Oct 27, 2012, 8:24 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Main Cabin Extra ("MCE") Enhanced Legroom in Coach
Eligibility, costs, refunds, what happens if bumped from MCE, etc.
Link to MCE page on aa.com
AA announced enhancements to MCE:
“Enhanced bin access” (bins over MCE seats placarded for MCE use only; Flight Attendants will not be required to enforce this placarding as police).
*Overhead bin space availability varies by aircraft
“Complimentary beer, wine and spirits.”
**Free alcohol is available on flights with full drink service
On aa.com, FAQ on MCE: Link
All listed members are allowed complimentary access for up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation.
*For travel ticketed in booking code Y on or after August 30, 2017, you'll no longer get complimentary Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seats. This includes AAnytime awards booked in Main Cabin.
On a related note, and with a dedicated thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html and
Link to AA Preferred Seats FlyerTalk thread
Older posts have been archived to: ARCHIVE: Main Cabin Extra / MCE in service; questions, eligibility (consolidated)
Now that individual threads exist for each aircraft type, specific questions and comments regarding each aircraft should be posted in the relevant threads.
Examples:
Eligibility, costs, refunds, what happens if bumped from MCE, etc.
Link to MCE page on aa.com
aa.com: ... With Main Cabin Extra you get a seat towards the front of the Main Cabin with up to six inches of additional legroom to stretch out and relax. You also receive Group 5 boarding which gives you plenty of time to get on the plane, stow your luggage and get settled with prices starting at $20.
Beer, wine and spirits are on us; plus free Biscoff cookies or mini pretzels and soft drinks. Additional food or drinks may be available for free or to buy, depending on your route.**
Beer, wine and spirits are on us; plus free Biscoff cookies or mini pretzels and soft drinks. Additional food or drinks may be available for free or to buy, depending on your route.**
“Enhanced bin access” (bins over MCE seats placarded for MCE use only; Flight Attendants will not be required to enforce this placarding as police).
*Overhead bin space availability varies by aircraft
“Complimentary beer, wine and spirits.”
**Free alcohol is available on flights with full drink service
On aa.com, FAQ on MCE: Link
Who gets complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats?
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members
- oneworld® SapphireSM and oneworld® EmeraldSM members
Customers who purchase a full-fare Main Cabin ticket*
- oneworld® SapphireSM and oneworld® EmeraldSM members
All listed members are allowed complimentary access for up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation.
AAdvantage Gold and oneworld® RubySM members
- Enjoy complimentary access within 24 hours of departure when seats are available
Other restrictions
Basic Economy fare tickets aren't eligible for complimentary/discounted access to Main Cabin Extra seats.*For travel ticketed in booking code Y on or after August 30, 2017, you'll no longer get complimentary Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seats. This includes AAnytime awards booked in Main Cabin.
Link to AA Preferred Seats FlyerTalk thread
Q: Can I purchase the new seat product if I am traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket or Business Extra PlanAAhead ticket?
A: Yes, Main Cabin Extra is available for purchase when traveling on a Business Extra Plan AAhead ticket. Main Cabin Extra can be purchased by travelers on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award and by travelers on an AAdvantage AAnytime Award. This is for travelers without status. Ability to purchase on the SAAver award and requirement to pay on an AAnytime award are recent changes.
A: Yes, Main Cabin Extra is available for purchase when traveling on a Business Extra Plan AAhead ticket. Main Cabin Extra can be purchased by travelers on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award and by travelers on an AAdvantage AAnytime Award. This is for travelers without status. Ability to purchase on the SAAver award and requirement to pay on an AAnytime award are recent changes.
Now that individual threads exist for each aircraft type, specific questions and comments regarding each aircraft should be posted in the relevant threads.
Examples:
- A321T: MCE Rows 11-16. Best Economy / MCE seat on AA transcon Airbus A321 / A321T / 32B (consolidated)
- 737: MCE rows 8-13 (row 7 removed). Best MCE / Main Cabin Extra seats on the 738 / 737-800 (consolidated)
- 777-300ER / 77W: MCE rows 16-19. Best 77W / 777-300ER Economy Class / Main Cabin Extra / MCE seat (consolidated)
Main Cabin Extra / MCE questions, eligibility, etc. (consolidated)
May 2, 2020, 9:47 pm
#616
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
Programs: AA PLT, 1.8mm
Posts: 6,988
I haven't flown in an MCE seat since they included free Adult Beverages, can I assume that Beverage service is Standard Coach service and drinks avail when cart comes through?
or do FA's check back at any time for refills in MCE? What's your experience? what's the Etiquette if I'd like a second Woodfords? order a double? Thanks RT
or do FA's check back at any time for refills in MCE? What's your experience? what's the Etiquette if I'd like a second Woodfords? order a double? Thanks RT
Dec 2, 2020, 10:02 am
#618
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: American Gold, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 269
I saw this: https://thepointsguy.com/news/aa-seat-fee-voucher/
Is this correct? Booking a MCE and then if you have to cancel the flight to get Travel Credit for future flight you can also get MCE credit? I thought previously you only got MCE refund if AA cancelled/changed or you upgraded on the replacement flight.
