com

Slightly OT here.

This refers:

The following passengers will be allowed a 1st and/or 2nd checked bag at no additional charge provided it falls within the size and weight limitations:

Could someone elaborate (explain) this for me :?: How do you know if it is one or two bags allowed :?:

 

[wandering_fred]

If you are planning on traveling to the USA during the time you will have the PS status, it may be worth it.

From PER the cheapest source of SCs on QF has typically been the SIN-BKK or BKK-HKG flights in the J cabin. A quick look through my normal on-line sources has however come up with a blank . However that would not stop me from firing up Skype and calling the travel desk of a couple of on-line TAs. Just plan on flying to SIN(and perhaps onward to BKK) with JQ or similar. Either route RT is worth 120SCs in J

If you have a trip to the UK planned, going one way in T class also works as that is considered full fare economy.

Fred

 

[N860CR]

Also, while on the AA subject, if I book a domestic flight with AA with their online booking system automatically recognise my QFF number as OW Saph and therefore allocate me the free checked baggage and PriorityAAcess, or do I need to notify them?

Just not sure if the QFF/AA systems connect somehow.

 

[straitman]

Also, while on the AA subject, if I book a domestic flight with AA with their online booking system automatically recognise my QFF number as OW Saph and therefore allocate me the free checked baggage and PriorityAAcess, or do I need to notify them?

Just not sure if the QFF/AA systems connect somehow.

danielribo,

I have found the system to be quite hit and miss. It sometimes gets it right but not always. I have had occasions where the system has recognised status but it has not printed on the boarding pass. Personally I would take a hard copy of the link that serfty has posted because some check-in people do not seem to know about this either.

 

[dajop]

From PER the cheapest source of SCs on QF has typically been the SIN-BKK or BKK-HKG flights in the J cabin. A quick look through my normal on-line sources has however come up with a blank . However that would not stop me from firing up Skype and calling the travel desk of a couple of on-line TAs. Just plan on flying to SIN(and perhaps onward to BKK) with JQ or similar. Either route RT is worth 120SCs in J

CX was selling business class fares SIN-BKK-SIN for $400 AUD (plus need a nights accom in BKK), 120 SC's ... did one myself. That sale finished on 31 December, but there's always a chance of another in the offing, as it disappeared/reappeared quite regularly, although may not in time for the Jan 31 deadline.

 

[serfty]

... Could someone elaborate (explain) this for me :?: How do you know if it is one or two bags allowed :?:

I believe it a backhand to bookings made under the initial implementation of paid checked baggage by AA domestically in the USA where the second checked bag was charged for but not the first.

Subsequent changes now have the first bag being charged for as well in relation to bookings made after a certain date.

So the text covers both situations ...

... in any case, ruby/sapphire/emerald are exempt from these charges.

 

[straitman]

I believe it a backhand to bookings made under the initial implementation of paid checked baggage by AA domestically in the USA where the second checked bag was charged for but not the first.

Subsequent changes now have the first bag being charged for as well in relation to bookings made after a certain date.

So the text covers both situations ...

... in any case, ruby/sapphire/emerald are exempt from these charges.

Thanks serfty,

What I was really asking is does the exemption for ruby/sapphire/emerald apply for one or two bags :?:

 

[serfty]

Thanks serfty,

What I was really asking is does the exemption for ruby/sapphire/emerald apply for one or two bags :?:

Yes for the first and if a second, then, yes again.

i.e. With your recent re-acquaintance with WP; on the current rule you would be exempt for any charges until such time as you may revert to NB - if you ever do.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Yes for the first and if a second, then, yes again.

i.e. With your recent re-acquaintance with WP; on the current rule you would be exempt for any charges until such time as you may revert to NB - if you ever do.

What about QF Club NB, then what happens with the bag charge.

 

[drewbles]

If you are planning on traveling to the USA during the time you will have the PS status, it may be worth it.

It would still be cheaper to fly there as a NB, and then get PS on a Status run. It would only take 3 days from landing of the final flight for the SC's to be applied, and status updated across the system. Would also involve far less flying than it would to get it here (PER to AKL via SYD is a lot further and longer to do than a small run in the US).

 

[serfty]

What about QF Club NB, then what happens with the bag charge.

It's not on the list ... (nor is Admiral's Club for that matter) :-|

 

[Bundy Bear]

It's not on the list ... (nor is Admiral's Club for that matter) :-|

I can check in with the elite and use their lounges but no free bag. hmm. :-|
Well I should be PS before I go then. Hopefully. :-|

 

[Dave Noble]

I can check in with the elite and use their lounges but no free bag. hmm. :-|
Well I should be PS before I go then. Hopefully. :-|

If you have Qantas Club membership you are entitled to use the AA lounges when travelling on AA but not entitled to business/1st class check in. priority check in as a Qantas Club member is a benefit when travelling on QF only



Dave

 

[liamg]

I'm going back to the States in April and I'll be a PS (or maybe SG by then, by the end at the very least) so this is all fantastic to know! Thanks all so much!

A side note though, just by flashing my Aussie passport at check-in when I was last there in November I was given 2x free bags on domestic AA flights. I honestly didn't realise I had to pay for bags and when I asked naively was told to just go through as if I was going to pay, show my passport and VWP entry stamp and they'd waive the fees.

The lady at JFK was very nice with this, but then flying back a few days later ex-LAX I needed to remind her quickly but she was very satisfied with my idea to not pay...

Having QP Silver in the States, flying AA, would seem to be almost as good as Gold then!

L.

 

[straitman]

Yes for the first and if a second, then, yes again.

i.e. With your recent re-acquaintance with WP; on the current rule you would be exempt for any charges until such time as you may revert to NB - if you ever do.

serfty,

Thanks for that. During my Sept/Oct trip to the US noone at AA seemed to know this rule.

 

[rambisyouth]

Question already answered above.

 

[wandering_fred]

I assume this refers to CX? What sort or prcing can you pick these up for?

dajop in post #27 had the deal.

Although I suspect Royal Jordanian has good fares BKK-HKG

Fred

 

[N860CR]

RJ BKK-HKG isn't too bad. I'm doing it in a few weeks in J and it was about $310 which nets 60SC. Return was about double.

Interestingly... one way in Y was still about $200 so its only a small step up to J, however when booking a return the Y fare is quite a bit cheaper.