OWE privileges on AA domestic economy flight?

[scheps]

Hey guys, a few quick fired questions and thought this could be useful to others.

1. I get seat selection of available seat right? - Yep
2. I get to go into any lounge, even flag ship at e.g. LAX ? - Yep
3. Do I get any free luggage allowance? - i am not sure. And if not, do i just purchase at the counter? couldn't see an option to do so whilst booking online.
4. Only certain economy buckets accrue SC isn't it. Its not all.
5. Obviously not eligible for upgrade, either 500 mile or complimentary right?

Thanks - Scheps

 

[Mal]

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes. (see American Airlines Checked Baggage Charge Exceptions | AA.com)
4. Yes. (see Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Terms & Conditions under American Airlines).
5. I'll let others answer this one.

 

[scheps]

Thanks Mal, lots of yesses is always good

I read this https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/baggageExceptions.jsp which is the same as what you linked and I couldn't work out if i get one or two bags, from the wording. Do you have personal experience as to which one? And onboard is just one bag right IIRC... will be traveling with my baby on lap that's why.

 

[Mal]

Thanks Mal, lots of yesses is always good

I read this https://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/baggageExceptions.jsp which is the same as what you linked and I couldn't work out if i get one or two bags, from the wording. Do you have personal experience as to which one? And onboard is just one bag right IIRC... will be traveling with my baby on lap that's why.

I don't know for certain as I never really check in bags. But I understand that it is 1 bag if you have no free allowance and two bags if you have one free bag allowance. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong though.

Carry on is one sink (small bag) plus a personal item. Additional allowances apply for babies (AA site will give the full details)

 

[scheps]

yep, i think you are right. It makes a lot of sense.

regarding baby, this is what i found, which essentially for lap baby, its diaper bag on board only.

If a seat was not purchased for an infant, that infant does not have a carry-on or checked baggage allowance. However, the following items are allowed over and above the carry-on allowance for the adult traveling with an infant:
Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child (may also be checked)
Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child (see details for stroller acceptance below)
Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child

 

[Timsboot]

you are also entitled to one free food item from their charge for food menu. You may need to ask for it but you are entitled. There is a cheese plate that is relatively edible.

 

[burmans]

There is a cheese plate that is relatively edible.

Oh yum, thats got my gastric juices flowing!

 

[moa999]

On 5. No. That applies to AA program only. (note similarly AA cardholders cannot upgrade on QF metal)

 

[serfty]

With the free checked allowance, a OWE travelling in economy can check up to two bags FOC.

The allowances vary between routes, so that "a 1st and/or 2nd checked bag at no additional charge" is simply a catch all.

Some routes would have a charge for the first and subsequent bags (Domestic USA) while others have a free first bag but would charge for the second (e.g. Europe).

So with the former example, both the first and and second bag are free other wise there would be a charge for each. With the latter it's the second bag being 'free' as there is no charge for the first in any case.

If travelling in First/Business then you can have three bags at no charge.

American Airlines Baggage Allowance Information On aa.com

 

[Isochronous]

What is the paid Y food like? I only flew AA as OWR/OWS in F dom previously, and Y as a NB.

 

[NM]

What is the paid Y food like? I only flew AA as OWR/OWS in F dom previously, and Y as a NB.

Its marginal. Prices range from US$5.99 to US$6.99 for most things, depending on the flight duration and time of day. Typically a bread roll with some sort of meat/cheese/salad filling is available. But as is typical in the USA, not overly nutritious (bread is way too sweet, lots of carbs and sugar and little else).

Note they do not accept cash payment, only credit card. No tipping. Soft drinks, juice, tea/coffee/water all free.

See here for an example that pretty much reflects my recent experience:

North American / Caribbean Meal Service and Food For Sale Program

 

[Hvr]

Probably the most important OWE privileges are priority security screening and priority boarding.

 

[elbarto]

Even OWR get their baggage fees waived on AA.

 

[Kangol]

you are also entitled to one free food item from their charge for food menu. You may need to ask for it but you are entitled. There is a cheese plate that is relatively edible.

I thought that is technically for AA EXPs only, not OWEs from other programs. Thing is, their system sometimes can't tell the difference between an AA EXP/OWE and a non-AA OWE and groups them all together as EXPs. I got the complimentary food item as a WP on a QF codeshare (AA metal) and the FA referred to me as an EXP.

 

[Kefci2000]

I think this is hit and miss.

some FA's know or let it slide (if not official) others have know idea what you are talking about if you ask, FA's will even admit this

i recall you are also supposed to be able to get a free beer. But again YMMV

that said I have only once gone Y in AA, usually doing DONE4's

 

[Timsboot]

I thought that is technically for AA EXPs only, not OWEs from other programs..

I have had two experiences with AA in Y this year. The first time, the FA came up to me during meal service and said "as an AA Executive Platinum you are allowed to have a free food item, what would you like?" In other words, she came up to me (did not have to be asked) and did not talk to me like a OWE person, rather like I was an AA EP. On the second occasion I asked the FA "am I entitled to some free food?". She looked up my seat number on her manifest (actually a handheld device) and said "yes you are" and offered me food. So - two for two in getting food from AA in Y. Once without asking and once with asking.

 

[scheps]

Nice, i hope to be asked and check out the cheese platter. but I guess i will eat in the F lounge before leaving LAX.

This will be my first Y experience on AA so hope its not too bad.

I called AA to ask and got an operator who didnt know what OWE was and i didnt use the acronym. She came back on the phone after 20 minutes, yes, 20 minutes.. and told me that I can check in 3 items. Then when my ticket... ticketed, it says 2 items (like what Serfty said).

And apparently a lap baby's name has to be on the adult ticket. Cant just turn up on the day. Also could sit in row 8 (on a 737) which i was told is the bulkhead.

 

[gbetox]

Nice, i hope to be asked and check out the cheese platter. but I guess i will eat in the F lounge before leaving LAX.

I've only been asked once. Just say you are executive platinum (they cannot tell the different between AA's and QF's emeralds) and get your free food.

That's what's in the inflight menu:

Have a Snack and Drink on Us

AAdvantage Executive Platinum[SUP]®[/SUP] and ConciergeKey[SUP]SM[/SUP] members traveling in the Main Cabin onboard American Airlines or American Eagle can enjoy a complimentary beverage from our standard alcoholic beverage selections as well as one snack or meal.

 

[scheps]

Thanks for the link. And according to them, I have to show my Exe Plat card? Will they just take my word for it , or i just show them my phone with screen shot.

 

[serfty]

Thanks for the link. And according to them, I have to show my Exe Plat card? Will they just take my word for it , or i just show them my phone with screen shot.

If your Emerald status is in the booking, it shows on their manifest with whatever code is used code for Executive Platinum - I'd leave it at that.