I was in MCE a few months ago, in the aisle on a 3-across. Next to me was a couple. The girlfriend was sleeping and the guy asked for two beers, and the FA wouldn't give them to him since "She's asleep." I asked for a beer too and gave it to him (I rarely drink). Contrast this to F where, when I used to drink, I'd often ask for a JD and ginger ale and the FA would usually give me two minis of Jack Daniels without even asking. I'm implying that the booze is free in MCE, but maybe they're stingier with it.

I've seen this asked elsewhere but not answered... if you have existing reservations where you have already paid for MCE and you purchase the Platinum challenge with Status, will AA refund the money for the MCE seats already paid for? Thx RT

You might find an agent willing to process a refund for you but that scenario is not on the list of reasons for a MCE refund.

MCE and Preferred seating is such a sham. If you choose your seats at (24 hr before flight) check-in, all those seats become available (if there are any available). Still not sure why bulkhead seats are considered premium on the A321s. No leg room and you can't put a bag under the seat in front of you. Same apply to exit seats. Also the entertainment system takes away some seat width. I avoid those seats at all cost.

IMO not worth it to pay extra for.

Well, MCE won't be available free at check-in (unless you're Gold elite). Preferred seating isn't really a sham either -- it does let you chose your seat, and you'll know you won't be in the last row next to the lavatory. I would never pay for preferred seats if there were decent free seats available (which is the case of the OP). But if there aren't any free seats (or only free middles), if you don't pay, and others do, you could get stuck with an undesirable seat. So you're paying to avoid that. But I agree it's not always necessary.

exit seats on the A321 are the best, they have a ton of leg room and are worth a substantial premium especially on a long haul destination like LAX->Hawaii.

i think it depends. if you're tall and thin. it's great. but if you're wide and short. I don't think it's worth it. If you're wide and tall...well then it depends on which comfort you prefer more. NEVER take the middle seat on the exit seats.

Obviously my post was intended to be humorous.

This is what happens to our OGG -> LAX flight. We were all seated in the middle seats in various rows, so we had to pay for 3 Preferred seats for the 5 of us to seat together in 2 rows.

It's the big reason why we love Southwest when flying as a family. We would pay for early boarding and just pick our seats so we all can seat together. Easy.

Thanks! is said list of reasons posted somewhere? RT

With a growing set of data that makes it possible that MCE will be limited to one "Free" drink, I now personally value the seats at approximately $30 more than a regular seat since I almost always buy a drink in coach anyway, but of course only on flights long enough to have a full beverage service. Therefore, I value the extra space at about $20. For example, I purchased MCE seats on upcoming DFW-MEX ($17), JAX-DFW ($32), and LGA-OKC ($28) flights. I don't consider it on short flights, and all my other flights are asking between $40 and $70 for MCE, which is overpriced IMO.

Unless you are in the back rows, or are stuck in a middle seat and can't get out, it isn't worth the $45/ea let alone the $90. If it means you getting closer to the front and getting your family and younger kids (if I read your post correctly) it may be worth the "sanity cost" or "emotional premium" as Mrs GlobalMatt calls it.

You may be better off calling up and asking if there are any Y-up fares to biz or domestic F, as you may be surprised that it's just a few bucks more. Or even try to re-route through DFW onto Hawaii on their 772 fleet with a true Premium Economy Cabin. (Kiddos love this)

I agree with another poster about the value being somewhere around $30, assuming you're on a 737, a320, et al domestic fleet. If you are flying on a wide body, however, even domestically, (where there is premium economy) then I would say it's definitely worth it for $45, and perhaps even the $90pp. (ie: flying a 787/8/9, or 773 and some 772s)

If you're flying to LAX from JFK, however, you will likely only be in regular MCE, and it's just (honestly) not worth the $45/pp. Even with little kiddos (unless middle/seats, rear seats per my earlier mention).

AA Prefer Seats - When to buy?
 

Hi everyone, what's the best time to upgrade/purchase Prefer seats on AA main cabin? As soon as you're ticketed, or wait until check-in (24hr before flight)?

Thanks

Generally they seem to be gone by T-24. What is usually open are MCE seats albeit at times only middle MCE seats. If having a preferred seat is important buy it at purchase.

Why wait until checkin when the seat you want might be gone? I don't see the advantage