Is this correct? Booking a MCE and then if you have to cancel the flight to get Travel Credit for future flight you can also get MCE credit? I thought previously you only got MCE refund if AA cancelled/changed or you upgraded on the replacement flight.
Jul 21, 2021, 4:32 am
#619
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Refund entitlement question:
Three of us, on separate reservations, had bulkhead seats A, B, C to sit together. We each payed ~$30 bucks for the 1.5 hr flight.
Last minute swap resulted in 1 person bulkhead center seat, 1 person emergency exit row with no extra legroom, and 1 person in emergency exit row with extra legroom, but in between fixed armrests. One of the more uncomfortable flights I've taken in my life, but at least it was short.
I know one of us is entitled to a refund, but would I have any grounds to request a refund for either of the other two? Didn't get window seat like we paid for, didn't get to sit together like we paid for. Got an immovable armrest (I know there can be minor cost differences between seats with limited recline/other flaws and typical MCE seats)
???
TIA.
Last minute swap resulted in 1 person bulkhead center seat, 1 person emergency exit row with no extra legroom, and 1 person in emergency exit row with extra legroom, but in between fixed armrests. One of the more uncomfortable flights I've taken in my life, but at least it was short.
I know one of us is entitled to a refund, but would I have any grounds to request a refund for either of the other two? Didn't get window seat like we paid for, didn't get to sit together like we paid for. Got an immovable armrest (I know there can be minor cost differences between seats with limited recline/other flaws and typical MCE seats)
???
TIA.
Last edited by joecool1885; Jul 21, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Jun 2, 2022, 2:17 pm
#620
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HSV
Programs: Silver MileagePlus, Diamond Hilton
Posts: 672
How Many Drinks in Main Cabin Extra
Wife and I have have a number of trips in the up coming weeks on a multi destination trip. All in Main Cabin Extra. No status
When it says free drinks. It is just one drink? Is it the same as if sitting in First in terms of beverage service?
When it says free drinks. It is just one drink? Is it the same as if sitting in First in terms of beverage service?
Jun 2, 2022, 2:47 pm
#621
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 949
It will likely be FA dependent. Be advised that on flights of less than 2 hours the time the FAs get the beverage carts out, do the service to a packed plane and then collect trash it's landing time so you may not have an opportunity to ask for another round. Also, even on longer flights FA no longer do a second beverage service. If you want another drink you're going to need to proactively ask for one.
Jun 2, 2022, 2:49 pm
#622
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 40
When the come through in coach for beverage service, you can order what you want. I have been successful in getting doubles all but once (on a regional). They rarely offer a second round of beverage service in coach, so if you want a second you need to flag a stewardess down or press for service. I’ve been able to get a second on the limited occasions I’ve tried.
What has been amazing to me is that I’ve never seen another person taking advantage of the free alcohol in MCE since service resumed. I suspect it is because most are last minute standby passengers who are unaware of the benefit. The crew definitely does not promote it.
What has been amazing to me is that I’ve never seen another person taking advantage of the free alcohol in MCE since service resumed. I suspect it is because most are last minute standby passengers who are unaware of the benefit. The crew definitely does not promote it.
Jun 2, 2022, 3:39 pm
#623
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 552
I have had a few good FAs over the years that will stop and ask if we need a second round, but that is the exception rather than the rule (and only on longer flights).
Using the call button is apparently controversial for some FAs. "That's for emergency use only," they will say. If that is the case, why is it called a "call button" rather than an "emergency button"?
So rather than risk raising the ire of the FA, I will usually try to flag them down before my drink runs out. If it runs out, then I'll resort to the call button or will stretch my legs and go back to the galley.
Using the call button is apparently controversial for some FAs. "That's for emergency use only," they will say. If that is the case, why is it called a "call button" rather than an "emergency button"?
So rather than risk raising the ire of the FA, I will usually try to flag them down before my drink runs out. If it runs out, then I'll resort to the call button or will stretch my legs and go back to the galley.
Jun 2, 2022, 4:09 pm
#624
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,374
4 MCE flights this past weekend, and in each instance, I was given a drink when they passed by with the cart, and a second drink upon my request when they collected the trash 30-40 minutes later. If I had wanted more, I would have walked back to the galley to ask.
Jun 2, 2022, 8:49 pm
#626
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
We're on an upcoming flight in MCE....in the Exit Row. On that flight there are about 4-5 rows of MCE, then some (green) preferred, then the lone Exit Row in the midst of the green.
Would we get better service if we moved up to the main part of MCE?
Would we get better service if we moved up to the main part of MCE?
Jun 2, 2022, 8:56 pm
#627
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
No. Your entitlement to free drinks will be plain on the FAs handheld device. Just order the drink. Your odds of getting a snarly FA who doesn't want to pour you a double do not depend on your row.
Jun 2, 2022, 9:08 pm
#629
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,069
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...abin-extra.jsp
Jun 2, 2022, 11:10 pm
#630
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,550
Only one data point, I was flying in January 2020 and was in an MCE row with 3 seats; a couple was next to me. The man tried to order two beers and the FA said she could serve him only one because his girlfriend was sleeping, so it seems like it was one per person. (I ordered one and handed it to him, since I didn't want anything for myself.)