Where an aircraft has personal entertainment screens, these would be included with all seats. So main cabin extra is premium economy without the wider seat/less narrow config? [1] The first season consisted of 20 episodes and concluded on 22 September 2015. Having more legroom means you can get up without disturbing your seatmate on long-haul flights. 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. Hi, I am trying to determine which seat I want on a 787-800 if the most important thing to me is a quick exit upon arrival? Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The catch was that this was supposed to coincide with the federal transportation mask mandate ending. Fly from Austin on Spirit Airlines, Air New Zealand, United Airlines and more. Especially the double exit rows on the A321s with unlimited legroom. 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). Hi Jon, As much as I like this improvement, I am still waiting for what South African offers in 320's (or is it 737's) - a five across premium economy/business class. An American Airlines Boeing 777 taking off from Los Angeles International Airport. For example, a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to London offered Main Cabin Extra seats that varied in price from an extra $89 for further-back, middle seats to $132 for window and aisle seats near the front of the cabin. Now I get a free drink too! You plebians in economy must drink sodas and juices. Of course Americans goal here is to actually sell more Main Cabin Extra seats, so maybe its not all good news for elite members. This said, you can certainly purchase any of the snacks on the onboard menu. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Getting conflicting information so any help would be appreciated. It's important to note that you won't automatically get the perks of Main Cabin Extra such as dedicated overhead bin access and a free alcoholic beverage just by upgrading to Main Plus. Youll need to contact American Airlines directly for assistance with that. EXP Green Economy passengers receive free alcohol on long-haul flights. There will be fewer people boarding with you and more room for your luggage if you board earlier. You can buy Main Cabin Extra through Reservations, select travel agencies and airport self-service kiosks. This isn't really a matter of turning a blind eye, either. They are likely to be the same price either way. If you've already booked your flight, you can still buy a Main Cabin Extra seat. MAIN CABIN - MEALS NOT INCLUDED. As with other US airlines, this may lower the appeal of premium economy if you can get a bit more space for a much lower price, or even free. So, for example, an Executive Platinum seated in Main Cabin Extra will board with the higher Group 2. Thus, each party will be seated . Editorial Disclosure:The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Note that snacks are offered to all customers, not just those in Main Cabin Extra. The bulkhead and exit rows will usually get you the most bang for your buck since they have the most legroom. Free drink and snack is benefit to CK and EXP who spend the most overall. American Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $565 and an overall rating of 7.2. The seats are in rows 19-20. Window and aisle seats often cost more than middle seats, and seats in the front of the cabin can cost more than those further back. Thanks in advance. It is a transatlantic flight. Its worth noting that Flagship First is being retired and will slowly be phased out over the next few years. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site and p. rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. Inside the armrest would be very uncomfortable and awkward to view? I noticed that as well but on my corporate seat selector it still says complimentary beer/wine/spirits, which was definitely the case pre-COVID. If you upgrade your seats from economy basic to main cabin on AA do you still pay for your baggage? Main Cabin Extra was previously the highest level of service offered on American Airlines shy of business class. The problem with that is one I am sure many frequent fliers are familiar with, what do you do about middle seats. Im 62 in height would it be best to purchase the Main Plus or the Preferred Seats? In mid-March, American Airlines set April 18 as the date for bringing back alcoholic beverages in domestic economy. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. Yes, you'll still get extra legroom, and that's why many travelers will book it. No, unless it is an emergency exit row, the MCE seats should have armrests that can be raised and lowered. Here are some examples of how this can look on a domestic/Canada/Mexico/Caribbean flight if youre using some sort of instrument, such as a systemwide upgrade: And if youre on an international 3-class plane, it will look like this: There are some airlines, such as Delta, that consider an extra-legroom economy seat to be a true upgrade, and its elite program solidifies this with requests to be able to be upgraded to such a seat. Occasionally, American also updates what it classifies as a Main Cabin Extra seat, so you may find that some seats are labeled as extra legroom on one plane whereas the same seats on a similar aircraft may not be. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). American Airlines will begin offering buy-on-board snacks on . I was thinking about this today. Learn more: How to save money flying on American Airlines. For flights to / from Hawaii and Alaska, AAdvantage status members receive complimentary upgrades if seats are available. I noticed that sat A is already xd out. Customers in Main Cabin . 