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American Airlines are - big surprise - an American airline that are based out of Fort-Worth, Texas. Flying since 1930, they currently have the title of largest airline in the world based on fleet size and passengers carried, with almost 6,800 flights per day. Passengers can fly on American Airlines across the United States and Canada, South America, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, to almost 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. The airline will soon tick off a sixth continent, Africa, when they start flying to Casablanca in 2021. The airlines regional services are operated by independent and subsidiary carriers under the brand name 'American Eagle'.
American Airlines were founding members of the Oneworld alliance, and currently partner with over 30 airlines across the world, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, allowing passengers access to over 1000 destinations.
They currently operate out of ten hubs across the United States, with Fort Worth in Texas being their main hub. Others include Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago and Washington.
The airline owns a fleet of over 900 aircraft, including Boeing 737's, 777's and 787's, and Airbus A319's through A330's. They also have over 200 aircraft currently on order.
American Airlines regularly win awards for their modern fleet, and have recently also been awarded 'Five Star Global Airline' status by Apex, 'Airline of the Year' by ASTA, as well as awards for their workplace diversity, service and community programs.
New Zealand passengers can fly direct to the U.S (Los Angeles) on American Airlines from Auckland, and they have recently added a new route direct to Dallas Fort Worth. Direct flights between Christchurch and L.A will begin in October 2021 (originally meant to be earlier, but have been suspended).
Passengers from other cities in New Zealand can take advantage of the Qantas partnership with American Airlines, and jump on a Qantas flight to Auckland, have a short transit, and then continue onwards to the states.
From there, passengers can explore a variety of destinations across the U.S and Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia or Europe on American Airlines, or even more destinations if their extensive partner network is utilised.
Although American Airlines don't run regular weekly or monthly sales like some airlines, they do feature a variety of different sales throughout the year. Some include their Boxing Day (December 26th) sale, Black Friday (after Thanksgiving), Cyber Monday and others. They may also feature flash sales, Earlybird sales (for fares booked several months in advance), companion sales (for two or more passengers in one booking) and destination-specific sales, with discounted fares to and across the U.S, Europe, South America and more.
There is a dedicated 'travel deals and offers' page on their website, or you can sign up to their emails to be notified of any future deals. Or just sign up with us, and we will be the first to let you know when there are great deals to the U.S.
American Airlines have several main fare types, which differ slightly between Domestic and International. These include: Basic Economy (for domestic or international short-haul), Main Cabin (economy), Business and First.
All American Airlines flights from New Zealand will include meals and baggage regardless of fare type or class. However, domestic U.S flights will not have the same inclusions. It is recommended that all internal U.S flights are booked as part of the international ticket where possible to maximise the included baggage allowance.
Cabin/Carry On Baggage
Checked Baggage
Economy/Premium Economy - 2 x 23kg (no larger than 157cm LxWxH)
Business - 2 x 32kg (no larger than 157cm LxWxH)
Cabin/Carry On Baggage
Basic Economy/Main Cabin/Premium Economy - 1 x item (no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm) + 1 x small item (no larger than 22cm x 25cm x 43cm) such as a handbag, laptop etc.
Business/First - 1 x item (no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm) + 1 x small item (no larger than 22cm x 25cm x 43cm) such as a handbag, laptop etc.
Checked Baggage
Basic Economy/Main Cabin - First bag $30, Second bag $40 (to most destinations, when booked in advance). Each bag up to 23kg (no larger than 157cm LxWxH).
Premium Economy - 2 x 23kg free of charge (each no larger than 157cm LxWxH).
Business - 2 x 32kg free of charge (each no larger than 157cm LxWxH).
First (not available on all aircraft/routes) - 3 x 32kg free of charge (each no larger than 157cm LxWxH).
Special limits apply to some destinations, such as South America or Transatlantic flights. It is best to check directly with the airline to confirm baggage limits if travelling with American Airlines onwards from the U.S to one of these destinations.
You can check in for your American Airlines flight either online, via the 'American app' (available for both iOS and Android), or in person at the airport.
Check in via the app or online opens 24 hours prior to departure. You can also choose seats, pay for baggage or extras, or upgrade.
You can also use mobile boarding passes or print your boarding passes from home, and in some cases drop luggage using the self-serve kiosks at all American Airlines hub airports and selected other cities. If there is no self-serve kiosk, passengers can check their baggage at the American Airlines counter at the airport.
To check in at the airport counter, check directly with the airport website for the exact time the counter opens. However, in general check-in counters are open 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. Please note that if the first sector of your flight is with another airline, ie Qantas, you must check in online or at the airport with them.
'AAdvantage' is the name of the American Airlines frequent flyer program, and is the oldest airline loyalty program in the world.
'AAdvantage' allows passengers to earn miles when flying with American Airlines, oneworld and other participating airlines, as well as with over 1,000 partner offers including accommodation, car hire, cruises, dining and shopping.
Points, or miles, can then be redeemed on for travel on American Airlines, oneworld airlines and partner airlines on flights to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide, as well as upgrades or lounge memberships.
Anyone can join the 'AAdvantage' program, however to qualify for one of the 'Elite' tiers you will need to spend a minimum of $3000 USD on American Airlines or oneworld flights, as well as meeting other critera. The tiers start with Gold, through to Platinum, to Platinum Pro and finally Executive Platinum, allowing members extra benefits including extra baggage, upgrades, lounge access, and more.
American Airlines also manage an airport lounge program, named the 'Admirals Club', whose membership includes access to nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges and more than 60 partner lounges worldwide.
Website: https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/contact-american/american-customer-service
Phone from New Zealand: 09 308 4014
Email: via form on website - https://www.aa.com/contact/forms?topic=#/