American said it won't sell alcohol on board through at least Jan. 18, after the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of transportation was extended. (photo via Laser1987/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus) American Airlines has just announced that it will be extending its suspension of main cabin alcohol sales on domestic flights through at least January 18, 2022, aiming to avoid the continuation of an upward . American Airlines is the last major U.S. airline to announce that alcohol sales will resume on its flights. American Airlines, the last major U.S. airline without alcohol for sale in the main cabin, is bringing back beer, wine and spirits in April. Fri 4/7. *Unable to get you a comparable seats is defined as moving from preferred to non-preferred or preferred aisle / window to preferred middle. Do Main Cabin Extra seats still come with complimentary beer/wine/spirits?? "Main Cabin Extra" passengers will be able to order alcoholic drinks for free, according to the newspaper. Note that snacks are offered to all customers, not just those in Main Cabin Extra. Fly from Austin on Spirit Airlines, Air New Zealand, United Airlines and more. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Of course Americans goal here is to actually sell more Main Cabin Extra seats, so maybe its not all good news for elite members. thank you! Safe travels! For flights to / from Hawaii and Alaska, AAdvantage status members receive complimentary upgrades if seats are available. . Then in 2018, it sweetened Main Cabin Extra with two additional perks. Thanks in advance. If you find discrepancies with your credit score or information from your credit report, please contact TransUnion directly. This is most often the case on smaller regional aircraft. Fees for seats are non-refundable with some exceptions. I've been able to get MCE at check-in over 75% of the time (generally upgraded to first about 25-30%, depending on route). Certainly, passengers in the whole aircraft would be bringing to-go beverages, not ones in First who are expecting free beverages onboard. Hopefully, you have been able to select a seat with extra space, perhaps an extra legroom seat. If your flight features a full beverage service, you can select from any of Americans onboard alcoholic drink selections. Look for the Main Cabin Extra icon when you choose your seats. On some flights, fewer people are willing to purchase Main Cabin Extra seats, or there arent enough elites to grab them for free. Any American Airlines economy passenger can book Main Cabin Extra including basic economy passengers. cc comes back uncharged, koala goes to the FA. If you have a credit card stored in your AAdvantage profile, you can also buy on our mobile app. The armrest opens up and you pull the screen out. @Lucky have you confirmed free drinks will return for MCE? This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. Main Cabin Extra is not the same as Premium Economy. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of legroom. Certainly, passengers in the whole aircraft would be bringing to-go beverages, not ones in First who are expecting free beverages onboard. Better to reward those who paid more. Many of American Airlines' aircraft have a section of MCE seats at the front of the economy cabin while others such as former US Airways aircraft and regional jets may only classify bulkhead and exit row seats as MCE. With this change, I would not be surprised if that goes away and it becomes an "upgrade" like Economy Comfort is on Delta. We really appreciate it! Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. All you need to do is select a Main Cabin Extra seat at booking, anytime before your flight or during check-in. Even if they only get $20 on the day of the flight instead of the $65 I paid two months earlier at least they are getting something and not causing chaos and fights in the cabin that will lead to hostility for the entire flight. The bulkhead and exit rows will usually get you the most bang for your buck since they have the most legroom. I'm over it. Unfortunately, we do not know the exact measurement either. Get rid of the damn nuts!! Yah I hear pilots announce and also gate agents that no liquor is allowed to be bought on board for consumption. I enjoy a drink but best left to being somewhere more appropriate for it, on the ground where safety isn't as big an issue and plenty of bouncer security to look after you and others. But if you're looking for an even higher level of service and can't afford business class, American Airlines premium economy or the Main Plus package might be a better choice. How much is a beer on American Airlines? You pay more for another seat on the same flight (but not if you change to a lower priced or free seat), You cancel your flight within 24 hours and booked at least 2 days before departure, You cancel, rebook and buy seats on your new flight, We cancel your flight and we're unable to get you a comparable seat on another flight rebooked by us*, We delay your flight causing you to miss a connection and we're unable to get you a comparable seat on another flight*, You're denied boarding on an oversold flight and we're unable to get you a comparable seat*. Preferred seats do not have any extra legroom. You can buy Main Cabin Extra through Reservations, select travel agencies and airport self-service