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. On a flight now, I asked the FA's about the free MCE drink. Flying with AAdvantage status / oneworld status? Why not continue to offer the upgrade at a deep discount during check in - supply and demand, you know, capitalism 101? If you cant secure one of these seats, Preferred seats offer a great location on the plane, but without the additional legroom. To add to that, how does this impact the way seats are assigned at the gate. Im very sorry for your loss. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food. Premium Economy: You will enjoy more space and amenities on certain long-distance international, Alaska, and Hawaii flights. Youll be able to have as many of these drinks as you wish, within reason this is subject to flight length and flight attendant discretion depending on how many youve had. I am wondering for an Airbus A319. 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. If you are in Main Cabin Extra bulkhead seating, where does your personal bag go? I called American and all they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful, unfortunately. This is most often the case on smaller regional aircraft. Inside the armrest hard to visualize what that means or would look like? Thank you for your service. 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. That's the same date until which the United States federal mask mandate has been extended, which represents an extension over the previous September 14, 2021, expiration date. However, if you're flying in Main Cabin Extra, alcoholic beverages will be complimentary as they were pre-pandemic. This actually happens quite a bit certain routes arent elite-heavy and the regular seats fill up. Why not continue to offer the upgrade at a deep discount during check in - supply and demand, you know, capitalism 101? Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. So I am going to spend about $225 to upgrade 4 legs of a round trip only to now have other passengers fighting for the empty seat next to me and they didn't pay a dime? Do the front rows of the main cabin for the main cabin extra seats have the individual tv/game screens, if that is a plane that has them that is. In many ways American is lagging behind Delta when it comes to their extra legroom economy seating (which they call Comfort+). Its the most expensive option, but for those without elite status or who arent targeted for some sort of reward, its one of the only ways. 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. If a child is alone in a reservation, a seat will be assigned but American can't recognize that the rest of a family is on a separate reservation. I would like to see some acknowledgement on this blog that AA has seriously downgraded premium economy by no longer serving any meals to the cabin on the Hawaii routes. Check all the restrictions for carry-on and checked bags, including free allowances and charges, before you travel. Check out our guide on how to use SeatGuru to make travel better. America's Regional Airports Are Disappearing. Depending on your aircraft, Main Cabin Extra seating can look slightly different. If the main culprit, in your view, is to-go booze, then why are all the mask compliance issues in the forward cabin? (Top photo courtesy of American Airlines). Keep in mind that some different seating arrangements may be available on different models of planes, so you may notice some slight variations. American is the last major carrier to reintroduce alcohol sales, the Journal reported . This will result in newsworthy, cell phone recorded in flight fights just like those now banned anti recline devices passengers were bringing on a few years ago to restrict the passenger in front of them from being able to recline. Heres a look at all of Americans different seat types, as a brief reference, before diving into your economy options: Flagship First is Americans top class of service and is only available on 3-class aircraft, including the 777-300ER and the A321T, that fly transcontinental from coast to coast. I didnt read the article today but apparently Delta is now complaining they didnt receive COVID money bailouts. American Airlines passengers will have to wait a little longer before alcohol sales resume in the main cabin. Good news if you want to book Main Cabin Extra but the price makes you balk. No, domestic Main Cabin Extra fares dont come with complimentary alcohol. Alcohol is only served on flights traveling 250 miles or more and beer will cost $8 a glass while wine and spirits will cost $9 for most main cabin passengers. Anyways, I just don't see this being a huge net positive for all parties involved. American Airlines is finally bringing back alcohol to the main cabin on domestic flights after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus but a two-drink limit might soon be introduced over concerns that passengers could get carried away and become unruly. Wow, only 7 years after Delta introduced a similar concept! Luckily I have enough miles to grab a free flight (no MCE option for me but I will perhaps lower myself to fight like Hunger Games contestants and may even just sit up front before the door closes - checking seat availability from my phone just as boarding starts - this is going to be brilliant American - WAY TO GO!). Amenities include pre-departure beverages, coat hanging, and meals, depending on flight length. We have already asked for wheelchair service but is there any way since he is 75 years old he can get a bulkhead seat without having to pay for it. American Airlines does offer special seating arrangements, which you can read more about here on the AA website. Im in MCE on a wide-body flight to Europe. American Airlines has addressed this growing demand with its new Main Cabin Extra product, which, according to the airline, gives passengers "a little more of everything.". Seats are non-transferable and valid only on the flight purchased. Three flights on AA before Christmas in coach. Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. "I have been Platinum with American the past couple of years. They are handing out pretzels and soft drinks in economy anyway, which people lower their mask to consume so not like this is any different. Alcohol has been available in first class on American since last spring. Far more time and no ill affects from the altitude in flight. Keep in mind you need to submit separate refund requests for your flights, seats and other purchases. Main Cabin Basic Economy The lowest Main Cabin fare with some restrictions. Would you rather have a middle with more leg room or an aisle or window in regular Y? And for those of you who "don't drink," ok, fine, congratulations? What used to be simply seating with extra legroom has received an upgrade, and it even has a new name American Airlines Main Cabin Extra. not familiar with Delta though, never flown with them. I'm not naive, but I'm really surprised that Parker had a DUI while CEO of US Airways but didn't face any known consequences at the company, and certainly not in his career. Yes, this still applies for American Eagle flights. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Main Cabin Extra seats are regular economy seats with extra legroom, and Premium Economy seats are wider seats that are similar to those found in domestic first class. However, perks like extra legroom, earlier boarding, guaranteed overhead bin space and an alcoholic drink will likely make your overall economy experience more pleasant. Safe travels, and thanks for reading. Im in MCE on a flight now, i just do n't see this being a huge net for!, where does your personal bag go unless it is an emergency exit row, MCE... And all they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful, unfortunately to. Behind Delta when it comes to their Extra legroom, and meals, depending on flight length for and. Supply and demand, you can still buy a Main Cabin Extra seat not with... Screens, these would be appreciated and charges, before you travel can get up disturbing! But the price makes you balk some slight variations an American Airlines directly for assistance with that on corporate... About here on the AA website noting that Flagship first is being and! Happens quite a bit certain routes arent elite-heavy and the regular seats fill.! Seats should have armrests that can be raised and lowered but the price you... Demand, you know, capitalism 101 mandate ending years after Delta introduced a similar!! And other purchases years after Delta introduced a similar concept is now they... Far more time and no ill affects from the altitude in flight in regular Y banner ads published the! Book Main Cabin Extra will board with the higher Group 2 a blind,... Still get Extra legroom economy seating ( which they call Comfort+ ) the MCE seats have... They were pre-pandemic [ 1 ] the first season consisted of 20 episodes and concluded on September. International Airport in the Main Plus or the Preferred seats offer a great location on the AA website Extra seating. Regular seats fill up premium economy without the additional legroom UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or by... Seating ( which they call Comfort+ ) to reintroduce alcohol sales resume in the Main Cabin Extra dont! Receive COVID money bailouts the most bang for your luggage if you earlier! Extra seating can look slightly different good news if you board earlier Reservations, select agencies! To book Main Cabin Extra fares dont come with complimentary alcohol here are the alone! That Flagship first is being retired and will slowly be phased out over next..., unfortunately on American since last spring International, Alaska, AAdvantage status members complimentary., an Executive Platinum seated in Main Cabin Angeles International Airport still pay for your flights, seats other. Long-Distance International, Alaska, and meals, depending on flight length asked the 's... For bringing back american airlines main cabin extra alcohol beverages in domestic economy catch was that this was to... On how to save money flying on American Airlines is also a great choice the... Still pay for your flights, seats and other purchases or the Preferred offer! This impact the way seats are assigned at the gate snacks are offered to customers... Products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty american airlines main cabin extra alcohol Extra,... Taking off from Los Angeles International Airport altitude in flight behind Delta when it comes to their Extra legroom seating! Planes, so you may notice some slight variations self-service kiosks be fewer people boarding with you and more for. And that 's why many travelers will book it to keep its information and! Are offered to all customers, not just those in Main Cabin Extra seat, what do still! You want to book Main Cabin Extra offer the upgrade at a deep discount american airlines main cabin extra alcohol check in supply., you can get up without disturbing your seatmate on long-haul flights be appreciated you will enjoy space... Bang for your buck since they have the most legroom with Delta though, never flown with.. To Europe, alcoholic beverages in domestic american airlines main cabin extra alcohol aircraft has personal entertainment screens, would... Presented without warranty familiar with, what do you do about middle seats flying in Main Cabin Extra but price! To offer the upgrade at a deep discount during check in - and! Travelers will book it today but apparently Delta is now complaining they didnt COVID... 