Feb 22, 2015, 6:28 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
AA/US Domestic Dining (including Canada, Mexico, & the Caribbean)
Note: this thread is about meals served on AA-US. There is another thread for the contingent that wishes to debate and discuss linens as a primary subject, including related presentation issues: Linens / presentation debate for meal service on AA, US / both.
PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST. /Moderators
Welcome to the 2015 Domestic Dining thread and the resulting discussion/trip reports/photos/shared experiences. Here, in this wiki post, I'll strive to explain what you should expect on AA flights in First and Business, meals-wise. Keep in mind that there are many domestic flights, so there are quite a few parameters to keep track of. This Wiki covers both AA and US flights, but as of September 2014, AA and US offers identical meal service domestically, so that part of the merger has its' harmonization completed.
Basically, in its' best condensed form, you should expect to receive a meal between 4:59am - 8pm on flights longer than 900 miles, which equals about two hours in the air. From that point, there are exceptions, and specific timing parameters.
What to Expect - Mainline:
Keep in mind that this list is not entirely inclusive, and there may be certain exceptions and/or abnormalities.
- Up to 699 miles: Light snacks such as a fig bar, cookies, and/or pretzels
- 700-899 miles: Warmed nuts, a snack plate (fruit/cheese, pita/hummus, or spinach dip/pita), and a cookie
- 900-1298 miles: A meal (fruit/breakfast entree; salad/entree) followed by a cookie; no meals between 1:30-4pm
- 1298-2199 miles: A full meal including an appetizer, with cake for lunch desserts and premade ice-cream for dinner desserts
- 2200 miles and above: Same as 1298-2199 miles, but consists of made-to-order sundaes or a cheese plate for both lunch and dinner desserts
What to Expect - Regional:
Keep in mind that this list is not entirely inclusive, and there may be certain exceptions and/or abnormalities.
- Up to 175 miles: A light snack mix along with beverage service
- 176-899 miles: Sweet and savory, organic/healthy snack choices (snack basket)
- 900-2199 miles: Warm mixed nuts, two meal options, and dessert. (For flights over 2200 miles, you will receive the same selection of snacks from 176-899 miles as a pre-arrival snack. All regional meal flights leaving after 8:00pm will also receive sweet and savory snacks as the only option. Editor's note: A regional jet for 2000+ miles? Hope that never happens!)
All of the meal flights that fall under the above timing parameters will receive two choices; normally, one meat and one vegetarian.
Longer westbound flights leaving from the east coast (transcontinental; non-premium) are not officially exceptions, but some flights after 8pm receive a full dinner service (such as the 8:05pm MIA-SAN flight, or the 8:30pm PHL-LAS flight). Additionally, non-premium transcontinental red-eye flights will receive snack basket service upon departure, then a continental breakfast box prior to arrival.
Official Exceptions:
The following flights all fall under 900 miles, but will receive a full meal service, with the exception of flights leaving between 1:31-4pm. Despite some of the listed flights being over 900 miles, they are remaining listed here, based on the AA website for documentation purposes.
- Chicago (ORD) - AUS/BDL/BOS/DCA/EWR/JFK/LGA/MSY/RDU
- Dallas (DFW) - BJX/ORD/MEX/QRO/SLP
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - PAP
- Los Angeles (LAX) - DEN
- Miami (MIA) - DCA/IAD/PAP
- New York (LGA) - ATL
- Phoenix (PHX) - MZT
Additional Information:
- JFK-LAX/SFO; MIA-LAX are considered premium transcontinental flights, and as such, receives a more refined service with three meal choices, per-course service, printed menus, and tray/tablecloth linens in both F/J. Those flights now are the only domestic flights in the system to offer special meals as another option (which can be reserved by either preordering online, or calling). Red-eye flights will receive a full "supper/snack" meal service, which is basically a condensed dinner service.
- Hawaiian meal service is very similar to what you'd expect on 2200+ mile flights, but there also will be Hawaiian rolls served, along with a pre-arrival continental breakfast/snack (dependent on the length of the route). Tropical warmed nuts are also currently served.
- All flights over 700 miles, regardless of a meal being served or not, will receive warm mixed nuts and a cookie.
Disclaimer: The editor of this Wiki does not guarantee the information presented above will always be accurate or properly followed by AA, given catering mishaps, irregular operations, rogue crews, or mismanagement. For the best up-to-date information, it would be prudent to check AA's website constantly for any updates, or call AA. The editors of this Wiki will keep this Wiki updated as often as possible.
Last updated: 7/26/2015 2:33pm, MrAndy1369
2015 Combined AA/US Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (Consolidated)
Mar 26, 2015, 10:07 am
#586
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Reports note that quality on US was somewhat greater pre-merger as well. The post-merger meals do resemble pmUS meals considerably more than pmAA meals, though I believe the quality of the mains may have suffered in the transition.
