AA15 JFK to SFO

[Korijekup]

Well my 1st post here is a bit "whiney" and maybe precious but here goes.
I have flown several legs in and out of US (mostly Caribbean and the dreaded Miami airport) with AA (business class QF/One World Plat) over the past month and found everything pretty good (for me the AA app is great) but this trip has been a litany of little things.

• I was offered an upgrade by AA to 1st for USD230 but was warned off by mate because issues with possible loss of Business Status points with Qantas - confirmed by my agent that they had seen this with other clients because the code changes from a QFcode share to an AA. Very hard to recover your points and status!
• JFK Terminal 8, access to Soho Lounge not Chelsea - not really an issue but I am plat so hey, why not the better lounge. BA high status seem to get access even if riding Business with AA
• For the record Imo leave the admiralty lounge terminal 8 alone - better to stay in the concourse
• The plane is Airbus 321-231. I love Airbus. I am 7A business and seat is comfortable but simple things like reaching the USB, or screen controls ( located down by my right hip - press the button, press the button repeat .. ok now I have it) or plugging in the headphones, all required skills of a master contortionist. Oh and no headphones. Not a problem, asked nicely, and wished I had not!

Food adequate ( I left most of it), good bread, great wine ( which probably explains this rant/whine)

Anyway Happy Trails

 

[hutch]

Well my 1st post here is a bit "whiney" and maybe precious but here goes.
I have flown several legs in and out of US (mostly Caribbean and the dreaded Miami airport) with AA (business class QF/One World Plat) over the past month and found everything pretty good (for me the AA app is great) but this trip has been a litany of little things.

• I was offered an upgrade by AA to 1st for USD230 but was warned off by mate because issues with possible loss of Business Status points with Qantas - confirmed by my agent that they had seen this with other clients because the code changes from a QFcode share to an AA. Very hard to recover your points and status!
• JFK Terminal 8, access to Soho Lounge not Chelsea - not really an issue but I am plat so hey, why not the better lounge. BA high status seem to get access even if riding Business with AA
• For the record Imo leave the admiralty lounge terminal 8 alone - better to stay in the concourse
• The plane is Airbus 321-231. I love Airbus. I am 7A business and seat is comfortable but simple things like reaching the USB, or screen controls ( located down by my right hip - press the button, press the button repeat .. ok now I have it) or plugging in the headphones, all required skills of a master contortionist. Oh and no headphones. Not a problem, asked nicely, and wished I had not!

Food adequate ( I left most of it), good bread, great wine ( which probably explains this rant/whine)

Anyway Happy Trails

Re point 2:

"Access to the Chelsea lounge at New York JFK Terminal 8 is available for customers who are: Flying on a scheduled long haul or Transcontinental flight with British Airways or American Airlines in First. British Airways Gold Members with 65,000 tier points (and 40,000 tier points each year thereafter) and American Airlines Concierge Key members are invited to use the Chelsea lounge when flying on select routes."

 

[Korijekup]

Re point 2:

"Access to the Chelsea lounge at New York JFK Terminal 8 is available for customers who are: Flying on a scheduled long haul or Transcontinental flight with British Airways or American Airlines in First. British Airways Gold Members with 65,000 tier points (and 40,000 tier points each year thereafter) and American Airlines Concierge Key members are invited to use the Chelsea lounge when flying on select routes."

Q: for future reference how does that work with code share? Do you need to book AA or BA direct? Or will QF coded share 1st class work?
If I had taken the AA upgrade offer would I get access?

Just trying to see how the system works. Most travel has been in Asia and I know the rules and planes there. This new!

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @Korijekup . an informative first post especially regarding the change of code in going to 1st. Regulars with AA probably know that but many here would not.

 

[SYD]

Welcome to AFF @Korijekup . an informative first post especially regarding the change of code in going to 1st. Regulars with AA probably know that but many here would not.

I was surprised it was even offered!

I wonder if we get an offer on AA16 later in the year? But it’s a QF whY CR! Happy with MCE at the moment but a cheap J or F upgrade would be nice - plus bonus SCs!

 

[Korijekup]

Is there a reference to the shorthand on this forum? TBH it is a bit daunting.
I can follow/ work out some but not all
CR ??
MCE ??
LTG = Life Time Gold

And the rest

Thanks

 

[Korijekup]

Ok. Found some now
Will research

 

[RooFlyer]

Is there a reference to the shorthand on this forum?

We provide!

Abbreviations & Explanations

A list of common abbreviations used on the forum.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

The important ones are WP, SG, NB

 

[kevrosmith]

I would’ve thought “DYKWIA” was the most important

Welcome to AFF

 

[RooFlyer]

I would’ve thought “DYKWIA” was the most important

Welcome to AFF

I was just about to go back and add that!

Korijekup - abbreviations List says it has an arrogant context but it’s mainly used as a parody of self importance.

 

[moa999]

First on AAs premium transcon services would have gained you access to the Chelsea Lounge, as well as International, (just not any short haul F)

Note in elite status parlance this would be more equivalent to Qantas Platinum One status (or P1 as used here).

But as it's an additional tier above Sapphire and Emerald there are no oneworld requirements and the airlines can set the rules as they want for these extra lounges (much like QR Al Safwa Lounge, BA Concorde Room).

While the alcohol and food is meant to be very nice, Chelsea is also a relatively small and windowless lounge by reviews I've read.

 

[Korijekup]

Welcome to AFF @Korijekup . an informative first post especially regarding the change of code in going to 1st. Regulars with AA probably know that but many here would not.

Here is an update
Response from Qantas on how points and Status Credits are applied in the case of an upgrade.

"I can confirm that Qantas Frequent Flyer points and Status Credits are credited based on the original fare class purchased. In your case, although you will be upgraded to First Class, your original booking was in Business Class, so your points and Status Credits will reflect that fare type."

Obviously does not change the fact that recovering status and points may be "difficult" when booking changes