Originally Posted by
CPMaverick
There are no elite benefits on-board; they are all tied to the seat you are in. This makes sense from a logistical perspective; the FAs would have to check the manifest for each passenger when they order a drink otherwise.
Or do like AA manages to do with EXPs in coach. You can show your card or your BP, or the FA can just punch your seat number into the handheld she uses to swipe CCs and it will say you are eligible for free food/drink.
It's amazing what an airline can do if they don't devote every nickel of their technology budget to upselling their customers and pitching credit card offers.