Soaring High with Refreshments: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying Drinks on American Airlines!
Ever found yourself settling into your American Airlines seat, ready for a relaxing flight, only to realize you're parched and eyeing that beverage cart with longing? You're not alone! Knowing how to navigate the in-flight refreshment options can make a big difference to your travel experience. From complimentary sips to premium pours, American Airlines offers a variety of choices to keep you hydrated and happy. Let's dive in and explore everything you need to know about buying drinks onboard!
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| How To Buy Drinks On American Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Freebies? Let's Find Out!
Before you even think about pulling out your wallet, let's see if you can snag some complimentary refreshments! American Airlines offers a range of free beverages and even some snacks, depending on your flight's duration and your cabin class.
Understanding Complimentary Offerings:
Flights Over 250 Miles (Domestic): On most domestic flights exceeding 250 miles, you'll generally receive complimentary non-alcoholic beverages like coffee (regular and decaf), tea (Bigelow brand), water, a variety of soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Ginger Ale, etc.), and juices (tomato, apple, cranberry, orange). You'll also typically get a complimentary snack, such as Biscoff cookies or pretzels.
International Flights (Long-Haul): If you're on a long-haul international flight to destinations like Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the Middle East, or certain South American cities, you're in for a treat! American Airlines typically provides complimentary meal service along with a selection of free alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and spirits) after takeoff. You'll also likely get mid-flight snacks and another meal before arrival.
Transcontinental and Hawaii Flights (Specific Routes): For certain premium transcontinental routes (e.g., New York JFK to/from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Boston, and some Miami to Los Angeles flights), and flights between Hawaii and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) or Chicago (ORD), you'll often receive complimentary meals and a wide range of beverages, including alcoholic options.
Premium Cabins (First Class, Business Class): If you're lucky enough to be flying in First or Business Class, expect a premium dining experience with an extensive complimentary beverage selection, including various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, often served with more personalized attention.
Pro Tip: Always check American Airlines' official website or your flight details for the most up-to-date information on complimentary offerings for your specific route and cabin class. Policies can sometimes vary!
Step 2: Exploring the "Buy Onboard" Menu - Your Paid Options
For flights where complimentary alcoholic beverages aren't offered (primarily most domestic flights over 250 miles), or if you simply want something beyond the free non-alcoholic options, American Airlines provides a "buy on board" menu. This is where you can purchase a wider array of drinks and snacks.
What to Expect on the "Buy Onboard" Menu:
Alcoholic Beverages: This is typically the main reason people head to the buy on board menu. You'll find a selection of beers, wines (red, white, sparkling), and spirits (like gin, rum, whiskey, vodka, and liqueurs). Prices can vary, but generally, expect to pay around $9-$10 for a beer and $10 for wine or spirits.
Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks: While basic non-alcoholic drinks are often free, you might find some premium non-alcoholic options available for purchase, such as specific sparkling waters or specialty juices.
Snacks: Alongside drinks, the buy on board menu also features various snacks. These can range from nuts and chips to fruit and cheese plates. Note that snacks are generally available on domestic flights longer than 1,300 miles.
Remember: In-flight selections may vary based on flight length, time of day, and availability. Limited quantities are often available, so if you have your heart set on something specific, it's a good idea to inquire early in the flight.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Step 3: Payment Power - How to Pay for Your In-Flight Purchases
Now that you know what's available, let's talk about how to pay. American Airlines has made payment quite convenient, offering a few key methods.
Sub-heading 3.1: Credit and Debit Cards
The most common and preferred method for in-flight purchases is by credit or debit card. American Airlines accepts all major credit and debit cards, including:
American Express
Diners Club
Discover
JCB
Mastercard
Visa
UATP Card
Union Pay (credit only, in specific regions)
Make sure your card is ready and easily accessible. Cabin crew typically use mobile payment terminals to process transactions.
Sub-heading 3.2: Using Your AAdvantage Miles! (A Game Changer!)
This is a fantastic option for loyal American Airlines flyers! As of March 2025, American Airlines allows AAdvantage members to use their miles to purchase food and beverages from the buy on board menu on eligible flights.
How it Works: The redemption rate is generally equivalent to one cent per point. So, if a drink costs $10, you can pay 1,000 AAdvantage miles instead.
Making the Purchase with Miles: To use your miles, simply ensure your AAdvantage number is on your reservation. When you're ready to buy a drink, inform the cabin crew that you'd like to pay with miles. They will then scan your boarding pass, and the relevant points will be deducted from your AAdvantage account.
Eligibility: This option is available to AAdvantage members on eligible flights with a buy on board menu.
Consider this a savvy way to treat yourself without spending extra cash, especially if you have a good stash of miles!
Sub-heading 3.3: Special Credit Card Benefits
If you hold certain American Airlines co-branded credit cards, you might be eligible for savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases. For example, some Citi® / AAdvantage® cards or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercards offer 25% savings, which will show as a statement credit. Always check the benefits associated with your specific card to see if you qualify.
