Originally Posted by wanderlust4life

The benefits of a free drink and priority boarding have 'quietly' vanished from the preferred plus seating policy.

I reached out to an AS supervisor for clarification and received confirmation that these changes were implemented recently.

The supervisor did state that this is only temporary as the airline is in the process of getting ready to launch the new policy that is supposed to include all priority boarding, free drinks, and more.

The free drink benefit technically has always been given only to 'paid' upgrades to preferred seats. Those given complimentary access to those seats such as MVPs and AA elites who never got the free drink anyway. MVP Golds/75ks continue to receive a free drink regardless of where they sit in the Main Cabin.

Since the priority boarding perk is already given to all elites, those with no status actually paying for the preferred seats are the ones really impacted by this policy change. A $15 seat upgrade got you a free drink, priority boarding behind elites, and spacious seating. Now, just a seat!

I personally think its wrong to have stripped down the preferred plus seating product to just a hard product "perk." Fortunately, as a 75k, I currently get complimentary access, priority boarding, and a free drink anyway.

Hopefully the new Y+ program will begin soon so that flying in the Main Cabin can be more comfortable and worthwhile for applicable pax.