Originally Posted by
SFTNYC
Ultimately I think whether the present AA windows are adopted by US/AA going forward will have to do with whether stickers stay around for upgrades. AA can have the shortest meal windows in the US because sticker revenue helps pay for it, whereas US/DL/UA have no such revenue stream (complementary shorthaul elite upgrades at all status levels). If US/AA do away with stickers and go to unlimited shorthaul elite upgrades for all status levels, they will need to find a way to save money on the front cabin product.
This has nothing to do with whether they can "afford" it and all to do with profits. AA has, at least until now, decided that they can make the most money by having the most generous meal policy and charging for some upgrades. If they found they could make more money with UDU and less food (or more food) they would do that. And if they find they can make the most money with charging for upgrades and no food, that's what they'll do.
My guess is that the meal windows and quality will be on par with DL. But maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised and DP will decide to try to make AA a bit more premium. I'm not holding my breath though.