kiosks. And for those of you who "don't drink," ok, fine, congratulations? Customers receive an unlimited amount of these drinks (at the flight attendants discretion). Aircraft: Boeing 737-800. But "Because American says that when passengers from 'REALLY coach' spot empty seats in Main Cabin Extra and rush to grab them, they won't be stopped. university of st andrews medicine entry requirements. @rose - after dozens of Delta Comfort+ flights last year, that just isn't true overall. On a flight now, I asked the FA's about the free MCE drink. Yes, you'll still get extra legroom, and that's why many travelers will book it. The best American Airlines credit card offers, Easiest ways to redeem American Airlines miles. When airlines started charging fees for everything from baggage to ticket changes (and added economy-plus seats at the front of the plane, right behind business class), many saw the chance to earn some extra cash for that highly-craved legroom. Maybe you take very short flights on small aircraft with a small galley stock? It is absurd that they are lumping it in with all of main cabin (only one bag of pretzels/cookie for a 6-8 hr flight, no alcohol) while charging twice the price per seat. This said, you can certainly purchase any of the snacks on the onboard menu. Most of the As an AA flight attendant I would like to address a few misconceptions. AAdvantage members can now use miles to reserve Main Cabin Extra seats. SMF-DFW-AUS Main Cabin Basic Economy The lowest Main Cabin fare with some restrictions. If you're just looking for extra legroom and a free drink, Main Cabin Extra might be all that you need. "And then there were none: American Airlines bringing back inflight alcohol sales." Passengers can pay to upgrade to these seats, and elite members are able to select these seats either at the time of booking or at some window prior to the flight, depending on their status. Giving free drinks to AA ExPlat folks in Economy is a tad divisive, sending a snotty message to others in that cabin that somehow they're not good enough. This is happening in spite of the fact that the mask mandate is remaining in place beyond that date. Even if they only get $20 on the day of the flight instead of the $65 I paid two months earlier at least they are getting something and not causing chaos and fights in the cabin that will lead to hostility for the entire flight. Main Cabin Extra (MCE) is what American Airlines calls its extra-legroom economy seats. We'll redirect you to the home page of the country / region site you choose. If youre a Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald member and have status with British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, or Japan Airlines, you can select Main Cabin Extra and Preferred seats for free at the time of booking for yourself and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. The amount of drink service provided by each airline varies greatly. 0 bags. It was the last holdout among airlines in the U.S. Raise a glass because starting April 18, American Airlines will finally resume main cabin alcohol service. An American Airlines Boeing 777 taking off from Los Angeles International Airport. OK92033) Property & Casualty Licenses, NerdWallet | 55 Hawthorne St. - 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, The Guide to American Airlines Main Cabin Extra. Having more legroom means you can get up without disturbing your seatmate on long-haul flights. I generally think this is positive, although as a Gold, I do worry that this will drastically lower my chances of free MCE at check-in due to more people actually paying for it. To add to that, how does this impact the way seats are assigned at the gate. Its not bribery- its actually recognising someone for the work they do and having a chat with them- makes their day when someone treats them as a human being and not a robot. The mask mandate was scheduled to lift April 18, and not . Who's to Blame? This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. Are flights cheaper to book as afamily of 4 or separately? And then there were none: American Airlines bringing back inflight alcohol sales. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. To upgrade on American (whether complimentary, using instruments like systemwide upgrades, or miles/copay), American considers Main Cabin Extra to be in the same cabin as Main Cabin. "but on other hand American offered free alcohol to Main Cabin Extra (extra legroom economy) customers, so I wonder if it ended up being a wash". In many ways American is lagging behind Delta when it comes to their extra legroom economy seating (which they call Comfort+). Featured Image Credit: Seats include up to 6 inches of additional legroom and also feature complimentary alcoholic beverages. What about the exit rows that have a large gap between them and the seat in front? And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. Be grateful for Doug Parker. You get one free drink for the entire flight, and then, if they even come around a second time, rather than asking if you want more to drink, the FAs will specifically ask, "Water or juice?" The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. American Airlines will begin offering buy-on-board snacks on . Hot Tip: Most flight attendants on longer flights will make a second pass for drinks, at which time you may be able to select another; otherwise, feel free to ring your call button to request another. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. In other instances, you'll be upgraded to a stateroom with extra space and/or a better view. However, AAdvantage Gold elites need to wait until 24 hours prior to departure before getting complimentary access. It is obviously trending towards making MCE/E+ a separate cabin a la Delta. I cant find the information anywhere online. See our in-depth article on the best credit cards for frequent AA flyers to help you maximize your miles, as well as benefits such as lounge access, priority boarding, and more! It is a transatlantic flight. *Overhead bin space availability varies by aircraft. If you're unable to choose seats when you book, check back closer to departure or we'll assign you a seat when you check in. Its time to finally go and considering breaking the bank for first class for me and a friend. Can I move my seat from main cabin to main cabin extra and pay with AA miles? However, in 2017, American was the first U.S. airline to introduce a true premium economy product. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Gold get MCE 24 hours before., if they make it - yes, otherwise no. On certain routes, American Airlines "Main Plus" upgrades are available. Hi! Would you rather have a middle with more leg room or an aisle or window in regular Y? Far more time and no ill affects from the altitude in flight. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, No annual fee: Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Luxury perks: The Platinum Card from American Express, Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, About the author: JT Genter is a freelance points, miles and credit card writer formerly of The Points Guy. Seats are located behind . Let the fights begin! I was thinking about this today. Enjoy more benefits like mileage bonuses, priority check-in and boarding, complimentary checked bags, lounge access and more. American Airlines | AAdvantage - Worth Upgrading to Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats? Quick Question. 1942, my father drove me the 20 miles from Pasadena to the main gate of Los Alamitos, using one of his valuable gas-rationing B coupons . If you sit in a seat other than the one assigned, you may be asked to move. (Also, if there ever was a 1 beverage per person rule, which I've never heard of, your colleagues certainly don't seem to follow it. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. For longer flights, Main Cabin Extra is definitely worth it so you can have extra legroom and complimentary drinks. Depending on your aircraft, Main Cabin Extra seating can look slightly different. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Hot Tip: If youre an elite member, make sure you board with your dedicated boarding group and dont wait until Group 5! Ice Cream Sundae Service Is Back on UnitedHere's How It Gained a Cult Following, American and Southwest Are Both Holding off Serving Inflight BoozeHere's Why, American Airlines Flight Attendants Want to Limit Alcohol Consumption on Board, These Airlines Are Required to Pay Passengers More Than $600 Million in Refunds, Hawaiian Airlines Encompasses Hawai'i, While Ensuring It Practices Travel Pono, How I Spent 17 Hours Onboard Air New Zealand's First Flight From JFK to Auckland, Air Travel Is BackHere's What You Need to Know About Flying This Summer. The mileage cost is typically the cash cost times 100. In fact, American's specifically says passengers are allowed to improve their station in life by moving up to Main Cabin Extra (aka, "MCE")--at least according to a copy of the guidance it issued to its flight crews, which was obtained by View From the Wing" (http://a.msn.com/00/en-us/BBIjMle?ocid=st) American Is Introducing Free Alcohol In Main Cabin Extra, An American 787s Interesting Transpacific Diversion, Oops: The Funny Reason American Airlines Lost JFK Slots, American Airlines Pilot Scheduling Glitch Fiasco, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Now, almost a full year later, American Airlines is ready to bring alcohol back. Hot Tip: Fly American often? I called American and all they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful, unfortunately. We'll redirect you to the home page of the country / region site you choose. Seat: 8C (Main Cabin Extra) This flight was operated by an "Oasis" 737, which is the name for American's less comfortable interiors nowadays. I am wondering for an Airbus A319. Our opinions are our own. Yep! Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, and ConciergeKey members on American Airlines can select Main Cabin Extra for free at the time of booking (for themselves and up to 8 companions on the same reservation). You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. Treat yourself to an enhanced Main. I already have both of those because of my AAdvantage Aviator Barclaycard credit card. Personally I wouldnt place too much value on the enhanced overhead bin access and preferred boarding. Flight now, I asked the FA Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and products! I called American and all they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 arent... Breaking the bank for First class for me and a free drink, '' ok, fine congratulations. 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