Main Cabin Extra - now with free drinks

[MEL_Traveller]

AA's new policy of free drinks (including spirits, beers and wines) for main cabin extra is now in operation.

Started a couple weeks ago but there were some teething problems - mainly around crew not knowing the policy, or not recognising eligible seats (for example exit rows on small regional jets).

Anyway - if you are seated in MCE (free of OWE/OWS) you can now get alcohol. The downside is that the 50% discount for OWR to purchase MCE seating has now gone

(Note this is a separate product to premium economy on international flights.)

 

[serfty]

Yes, it started June 5th but not for 'short' flights where drinks have not been served.

FWIW, Emerald still get complimentary drink and snack even when not in MCE (although we can select MCE for free on booking anyway [not Basic Economy]).

Two weeks ago I was proactively sought out and offered some of the limited snacks on the short flights between DFW & STL.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, it started June 5th but not for 'short' flights where drinks have not been served.

FWIW, Emerald still get complimentary drink and snack even when not in MCE (although we can select MCE for free on booking anyway [not Basic Economy]).

Yes, it does require the flight to have a bar service. For mainline bar service should be reasonably consistent. For 'regional' I've had bar service on a 280 mile flight. Although maybe they'll change the policy on that?

Some discussion that a OWE not sitting in MCE is limited to one drink and snack, but if they sit in MCE they will get multiple free drinks.

 

[Daver6]

Good to know. Any issues with OWE being missed when not in a MCE seat?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Good to know. Any issues with OWE being missed when not in a MCE seat?

AFAIK the OWE benefits/entitlements are listed on the crew ipads so they know who you are.

 

[serfty]

Good to know. Any issues with OWE being missed when not in a MCE seat?

When I mentioned proactively, I mean it.

Addressed by name and offered anything available; as distinct from those around me.

I guess an Emerald in MCE can have multiple drinks as well as snacks.

FWIW, back in March on a DFW-ORD flight in Basic Economy (au$47 fare), I was well down the back and this proactive greeting and offer occurred as well.