So, you're flying American Airlines and wondering about the beverage service? Perhaps you're keen to enjoy a refreshing drink or two, or maybe you're simply curious about what's available. Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about how many drinks you can get on American Airlines, covering various cabin classes, flight lengths, and even special circumstances.
Let's dive right in and make sure your next American Airlines flight is as enjoyable and well-hydrated (or spirited!) as possible.
Understanding the Basics: It's Not a One-Size-Fits-All Answer!
The number of drinks you can get on American Airlines, and whether they're complimentary or for purchase, largely depends on a few key factors:
Your Cabin Class: Are you flying Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class?
Flight Length and Destination: Is it a short domestic hop, a transcontinental journey, or a long-haul international flight?
Your AAdvantage Status: Elite members often receive additional perks.
Current Airline Policies: Policies can change, so it's always good to check the most up-to-date information on American Airlines' website.
Ready to uncover the specifics? Let's go!
 |
| How Many Drinks Can You Get On American Airlines |
Step 1: Discover Your Complimentary Drink Options
Let's start with the good news – what can you get for free?
Sub-heading: Main Cabin - Your Standard Offerings
For most passengers in the Main Cabin, you'll typically receive:
Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages such as:
Fresh coffee and tea
Juice (orange, apple, cranberry, tomato)
Water
Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products, Sprite, etc.)
Complimentary snacks on flights over 250 miles. These often include items like pretzels or Biscoff cookies.
Important Note: On shorter domestic flights (under 250 miles), non-alcoholic drinks may be available by request.
Sub-heading: Main Cabin Extra - A Little Something Extra
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
If you've booked a seat in Main Cabin Extra, which offers more legroom, you also enjoy:
Complimentary alcoholic beverages, in addition to the standard non-alcoholic options and snacks.
The selection typically includes beer, wine, and spirits.
The number of complimentary alcoholic drinks served may be limited, so don't expect an open bar, but you'll certainly get more than in standard Main Cabin.
Sub-heading: Premium Economy, Business, and First Class - Elevated Service
This is where the beverage service really shines! In Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, you can expect:
Complimentary and often unlimited alcoholic beverages, including a wider selection of premium beers, wines, and spirits.
This typically begins with a pre-departure beverage service (in Business and First Class) and continues throughout the flight.
On long-haul international flights, you'll receive multiple beverage services along with your meals.
Pro-Tip: Don't hesitate to ask your flight attendant for another drink in these premium cabins, as it's generally part of the enhanced service.
Sub-heading: Long-Haul International and Hawaii Flights
For flights to/from Hawaii and long-distance international destinations (Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the Middle East, and select South America cities), even in the Main Cabin, you often receive:
Complimentary meals and complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, served after takeoff.
Mid-flight snacks and a meal before arrival are also common.
Step 2: Understanding Buy-on-Board Options
Even if your ticket doesn't include complimentary alcoholic beverages, you can often purchase them on board.
Sub-heading: Domestic Flights Over 250 Miles
On domestic flights over 250 miles, American Airlines offers a "buy-on-board" menu for alcoholic beverages. You can purchase:
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Beer: Typically $9-$10 (or 900-1,000 AAdvantage miles) for options like Bud Light, Dos Equis, Truly Hard Seltzer, Goose IPA, or Heineken.
Wine: Around $10 (or 1,000 AAdvantage miles) for red, white, or sparkling wine.
Spirits: Approximately $10 (or 1,000 AAdvantage miles) for 50ml mini-bottles of various liquors like Aviation American Gin, BACARDI Rum, Bailey's Irish Cream, Jack Daniel's, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Woodford Reserve.
You can pay for these using major credit cards, debit cards, or even your AAdvantage miles on select flights. Just ensure your AAdvantage number is on your reservation if you plan to use miles.
 |
Sub-heading: What About Snacks?
While non-alcoholic drinks are free on most flights, snacks are complimentary only on flights over 250 miles. On select flights over 1,100 miles, you might also find additional snacks available for purchase.
Step 3: Elite Status Perks - An Extra Pour
If you're an AAdvantage elite member, you might be in for a treat!
AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and ConciergeKey® members receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage and food menu item (upon availability) during their flight, even in the Main Cabin. This is a nice perk that can save you some money!
Step 4: What You Cannot Do (FAA Regulations)
While it's tempting to bring your favorite spirits on board, there are strict rules to follow.
You cannot consume alcohol on board an aircraft unless it is served by a flight attendant. This is an FAA regulation, and violating it can lead to serious consequences.
While you can bring mini-bottles (under 3.4 oz/100 ml and fitting in a quart-sized bag) in your carry-on, or larger quantities (up to 5 liters for alcohol between 24-70% ABV in unopened retail packaging) in your checked baggage, you cannot open and consume these on the plane.
The bottom line: If you want an alcoholic drink, you need to purchase it from American Airlines or be in a cabin class/have a status that offers it complimentarily.
Step 5: Special Circumstances & Tips
Flight Delays: While not a guarantee, extended flight delays can sometimes lead to airlines offering complimentary beverages or snacks as a goodwill gesture, regardless of your cabin class.
Admirals Club Lounges: If you have access to an Admirals Club lounge (through membership, a day pass, or certain credit cards), you'll find complimentary house drinks (including beer, wine, and spirits) available, along with snacks and sometimes made-to-order specialties.
Ask Your Flight Attendant: If you're unsure about the beverage service on your specific flight, the best approach is always to politely ask a flight attendant. They are there to help and can provide the most accurate information for your journey.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Related FAQ Questions
How to get free alcoholic drinks on American Airlines?
You can get free alcoholic drinks on American Airlines if you are flying in Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class, on long-haul international flights, or flights to/from Hawaii. AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and ConciergeKey® members also receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage in Main Cabin.
How to purchase alcoholic drinks on American Airlines?
You can purchase alcoholic drinks on domestic flights over 250 miles in the Main Cabin. Payment can be made using major credit cards, debit cards, or AAdvantage miles (if your AAdvantage number is on your reservation).
How to know if my flight will have complimentary alcoholic beverages?
Check your flight details and cabin class. Generally, longer flights, premium cabins (Main Cabin Extra and above), and international routes are more likely to offer complimentary alcoholic beverages. You can also consult American Airlines' official website or ask a flight attendant.
How to use AAdvantage miles to pay for drinks on American Airlines?
Ensure your AAdvantage® number is on your reservation and have your boarding pass ready when making an in-flight purchase. Inform the flight attendant you wish to use miles.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to bring your own alcohol on an American Airlines flight?
You can bring your own alcohol on an American Airlines flight, but you cannot consume it on board. Alcohol under 24% ABV has no quantity limit in checked bags. Alcohol between 24-70% ABV is limited to 5 liters per passenger in checked bags (in unopened retail packaging). For carry-on, mini bottles (3.4 oz/100 ml or less) fitting in a quart-sized bag are permitted.
How to find out the price of drinks on American Airlines?
Prices for buy-on-board alcoholic beverages on American Airlines typically range from $9 to $10. Specific pricing can usually be found on the in-flight menu provided by the airline, or you can ask a flight attendant.
How to get a variety of non-alcoholic drinks on American Airlines?
American Airlines offers a standard selection of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages in Main Cabin including coffee, tea, juices, water, and soft drinks. In premium cabins, the selection might be wider, including specialty coffees or teas.
How to know if snacks are free on my American Airlines flight?
Complimentary snacks are offered on American Airlines flights over 250 miles in the Main Cabin. For shorter flights, snacks may need to be purchased or might not be available.
How to identify if my seat is Main Cabin Extra for free drinks?
If you've selected a Main Cabin Extra seat, it will typically be indicated on your boarding pass or seat assignment. These seats are usually located at the front of the Main Cabin or at exit rows and offer more legroom and complimentary alcoholic beverages.
How to get a drink at an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge?
If you have access to an Admirals Club lounge, simply enter and you'll find a bar area where complimentary house drinks (including beer, wine, and spirits) are served. You can request your preferred beverage from the bartender or attendant.
 |
