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Older posts have been archived to: ARCHIVE: Main Cabin Extra / MCE in service; questions, eligibility (consolidated)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)
Feb 1, 2016, 1:22 pm
#361
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 183
Thanks, that's what I was afraid of. That'll teach me not to save them. Now I'm going to have a bunch I can't use once I'm status-less!
Feb 1, 2016, 1:54 pm
#362
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 1,199
Feb 1, 2016, 2:09 pm
#363
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,417
That option is no longer available for US and non-US AAdvantage members.
(http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html)
(http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html)
Feb 2, 2016, 9:27 am
#364
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
Does AA refund MCE for Golds who upgrade using 500 mile certs?
I see some references in the forum to that last year, but AA's site says "non-refundable", etc. I havn't flown in a while and was downgraded in status, but have an upcoming transcon that I don't think I could stomach in a standard Y seat.
I see some references in the forum to that last year, but AA's site says "non-refundable", etc. I havn't flown in a while and was downgraded in status, but have an upcoming transcon that I don't think I could stomach in a standard Y seat.
Feb 2, 2016, 11:12 am
#366
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,417
Does AA refund MCE for Golds who upgrade using 500 mile certs?
I see some references in the forum to that last year, but AA's site says "non-refundable", etc. I havn't flown in a while and was downgraded in status, but have an upcoming transcon that I don't think I could stomach in a standard Y seat.
I see some references in the forum to that last year, but AA's site says "non-refundable", etc. I havn't flown in a while and was downgraded in status, but have an upcoming transcon that I don't think I could stomach in a standard Y seat.
Seems like the answer is yes - you'll get refunded for MCE fee if your upgrade clears (though you may have to be proactive and request if the AA refund don't kick in automatically).
Feb 18, 2016, 8:52 am
#367
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 236
I am currently Platinum, which will not renew at the end of February. I will revert to lifetime Gold. I have about eight flights booked in March through May, for which I've reserved MCE seating. What will happen when my Platinum status expires? Will I lose my MCE seats or be required to pay for them?
Feb 23, 2016, 7:10 pm
#368
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 39
Sticker upgrade cleared, flight cancelled, now can't even get MCE
So I'm flying to NYC tomorrow from LAX. I had a FC ticket but the flight got cancelled, they reissued me a new ticket for AA2 straight through to JFK, and I'm in a middle seat in row 22. Only seat left at the time.
So I'm thankful I got the seat, but I had a FC ticket, and was flying to LGA now it's to JFK and arriving 3 hours later, not exactly continent for me. BTW the ticket was a confirmed upgrade not a paid F ticket.
Since this was a weather related cancellation and not a mechanical one, can I expect any compensation from AA. Mostly upset about the 3 hour delay and the change in airport, but the way back horrible seat kinda sucks too lol.
So I'm thankful I got the seat, but I had a FC ticket, and was flying to LGA now it's to JFK and arriving 3 hours later, not exactly continent for me. BTW the ticket was a confirmed upgrade not a paid F ticket.
Since this was a weather related cancellation and not a mechanical one, can I expect any compensation from AA. Mostly upset about the 3 hour delay and the change in airport, but the way back horrible seat kinda sucks too lol.
Feb 23, 2016, 7:31 pm
#369
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Have you read your detailed fare rules? There should be a clue there. Also: When you say "FC ticket", was it an "instant upgrade" type ticket, or paid full F?
Feb 23, 2016, 8:08 pm
#370
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Feb 23, 2016, 8:59 pm
#372
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,699
--Make sure you have your upgrades redeposited in your account.
--Make sure you're on the upgrade list for the new flight.
--Keep checking the seat map on aa.com or the mobile app and snag an MCE seat or a regular coach window or aisle seat if one appears.
--You might be able to ask AA for compensation for travel from JFK to LGA if you have a car parked at LGA or some such.
Feb 24, 2016, 2:04 am
#373
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,957
Probably no need, since essentially AA has rescinded your upgrade because of the flight cancellation and placed you in a coach seat (what you're entitled to).
--Make sure you have your upgrades redeposited in your account.
--Make sure you're on the upgrade list for the new flight.
--Keep checking the seat map on aa.com or the mobile app and snag an MCE seat or a regular coach window or aisle seat if one appears.
--You might be able to ask AA for compensation for travel from JFK to LGA if you have a car parked at LGA or some such.
--Make sure you have your upgrades redeposited in your account.
--Make sure you're on the upgrade list for the new flight.
--Keep checking the seat map on aa.com or the mobile app and snag an MCE seat or a regular coach window or aisle seat if one appears.
--You might be able to ask AA for compensation for travel from JFK to LGA if you have a car parked at LGA or some such.
Feb 24, 2016, 9:46 am
#374
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: AA PLAT; SPG PLAT100; Hyatt Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Avis Pres. Circle
Posts: 15
Also, I'm assuming the OP was not originally due to fly direct as there are no direct LAX-LGA flights.
Feb 24, 2016, 10:38 am
#375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
However, if you don't like the auto-re-accommodation and you have some flexibility, you could have asked AA to re-schedule you on a different (probably later) flight(s) where you might have had an exit row or MCE.
There may be "direct" flights between LAX and LGA, as "direct" means a single flight number that makes a stop somewhere along the way, with or without a plane change. Perhaps the OP was on such a "direct" flight.
