Flying with American Airlines and craving a refreshing beverage or a satisfying snack? You're in luck! While complimentary drinks are offered in certain cabins and on specific routes, many passengers will find themselves in a position to purchase their preferred in-flight refreshments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about paying for drinks on American Airlines, from accepted payment methods to tips for getting a good deal.
Let's get started on ensuring your next American Airlines flight is perfectly quenched!
Step 1: Understand American Airlines' Drink Service Policy
Before you even think about pulling out your wallet (or phone!), it's crucial to understand how American Airlines handles drink service. Not all drinks are created equal, and some might even be complimentary depending on your ticket and flight.
Complimentary vs. Purchased Drinks: What to Expect
Non-alcoholic beverages: On most American Airlines flights, basic non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice, soda, coffee, and tea are typically offered free of charge in the Main Cabin.
Alcoholic beverages: Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, spirits) are generally available for purchase in the Main Cabin on flights over 250 miles. On shorter flights, they may not be offered.
Premium Cabins & Specific Routes: If you're flying in First Class, Business Class, Flagship First, Flagship Business, or on certain long-haul international flights (e.g., to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the Middle East, and select South American destinations, or specific Flagship Transcontinental routes), you'll likely enjoy a wider selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, often accompanied by meals. Passengers in Main Cabin Extra also receive complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Main Cabin Extra Benefit: If you've opted for a Main Cabin Extra seat, you'll benefit from complimentary beer, wine, and spirits. This is a great perk if you plan on enjoying a few drinks!
Step 2: Identify Accepted Payment Methods Onboard
American Airlines has largely embraced a cashless system for onboard purchases. This means you'll need to rely on electronic payment methods.
Your Go-To Payment Options
Credit and Debit Cards: This is the most widely accepted form of payment for in-flight purchases on American Airlines. They accept all major credit and debit cards, including:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
Diners Club
JCB
UATP Card
Union Pay (credit only)
Ensure your card has sufficient funds and is not expired.
Mobile Wallets: American Airlines also accepts popular mobile payment options for onboard purchases:
Apple Pay
Google Pay
These provide a convenient and secure way to pay without physically handing over your card. Simply hold your phone near the contactless reader.
AAdvantage Miles: Yes, you can now use your AAdvantage miles to pay for food and beverages on eligible American Airlines flights! This is a relatively new option that offers flexibility for frequent flyers.
How it works: You'll need to have your AAdvantage number linked to your reservation. When it's time to pay, you can inform the flight attendant that you wish to use miles, and they will guide you through the process, likely by scanning your boarding pass.
Consider the value: While a convenient option, using miles for in-flight purchases typically offers a lower redemption value compared to using them for award flights or upgrades. A $10 drink might cost you 1,000 miles, equating to a value of 1 cent per mile, which is often less than what your miles are worth for other redemptions.
What NOT to Bring for Payment
Cash: American Airlines does not accept cash for in-flight purchases. This policy has been in place for some time to streamline operations and enhance security. Don't rely on cash for your onboard drinks!
Personal Checks: These are also not accepted.
Step 3: Placing Your Drink Order and Making Payment
The process of ordering and paying for your drink on an American Airlines flight is straightforward.
The In-Flight Purchase Process
Wait for the Service Cart: Flight attendants will typically come through the cabin with a service cart offering drinks and snacks.
Browse the Menu: You'll usually find a menu in your seatback pocket or available digitally through the American Airlines app or in-flight entertainment system. Take a moment to see what's offered and the prices.
Place Your Order: Tell the flight attendant what you'd like.
Present Your Payment:
Credit/Debit Card: Hand over your physical card. The flight attendant will likely have a mobile card reader.
Mobile Wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay): Have your device ready. The flight attendant will indicate where to tap your phone.
AAdvantage Miles: Inform the flight attendant you wish to pay with miles. They will likely ask to scan your boarding pass.
Receive Your Drink: Once the payment is processed, you'll receive your drink. You might be offered a receipt, either physical or electronic.
Step 4: Maximize Your Savings (Optional)
While paying for drinks is simple, there are a few ways to potentially save money or enhance your experience.