Important Payment Considerations:
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
No Cash Accepted: American Airlines generally does NOT accept cash for in-flight purchases. This is a cashless operation, so ensure you have a valid credit/debit card or enough AAdvantage miles.
Single Form of Payment: You typically cannot use more than one form of payment for a single in-flight purchase. So, you can't pay half with miles and half with a credit card for one item.
ID for Alcohol: If you are purchasing alcohol and appear to be under 30 years old, you must present a valid ID to confirm you are 21 years or older.
Alcohol Purchase Limits: There is often a two (2) alcoholic beverage limit per person, per transaction. The cabin crew also reserves the right to refuse sales to intoxicated individuals.
Step 4: Placing Your Order and Enjoying Your Drink!
Once you've decided what you want and how you'll pay, the process is straightforward.
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Sub-heading 4.1: Catching the Cabin Crew's Attention
Listen for Announcements: The cabin crew will typically make announcements about when drink and snack service is available.
Use the Call Button (Discreetly): If service hasn't started or you've missed the cart, you can politely use your call button to signal for assistance. Be patient, as they may be busy with other passengers.
Wait for the Cart: Often, the easiest way is to wait for the drink and snack cart to come down your aisle.
Sub-heading 4.2: Communicating Your Order
Be Clear and Concise: When the cabin crew reaches you, clearly state what you'd like to purchase. For example, "I'd like a Heineken, please," or "Could I get the fruit and cheese plate and a glass of red wine?"
Specify Payment Method: If you're paying with AAdvantage miles, state this upfront when placing your order.
Sub-heading 4.3: The Transaction
Swipe or Tap Your Card: The cabin crew will use their handheld device. You'll either swipe, insert, or tap your credit/debit card.
Confirm Mile Deduction: If paying with miles, they'll scan your boarding pass to deduct the miles.
Receive Your Items: Once the transaction is complete, you'll receive your chosen drinks and snacks.
And that's it! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your refreshment as you continue your journey with American Airlines.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Tips for a Smooth Experience
To ensure a hassle-free experience when buying drinks on American Airlines, keep these additional tips in mind:
Flight Duration Matters: Remember that the availability of buy on board items, especially alcoholic beverages and certain snacks, is primarily for domestic flights over 250 miles. International and longer transcontinental flights often include complimentary options.
Early Bird Gets the Drink: If there's something specific you really want, consider making your purchase early in the flight. Quantities can be limited, and popular items may run out.
Stay Hydrated: Even if you're enjoying a paid beverage, don't forget to drink plenty of water, especially on longer flights, to stay hydrated. Complimentary water is always available.
Be Patient and Polite: Cabin crew members work hard to serve all passengers. A little patience and politeness go a long way in ensuring a pleasant interaction.
Check for Wi-Fi: While not directly related to buying drinks, if you're on a longer flight and want to browse the menu online or check your AAdvantage balance, Wi-Fi might be available for purchase. American Airlines offers various Wi-Fi packages, including a "Pay as you fly" option that can be as low as $10, or daily/monthly passes.
Review Your Statement: If paying with a credit card, quickly review your bank statement later to ensure the charge is correct.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
How to find out if my American Airlines flight offers complimentary alcohol?
Check your specific flight details on the American Airlines website or app. Generally, complimentary alcohol is offered on long-haul international flights and in premium cabins on select transcontinental and Hawaii routes.
How to use AAdvantage miles to pay for drinks on American Airlines?
Ensure your AAdvantage number is linked to your reservation. When ordering, tell the flight attendant you'd like to pay with miles, and they will scan your boarding pass to deduct the equivalent points.
How to know what drinks are available on my American Airlines flight?
The cabin crew will often announce the availability of the buy on board menu, or you can ask them for a menu once service begins. The offerings can vary.
How to pay for drinks if I don't have a credit card on American Airlines?
American Airlines generally operates a cashless system for in-flight purchases, so a credit/debit card or AAdvantage miles are typically required.
How to get a discount on in-flight drink purchases with American Airlines?
Certain American Airlines co-branded credit cards (like some Citi® / AAdvantage® or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercards) offer a percentage back (e.g., 25%) as a statement credit on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to ensure I can buy my preferred drink on an American Airlines flight?
Try to make your purchase early in the flight, as quantities of popular items can be limited and may sell out.
How to get free water on American Airlines?
Complimentary water is always available on American Airlines flights, regardless of duration or cabin class. Just ask a flight attendant.
How to tell if my flight is long enough for alcoholic drink purchases on American Airlines?
For domestic flights, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on flights longer than 250 miles.
How to check my AAdvantage mile balance before buying drinks?
You can check your AAdvantage mile balance by logging into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website or through their mobile app.
How to avoid being refused an alcoholic drink purchase on American Airlines?
Ensure you have a valid ID if you appear under 30, and do not appear intoxicated. Be aware of the two-alcoholic-beverage limit per transaction.
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