Originally Posted by
cova
A problem is that AA doesn't enforce MCE seating. A month ago I was on a transcon flight on a 738. No EXP upgrades (of course) and I was seating in an exit row with an empty middle seat.
But right after doors closed - a guy moved up from the back and took the middle seat. I noticed his boarding pass and it said BASIC ECONOMY and his was in the last row of seats.
Now the FA's came around and looked at the seat maps during food/beverage service. EXPs get offered a free food item and free drink, although MCE get free drinks now. This FA could have questioned the person in the middle seat but they did not.
On UA, the FA's check at the beginning of the flight and even throughout. So if someone move to a MCE (E+) seat FA would ask to see their boarding pass and then ask for payment. If no payment they must move back.
If AA is not going to enforce MCE - they why offer it as an elite upgrade or for purchase.
that’s exactly what makes AA more customer friendly compared to UA. MCE is not a separate class of service. No reason to deny seat MCE seat to someone after door is closed. Maybe that person will purchase it next time. Maybe not. But it’s not like they let anyone to sit in FC for free.
I really have no problem if someone moves next to me, even tho I’d rather have middle seat open.
I had a choice long time ago to either fly aa or ua. And this is one of the things that made me
loyal.