Long time lurker but I figured I'd chime in.
As time has gone on I've had more issues with MCE's alcohol service. Some recent highlights have included:
- Sitting in a bulkhead seat and being told alcohol wasn't loaded on the flight - of course I could see beverage service in first a few seats away
- Knowing that service would come through only once, asking for two nips. That was promptly rejected with a huff from the FA. The FA on the other side of the cart later apologized (but no offer of another drink!)
- The latest was an award ticket last week. The FA refused service and basically inferred that I was a Basic Economy passenger who was placed in this seat (and not eligible for the free drinks?) Offers to share my boarding pass w/group number or AA status card were refused. Likewise, I refused the drink or to pay for it.
In the long run these are minor, but still frustrating. I'm still waiting to encounter an FA that says MCE doesn't include complimentary drinks. But I supposed they've gotten a bit better on that end.