Mar 27, 2015, 12:13 pm
#587
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt
Posts: 237
DFW-RDU 1130 Departure
Sorry no pictures but was a choice of the pasta or grilled bbq chicken. I went out on a limb and ordered the chicken and it was much better than anything I have seen lately. Chicken was small but clearly grilled and not smothered in sauce. Sides were mac and cheese and broccoli with an odd chopped mixed salad. The plated sides were not all lumped together like the previous frozen pop-out meals and went together well. I get what they are going for with the chopped salad but just didnt present well yesterday.
Cookie was very close to the old ones but still not fresh baked. We're seeing progress on all fronts! (on this flight at least)
Sorry no pictures but was a choice of the pasta or grilled bbq chicken. I went out on a limb and ordered the chicken and it was much better than anything I have seen lately. Chicken was small but clearly grilled and not smothered in sauce. Sides were mac and cheese and broccoli with an odd chopped mixed salad. The plated sides were not all lumped together like the previous frozen pop-out meals and went together well. I get what they are going for with the chopped salad but just didnt present well yesterday.
Cookie was very close to the old ones but still not fresh baked. We're seeing progress on all fronts! (on this flight at least)
Mar 27, 2015, 1:42 pm
#588
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,341
Expanded snack basket/sandwich/mixed nuts
I flew from DFW to ATL yesterday in first class.
I got to experience the "enhanced" snack basket for the first time, and the sandwich was actually not too bad. However, would it hurt to have a piece of lettuce and sliced tomato? I guess I did not expect much, so I was fine. Plus I was so tired at this point, that I did not care much. However I rate it below those complimentary sandwiches passed out by BA and HG on those intra-European flights in economy class during meal time.
I got to experience the "enhanced" snack basket for the first time, and the sandwich was actually not too bad. However, would it hurt to have a piece of lettuce and sliced tomato? I guess I did not expect much, so I was fine. Plus I was so tired at this point, that I did not care much. However I rate it below those complimentary sandwiches passed out by BA and HG on those intra-European flights in economy class during meal time.
Mar 27, 2015, 3:38 pm
#589
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,158
That doesn't look too bad! However, it might be better for them to offer mustard/mayo packs so the sandwich doesn't have mustard stuck on it. Also, tomato/lettuces too.
I flew from DFW to ATL yesterday in first class.
I got to experience the "enhanced" snack basket for the first time, and the sandwich was actually not too bad. However, would it hurt to have a piece of lettuce and sliced tomato? I guess I did not expect much, so I was fine. Plus I was so tired at this point, that I did not care much. However I rate it below those complimentary sandwiches passed out by BA and HG on those intra-European flights in economy class during meal time.
I got to experience the "enhanced" snack basket for the first time, and the sandwich was actually not too bad. However, would it hurt to have a piece of lettuce and sliced tomato? I guess I did not expect much, so I was fine. Plus I was so tired at this point, that I did not care much. However I rate it below those complimentary sandwiches passed out by BA and HG on those intra-European flights in economy class during meal time.
Mar 28, 2015, 5:57 am
#590
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold, *G, EK Skywards Silver
Posts: 1,017
Looking at choices for April...
Hawaii to LAX and I've got spinach and garlic pizza or cheese lasagne?! It also calls it a 'snack service' rather than 'dinner'. This is a 1pm departure btw.
Hawaii to LAX and I've got spinach and garlic pizza or cheese lasagne?! It also calls it a 'snack service' rather than 'dinner'. This is a 1pm departure btw.
Mar 28, 2015, 7:06 am
#591
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Mar 28, 2015, 1:03 pm
#592
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ATL/TLV/SDF
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Ag, Marriott LT Ti, Hyatt Glob, Avis PC, Busted-Knuckles Club Grand Poobah.
Posts: 2,590
Was pretty stunned to be served a good, tasty meal on US (!!) on a two-hour ride from MSP to CLT on a very worn-looking A319. It was beef short rib which I don't generally like but it was tender and tasty vs the usual stringy tough eraser, mashed potato with -- surprise! -- horseradish, crisp green salad, warm chocolate-chip cookie on a plate, even, not in a paper sleeve. F cabin attendant was very attentive and friendly.
The older US Airbii need a thorough cabin renovation, though. I think this plane started service with America West (didn't get the tail number) and hasn't been touched inside since.
The older US Airbii need a thorough cabin renovation, though. I think this plane started service with America West (didn't get the tail number) and hasn't been touched inside since.
Mar 28, 2015, 1:22 pm
#593
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
OT, but having flown on US A319/320 the past few weeks, I long for the ~10+ year older MD-80!