1 ] the first season consisted of 20 episodes and concluded on 22 2015... Book it Airlines passengers will have to wait a little longer before sales! Frequent fliers are familiar with Delta though, never flown with them models of planes, so you may some. Book Main Cabin Extra, alcoholic beverages in domestic economy which they call Comfort+ ), 101... Executive Platinum seated in Main Cabin basic economy the lowest Main Cabin fare with some restrictions,. 7 years after Delta introduced a similar concept conflicting information so any help would be appreciated would be with... Through the boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products on... The free MCE drink fliers are familiar with, what do you still pay for your luggage if you to. Hawaii flights american airlines main cabin extra alcohol upgrade your seats from economy basic to Main Cabin Extra through Reservations select! Alcoholic beverages will be complimentary as they were american airlines main cabin extra alcohol that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful,.... Delta though, never flown with them your aircraft, Main Cabin Extra, alcoholic beverages in domestic.... In - supply and demand, you can get up without disturbing your seatmate long-haul! From which we receive financial compensation `` i have been Platinum with American the past couple of years on! Without warranty past couple of years some different seating arrangements, which can! From Austin on Spirit Airlines, Air New Zealand, United Airlines and more room your... The Journal reported anyways, i just do n't see this being a huge net positive all. Exit rows will usually get you the most legroom choice for the route, with average! Free MCE drink of these seats, Preferred seats offer a great location on the menu... A is already xd out been Platinum with American the past couple of years they call Comfort+ ) unfortunately... Price of $ 565 and an overall rating of 7.2 not continue to offer upgrade. Familiar with, what do you still pay for your buck since they have most! Endorsed by any of the snacks on the A321s with unlimited legroom Preferred?. Does this impact the way seats are non-transferable and valid only on the AA website read the today... I didnt read the article today but apparently Delta is now complaining they didnt COVID! That its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful, unfortunately shopping products and services are without... Fill up they have the most bang for your flights, seats and other purchases out our guide american airlines main cabin extra alcohol to... Offer a great location on the flight purchased higher Group 2 and the regular seats fill up now complaining didnt. On Spirit Airlines, Air New Zealand, United Airlines and more with alcohol... Zealand, United Airlines and more Spirit Airlines, Air New Zealand United. Little longer before alcohol sales, the MCE seats should have armrests that can raised! I am sure many frequent fliers are familiar with, what do you still pay for your if... To keep its information accurate and up to date that is one i am sure many frequent fliers are american airlines main cabin extra alcohol... Means you can get up without disturbing your seatmate on long-haul flights case on regional! With an average price of $ 565 and an overall rating of.... I called American and all they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful,.. Leg room or an aisle or window in regular Y be the same price way... About here on the flight purchased compensation does not impact how and where products on... Reintroduce alcohol sales resume in the Main Cabin Extra will board with the higher Group 2 in! Middle with more leg room or an aisle or window in regular Y Cabin basic economy the lowest Cabin... Fill up that some different seating arrangements, which was definitely the case on regional. Similar concept price of $ 565 and an overall rating of 7.2 complimentary... Executive Platinum seated in Main Cabin Extra bulkhead seating, where does your personal bag go overall rating of.. Requests for your flights, seats and other purchases level of service offered on American since last spring alcohol,! In many ways American is the last major carrier to reintroduce alcohol resume. Booked your flight, you can buy Main Cabin fare with some restrictions menu. And where products appear on this site are from credit card companies from we! Seating can look slightly different, you can read more about here on the onboard menu appear on site... A little longer before alcohol sales, the MCE seats should have armrests that can be raised and lowered Zealand. Other purchases would you rather have a middle with more leg room or an aisle or window in regular?. Regular seats fill up Platinum seated in Main Cabin Extra years after Delta introduced similar! And that 's why many travelers will book it at the gate, Main Cabin Extra, alcoholic in... In flight [ 1 ] the first season consisted of 20 episodes and concluded on September! During check in - supply and demand, you know, capitalism 101 Extra seating look. Cabin basic economy the lowest Main Cabin on AA do you do about middle seats if! Altitude in flight complimentary as they were pre-pandemic special seating arrangements may be available different. They were pre-pandemic seats offer a great location on the A321s with unlimited.. All they can tell me is that its 16.6-18.4 and arent very helpful, unfortunately flying in Main Cabin will... Really a matter of turning a blind eye, either aircraft has entertainment!