Feb 10, 2015, 10:51 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Award Ticket and Main Cabin Extra / MCE or Premium Seat
From aa.com:
Award and MCE & Premium Seat FAQ on MCE, on aa.com: Link
On aa.com, FAQ on MCE:
Q: Can I purchase the new seat product if I am traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket or Business Extra PlanAAhead ticket?
A: Elite status members may select Main Cabin Extra seats when traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available for purchase by non-elite customers traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets.
Q: Can I purchase the new seat product if I am traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket or Business Extra PlanAAhead ticket?
A: Elite status members may select Main Cabin Extra seats when traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available for purchase by non-elite customers traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets.
A: Yes. Main Cabin Extra is complimentary to passengers traveling on AAnytime Award tickets.
On a related note: link
Elite member access (purchased ticket)
Main Cabin Extra seats are complimentary for:
- AAdvantage® Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum members*
- oneworld® Sapphire and oneworld Emerald members*
- Customers who purchase a full-fare Main Cabin ticket
- Alaska Airlines MVP® Gold and MVP® Gold 75K customers*
- *and up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation
- Purchase Main Cabin Extra seats for 50% off or
- Enjoy complimentary access within 24 hours of departure when seats are available
Updated 5 Dec 2016 by JDiver
Wikipost: Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost; wiki contents may be printed by using the
(lower right wiki corner)
Award ticket and MCE / Main Cabin Extra or Premium seat: possible? (master thd)
Jun 6, 2014, 2:13 pm
#47
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,597
With an award ticket , purchase of MCE seating is not permitted. The wording on the website was not adjusted properly when Gold members no longer had complimentary access
If you are entitled to access it for no charge, then you can select it
A gold member can get complimentary access to MCE seating at 24 hours prior to departure , so if you go online at that point, you can select from remaining open seats
The wording issue was something that you had queried here and been accurately informed before calling; why would you expect compensation for an hour that you spent with prior knowledge of the issue?
If you are entitled to access it for no charge, then you can select it
A gold member can get complimentary access to MCE seating at 24 hours prior to departure , so if you go online at that point, you can select from remaining open seats
The wording issue was something that you had queried here and been accurately informed before calling; why would you expect compensation for an hour that you spent with prior knowledge of the issue?
Jun 6, 2014, 2:26 pm
#48
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA GOLD
Posts: 71
With an award ticket , purchase of MCE seating is not permitted. The wording on the website was not adjusted properly when Gold members no longer had complimentary access
If you are entitled to access it for no charge, then you can select it
A gold member can get complimentary access to MCE seating at 24 hours prior to departure , so if you go online at that point, you can select from remaining open seats
The wording issue was something that you had queried here and been accurately informed before calling; why would you expect compensation for an hour that you spent with prior knowledge of the issue?
If you are entitled to access it for no charge, then you can select it
A gold member can get complimentary access to MCE seating at 24 hours prior to departure , so if you go online at that point, you can select from remaining open seats
The wording issue was something that you had queried here and been accurately informed before calling; why would you expect compensation for an hour that you spent with prior knowledge of the issue?
Jun 6, 2014, 2:29 pm
#49
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA GOLD
Posts: 71
Also, the point of this post was to address what I perceived to be a customer service failure, not to question the actual policy itself. That is why I posted it separately and wish that it had not been buried here.
Jun 6, 2014, 2:31 pm
#50
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,597
You have suffered no loss; you haven't purchased something and not been provided it, just not allowed to purchase it
Jun 13, 2014, 11:51 am
#51
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 336
what I was told
Hi,
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
Jun 13, 2014, 12:04 pm
#52
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
Hi,
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
Jun 13, 2014, 2:52 pm
#53
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,597
Hi,
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
MCE doesn't become free to those holding no status at 24 hours before departure
Jun 13, 2014, 7:00 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Hi,
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
I have Economy MileSAAvers booked for an international trip. Still hoping for Business to open up, as there are very few seats taken. Two weeks ago, an AAdvantage CSR told me that the only way for me to reserve seats in Main Cabin Extra was to have at least Gold Status, which I entertained purchasing with AA Business Extra Points (currently I don't have Status). She then told me that 24 hours prior to my trip all of the seats are released to all passengers and I *may* have a chance at securing those seats if they're still available.
I searched this topic and found this Thread because I wanted to know what the best method of trying to get those seats is: being online and selecting the seats OR calling a representative just before the 24 hour window?
By reading this Thread, it would appear I may have been told inaccurate info. Advice?
Jul 7, 2014, 2:17 am
#55
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,342
As I read the AA FAQ on freebie MCE, it is available only to AA elites on MileSaver. This does not include OW equivalents as those are specifically referred to in sections where OW status counts. As an AA Gold, OP would be able to select MCE if still available at T-24.
Q: Can I purchase the new seat product if I am traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket or Business Extra PlanAAhead ticket?
A: Elite status members may select Main Cabin Extra seats when traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available for purchase by non-elite customers traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets.
Q: Can I purchase the new seat product if I am traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket or Business Extra PlanAAhead ticket?
A: Elite status members may select Main Cabin Extra seats when traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available for purchase by non-elite customers traveling on MileSAAver or PlanAAhead Award tickets.
https://www.aa.com/maincabinextra
Here are the most relevant parts.
Under "Complimentary Access":
AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, AAdvantage® Platinum members and their oneworld® equivalents, as well as Dividend Miles Preferred members* and customers who purchase a full-fare Main Cabin ticket receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seats.
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. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available to customers traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket.
A: Yes, Main Cabin Extra is available for purchase when traveling on a Business Extra Plan AAhead ticket. However, Main Cabin Extra is not available to customers traveling on an AAdvantage MileSAAver Award ticket.
Jul 7, 2014, 12:20 pm
#56
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 35
I've done this within the last week, I booked an AA award using my miles, then called and had my FF number changed to my Dividend Miles # (Gold/OW Sapphire). Within minutes of the change I was able to go in and select MCE seats.
Jul 13, 2014, 7:58 am
#57
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
This is not the same situation, but I thought I would post my experience here in case anybody else has the same situation and is looking at this thread:
I booked my family on MileSAAver tickets and me on a revenue ticket, all on the same itinerary. MCE was not showing as available for my family. However, I called AA and they put my family in MCE. The agent said that it was standard practice as long as I was flying the same itinerary.
Just passing this along in case others were not aware.
I booked my family on MileSAAver tickets and me on a revenue ticket, all on the same itinerary. MCE was not showing as available for my family. However, I called AA and they put my family in MCE. The agent said that it was standard practice as long as I was flying the same itinerary.
Just passing this along in case others were not aware.
Dec 27, 2014, 9:53 pm
#58
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Changing Seats to Preferred/Main Cabin Extra on Award booking - Not available?
Hi all - Just booked an award flight for my daughter and I (US Airways miles on American aircraft) from JFK to Paris to Philadphia.
I had to book it by calling in due to the multiple destinations, and the agent told me to log on to AA to change my seat.
I was interested in purchasing a preferred seat or a Main Cabin Select, however when I log on to AA these seats aren't showing available. I checked the seat chart to confirm that these seats were open for purchase if I did a brand new purchase on their website.
My question is can these seat upgrades be purchased on Award bookings? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
I had to book it by calling in due to the multiple destinations, and the agent told me to log on to AA to change my seat.
I was interested in purchasing a preferred seat or a Main Cabin Select, however when I log on to AA these seats aren't showing available. I checked the seat chart to confirm that these seats were open for purchase if I did a brand new purchase on their website.
My question is can these seat upgrades be purchased on Award bookings? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!