Smart Strategies for In-Flight Refreshments
Utilize AAdvantage Credit Card Benefits: Many co-branded American Airlines credit cards (like Citi® / AAdvantage® cards or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®) offer in-flight savings, such as a percentage off food and beverage purchases. Check your card's benefits guide! This discount is applied when you pay with your eligible card, not when using miles.
Consider Main Cabin Extra: As mentioned, if you frequently fly American Airlines and enjoy alcoholic beverages, the cost of upgrading to Main Cabin Extra might be offset by the complimentary drinks and extra legroom.
Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Post-Security): You are permitted to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages through security, provided they adhere to TSA liquid restrictions (3-1-1 rule). Once you've passed security, you can purchase larger bottles of water, soda, or juice from airport vendors to bring on board. This can be a significant cost-saver, especially for water.
Hydrate Before Boarding: Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to stay hydrated. This might reduce your desire for additional paid beverages.
Check for Flight Length & Route Specifics: Longer flights and international routes often come with more inclusive meal and drink services, so you might not need to purchase anything extra.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few tips.
What if My Payment Fails?
Check Your Card: Ensure your credit or debit card isn't expired, doesn't have a spending limit issue, or hasn't been flagged for unusual activity.
Mobile Wallet Issues: Confirm your mobile wallet is set up correctly and linked to a valid card.
Speak to a Flight Attendant: If you encounter issues, politely explain the situation to the flight attendant. They may be able to suggest an alternative or help troubleshoot.
Have a Backup: It's always a good idea to carry at least two different payment methods (e.g., two different credit cards, or a credit card and your phone with a mobile wallet) in case one fails.
General Tips
Patience is Key: Flight attendants are often busy, especially during peak service times. Be patient and wait for their attention.
Responsible Consumption: American Airlines, like all airlines, reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers. Drink responsibly.
Drink Prices: Be aware that in-flight drink prices can be higher than what you'd pay on the ground. Budget accordingly if you plan on purchasing several items.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to pay for drinks on American Airlines if I don't have a credit card?
If you don't have a credit card, you can use a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to your debit card. Cash is not accepted.
How to use AAdvantage miles for in-flight drinks on American Airlines?
To use AAdvantage miles, ensure your AAdvantage number is on your reservation. When purchasing, inform the flight attendant you wish to pay with miles, and they will likely scan your boarding pass to process the transaction.
How to get complimentary drinks on American Airlines?
Complimentary drinks (including alcoholic beverages) are typically offered in First Class, Business Class, Flagship First, Flagship Business, and Main Cabin Extra. They are also often complimentary on long-haul international flights and select Flagship Transcontinental routes. Basic non-alcoholic beverages are generally free in Main Cabin.
How to find out the price of drinks on American Airlines before my flight?
American Airlines typically provides an in-flight menu (often available digitally through their app or entertainment system) that lists drink prices. You might also find general price ranges mentioned in online forums or travel blogs, but exact prices can vary.
How to ensure my credit card works for in-flight purchases?
Before your flight, ensure your credit card is not expired, has sufficient credit available, and that your bank is aware of your travel plans to prevent any fraud alerts that might block the transaction.
How to use Apple Pay or Google Pay for drinks on American Airlines?
Simply have your iPhone or Android device ready with Apple Pay or Google Pay set up. When paying, the flight attendant will direct you to tap your device on their mobile card reader.
How to get a receipt for in-flight drink purchases on American Airlines?
After your purchase, you can ask the flight attendant for a receipt. Depending on their system, it might be a physical printout or offered as an email receipt.
How to bring my own non-alcoholic drinks on American Airlines?
You can bring non-alcoholic beverages bought after passing through airport security (e.g., from airport shops). Any liquids brought through security must adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (containers 3.4 ounces/100 milliliters or less, fitting in one quart-sized bag).
How to check if my American Airlines credit card offers in-flight discounts?
Refer to the terms and conditions or benefits guide provided by your credit card issuer (e.g., Citi or Barclays for AAdvantage cards) to confirm any specific in-flight food and beverage discounts.
How to deal with a declined payment for drinks on American Airlines?
If your payment is declined, politely inform the flight attendant. Try a different payment method (another credit/debit card or mobile wallet) if you have one. If not, unfortunately, you may not be able to purchase the drink.
