AA - Is the $19.00 boarding and flexibility package worth it ??

[kaz]

Hi
In the process of booking a AA flight via AA US site from DFW to FLL (a little bit cheaper booking via the US site than the AU site) and I was given the option to book the "Boarding and Flexibility Package" for $19.00 USD each passenger.

This package includes: Group 1 of General Boarding, Standby for earlier flight and a flight change discount, of which we would be only interested in the Group 1 General Boarding.
As we can choose our seats and we won't be having large carry on bags (just a small size travel bag) + handbag, should I pass on booking this package ???

I also don't know if being a QFF silver member gets me any extras EG: priority boarding ???

 

[Ewing]

No point paying for it.

As a Silver (oneworld Ruby), you'll get priority boarding and security (PriorityAAccess), free checked baggage (2x 23KG if I remember correctly) as well as free standby.

 

[kaz]

Wow....really... 2 x 23kg free checked baggage. ??

 

[Ewing]

Yep.

American Airlines Checked Baggage Charge Exceptions | AA.com

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. These free checked bag allowances apply on flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection®.

* oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members

The benefits are also extended to anybody flying on the same booking as you.

 

[kaz]

Great, thanks for the confirmation.
So when I make the booking on AA website, do they attempt to charge me for luggage during the online booking process, or does the AA check-in lady normally charge for baggage when we checkin at the airport, in which case we will show our QFF silver card and be exempt from baggage charges

 

[Ewing]

It might still offer you the option to purchase baggage (it's been a few months since I've booked an AA ticket so can't remember off the top of my head), but when you put your frequent flyer number in the system will pick up your status.

Just check in bags like normal. There'll be no mention of any charges

I've never actually had to pay for baggage on AA so am unsure of the normal procedure (I've always been at least Silver when going to the US).

 

[kaz]

Great, thanks Ewing for all your information. I now going to check out whereelse AA flies domesticly throughout US as I have a few other flights to book also.

 

[drewbles]

I've made a few bookings on AA recently and it's not requested (or offered) for me to pay for luggage (I do put my QFF number in at time of booking though).

You'll also get better seating on AA as well. AA treat OW Ruby's better than most airlines do that's for sure!

No point paying $19 for less (Priority AAccess is ahead of Group 1). And you want that if you want any hope of having decent luggage space in the overheads

If you have several other flights planned as you mention, you may want to search 'YUPP Fares' here (also known as 'Instant Upgrade' on the booking site) and look at that. You may easily end up with a big chunk of SC's putting you towards QF SG

 

[kaz]

You'll also get better seating on AA as well. AA treat OW Ruby's better than most airlines do .

Thanks drewbles, I made the booking a few days ago, entering my QFF at the time and when I went to select seat section I was able to pick an exit row at no additional cost.

 

[drewbles]

Thanks drewbles, I made the booking a few days ago, entering my QFF at the time and when I went to select seat section I was able to pick an exit row at no additional cost.

Now if only QF would do that for international for WP (It'll never happen, in fact, they 'enhanced' it away). At least they do for domestic I guess!

Just remember AA may as well be a LCC when on board, everything is for purchase (and they do not accept cash, only credit card or pre-paid AA cards which you can buy on the ground).