Originally Posted by
mvoight
I agree. It's not the policy, and I don't think anyone that is EXP and flying internationally can not afford the $6.
Anyone (not just EXP) flying international coach is capable enough to pay the $6. However, most flyers do not make EXP on their own dime.
The attraction of flying AA internationally, as an EXP, is to fly in Business class with no additional cost. If I could not get J (lack of SWUs or other reasons), I would prefer another carrier with free drinks in coach, many of whom are part of OW (to earn miles on AA). As things stand now, $6 is the only option and I am sure AA made a calculated decision to abandon free drinks in coach.