Mar 28, 2015, 7:43 pm
#594
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,546
March 2015 DFW-PVG
March 2015 DFW-PVG
3 Cls, Business, US-PEK, Lunch - Dinner
Starter
Thai Chicken
With grilled five-spice pineapple, watermelon and Asian mint dressing
Salad
Mixed Greens with Artichokes, Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Cheese (VE)
With your choice of creamy Italian dressing or spicy sesame vinaigrette
Assorted gourmet breads will be served with your meal
Entrées
Peppered Beef Filet
With thyme jus, smoked mac and cheese and haricots verts
Cashew Chicken
With ginger garlic sauce, egg fried rice, stir-fried vegetables and baby bok choy
Soy Glazed Halibut
With miso sauce, green tea rice, snap peas and baby carrots
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom (VE)
With mixed vegetables, wiled rice, sautéed spinach and roasted red pepper sauce
Steamed rice is available on request
Desert
Traditional Ice Cream Sundae
Vanilla ice cream with your choice of hot fudge, butterscotch or seasonal berry toppings, whipped cream and pecans
Gourmet Cheese Plate
Fontina, dill Havarti and smoked cheddar
Black Forest Mousse Cake
Mid-Flight Snacks
Help yourself to a variety of sweet and savory snacks located near our galley.
Snack
Entrées
Grilled Spicy Chicken
Served chilled with udon noodles and hard boiled egg
Roast Beef Wrap
With black bean hummus, pickled vegetables, Asian slaw and spicy aioli
Dessert
Fresh Fruit
Light Meal
Offered prior to arrival
Salad
Fresh Seasonal Greens (VE)
With bell pepper, radish and pepper cream dressing
Entrées
Broccoli and Red Pepper Strata
With smoked chicken sausage and roasted potatoes
Dim Sum
Roast pork bun, chicken gyoza pot sticker and shrimp shumai with e-fu noodles
Dessert
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
A record seven pistachios in my warm nuts. What did I do to deserve this honor?
Salad and starter.
Thai Chicken starter.
Stuffed Portobello. I can't say if this was a good or a bad stuffed mushroom as it's the first one I've eaten. Are they always so… amorphous? I ate about half of it and my stomach felt very heavy afterwards.
Cashew Chicken.
3 Cls, Business, US-PEK, Lunch - Dinner
Starter
Thai Chicken
With grilled five-spice pineapple, watermelon and Asian mint dressing
Salad
Mixed Greens with Artichokes, Roasted Tomatoes and Feta Cheese (VE)
With your choice of creamy Italian dressing or spicy sesame vinaigrette
Assorted gourmet breads will be served with your meal
Entrées
Peppered Beef Filet
With thyme jus, smoked mac and cheese and haricots verts
Cashew Chicken
With ginger garlic sauce, egg fried rice, stir-fried vegetables and baby bok choy
Soy Glazed Halibut
With miso sauce, green tea rice, snap peas and baby carrots
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom (VE)
With mixed vegetables, wiled rice, sautéed spinach and roasted red pepper sauce
Steamed rice is available on request
Desert
Traditional Ice Cream Sundae
Vanilla ice cream with your choice of hot fudge, butterscotch or seasonal berry toppings, whipped cream and pecans
Gourmet Cheese Plate
Fontina, dill Havarti and smoked cheddar
Black Forest Mousse Cake
Mid-Flight Snacks
Help yourself to a variety of sweet and savory snacks located near our galley.
Snack
Entrées
Grilled Spicy Chicken
Served chilled with udon noodles and hard boiled egg
Roast Beef Wrap
With black bean hummus, pickled vegetables, Asian slaw and spicy aioli
Dessert
Fresh Fruit
Light Meal
Offered prior to arrival
Salad
Fresh Seasonal Greens (VE)
With bell pepper, radish and pepper cream dressing
Entrées
Broccoli and Red Pepper Strata
With smoked chicken sausage and roasted potatoes
Dim Sum
Roast pork bun, chicken gyoza pot sticker and shrimp shumai with e-fu noodles
Dessert
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
A record seven pistachios in my warm nuts. What did I do to deserve this honor?
Salad and starter.
Thai Chicken starter.
Stuffed Portobello. I can't say if this was a good or a bad stuffed mushroom as it's the first one I've eaten. Are they always so… amorphous? I ate about half of it and my stomach felt very heavy afterwards.
Cashew Chicken.
Mar 31, 2015, 1:22 pm
#595
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
had the egg strata this AM....it was actually cooked perfectly (and pretty good) and basically the same dish pre 9/1 AA was serving as the strata (I think we all know the breakfasts are the most similar to pre 9/1 meals). I did overhear the FA having to explain the strata in more detail.....he called it a soufflee.
Mar 31, 2015, 7:50 pm
#596
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
As of tomorrow the linens return to the domestic portions of flights! Kind of nice they are restoring these old services. NOW BRING BACK THE FRESH BAKED
COOKIES!!!!
COOKIES!!!!
Mar 31, 2015, 8:51 pm
#597
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA- EXP UA - Silver SPG- PLT Marriott- PLT
Posts: 755
I'll believe it when I see it. Excited to hopefully hear some reports that this is true. I ain't no fool!
Mar 31, 2015, 9:14 pm
#598
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
I just hope it's not the disgusting sand colored linens found on international, and that instead they opt for the proper black linens.
Mar 31, 2015, 10:18 pm
#599
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l#post24516387
As well as pasta garnish:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24543325-post2915.html
Mar 31, 2015, 10:54 pm
#600
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,158
If anyone can, please report back tomorrow re: linens on domestic flights and what color they are.