Jun 10, 2014, 8:14 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Meals changes US & AA announced - international and domestic
[Discussion]This thread discusses changes to the combined carrier's meal policy. On Friday, 14 Nov 2014, the following e-mail was sent to AAdvantage frequent flyers:
this after an apparent record of the percentage of complaints received in response to earlier announcements (80% of complaints were about the meal cutbacks),
On Monday, August 4th, 2014, American and US Airways both announced their plans for the final aligned meal service effective September 1st, 2014 for both carriers. This Wiki will touch upon in detail the new meal windows, parameters, and what to expect moving forward.
MEAL WINDOWS:
Up to 699 miles (under 2 hours):
Enjoy a light snack such as a fig bar, cookies or pretzels.
700-999 miles (2 – 2:45 hours)
A heartier selection of snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit is served on most flights (Lite Bites), with exceptions (see below).
1,000 – 1,298 miles (2:45 – 3:30 hours)*
Enjoy warmed mixed nuts, followed by a three-course meal including a warm cookie for dessert.
1,299+ miles (over 3:30 hours)*
Enjoy an appetizer paired with your entrée followed by cake for dessert. On flights over 2,200 miles and over 4:30 hours, you'll also receive a choice of dessert – specialty ice cream or a fruit and cheese plate. Redeye flights in the category of 2,200 miles and above will have a snack basket to begin, then will receive an arrival continental breakfast box. (This does not apply to A321 transcons, listed below.)
*There is no meal service on flights that depart after 8:00pm, only beverages and a snack basket. There is also no meal service on flights that depart before 5:00am.
CERTAIN MARKETS:
A321 Transcontinental Service (JFK-LAX/SFO):
- Refreshing fruit or cucumber-infused water or sparkling wine
- Warm mixed nuts followed by a three-course meal, with a choice of our signature customized sundae or seasonal fruit and cheese
- A snack served shortly before arrival
Note: This focuses specifically on A321 transcontinental service (JFK-LAX/SFO), although some members has clarified that LAX-MIA will continue to receive the same level of service. This still remains to be seen.
Hawaiian Flights:
Between Hawaii and DFW/ORD:
- Full meal with Hawaiian rolls plus two other bread options
- Choice of a customized sundae or a fruit and cheese plate
- Bottle of water
- Selection of snacks prior to arrival
Between Hawaii and LAX/PHX:
- Full meal with Hawaiian rolls plus two other bread options
- Pre-made sundae
- Selection of snacks prior to arrival
EXCEPTION MARKETS:
Exception flights will fall between approximately 600-999 miles. Those flights will receive the same level of service as the published 1000-1299 miles parameters.
- Between DFW and: DTW, ORD, SLC, MEX (Effective 16-Oct-2014)
- Between FLL and: PAP
- Between JFK and: FLL*, MCO, TPA*
- Between MIA and: IAH, PAP, CAP, DCA (Effective 16-Oct-2014), IAD (Effective 16-Oct-2014)
- Between MSP and: CLT, PHL
- Between ORD and: BOS, DCA, DEN, JFK, LGA, RDU, AUS (Effective 16-Oct-2014)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
It was reported from an internal source (but not formally announced) that American Eagle would be discontinuing plated meals and, instead, will offer snack boxes and/or chilled meal boxes on meal flights.
Based on the picture on the websites representing meal service, it is confirmed that American will use US Airways plates, bowls, and other servingware moving forward. Additionally, it has been speculated that tray linens will also be eliminated in lieu of the current US Airways paper tray liner. An AA Twitter representative, however, confirmed that buttonhole napkins would be here to stay.
Additionally on October 1st, American Eagle and US Airways Express flights will follow these same meal time frames with some variations to the service. Flights between approximately 176 and 999 miles will receive snack baskets, and meal flights will feature a chilled gourmet boxed meal. Some popular regional flights between approximately 700 and 999 miles will also receive a chilled gourmet boxed meal.
All information above has been gathered and/or copied from the AA website.
Links:
AA Meal Service
US Meal Service
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
This section is purely vestigial, primarily concentrating on historical announcements prior to August 4th, showing a path from separate carrier policies to a combined policy.
On February 15, 2014, there was an internal announcement shared here, outlining changes to US Airways' meal policy, as well as a few minor changes on the AA side. The changes would occur in two phases: April and September.
April:
US Airways
The meal windows on US Airways has transitioned from the previous 3 1/2 hours and above window as of April 1st; now, they are serving meals on flights that are 2 hours and 45 minutes, and above (specified as 1,000 nautical miles in the announcement). Light snacks on flights under 2:45 hours has been added, featuring breakfast pastries and fresh fruit for morning flights, as well as finger sandwiches on later flights (known as Lite Bites). New meal window tiers has been added to standardize US Airways meal service:
- Less than an hour: Nut mix
- 1 - 2 hours: Snack basket
- 2 - 2:45 hours: Snack basket plus pastries/finger sandwiches (Lite Bites)
- 2:45 hours - 3 1/2 hours: Meal service, no appetizer
- 3 1/2 hours - 4 1/2 hours: Full meal, including an appetizer
- 4 1/2 hours and above: Full meal service, accompanied by the snack basket
American
An expedited service for shorter, eastbound transatlantic flights (JFK-LHR/MAN/DUB) became the only choice in premium cabins. It was also announced that all eastbound transatlantic flights would receive a more streamlined service, but no visible differences has yet to be reported by FT members.
Over the course of this year (but all mentioned changes will discontinue on September 1st, with the exception of A321 transcons receiving three choices, as well as snack & brunch service for redeyes) a few notable improvements were made to transcontinental meal service, such as sorbets being offered as a breakfast/brunch dessert, supper service (an abbreviated dinner service without an appetizer and sundaes) that replaced snack service on redeyes, and three menu choices of entrees being offered instead of the previous two menu choices.
There were also a few cutbacks in the spring: on Flagship Transcontinental service (JFK-LAX/SFO; MIA-LAX), wherein marinated anti-pasto was discontinued in 3-class First Class lunch/dinner service; and in International First Class, where the wine-tasting course, grey placemats, and grey water glasses were eliminated in May.
Historical Weekly Updates (shared from an internal source):
6/14
- Emphasis on being a leader, not a follower, according to Doug Parker.
- Catering and cabin equipment review in progress.
- FA involvement team to be created.
- US/IB codeshare has started these past few days.
- Three cycles of the revision for the joint certificate have been approved by the FAA. FAs now have inflight manual revisions.
- MIA and JFK catering issues are still being addressed.
- Visual presentation of the beef in the sandwich on the second meal service from Europe to the United States is being reviewed by F&B and catering in Europe.
6/21
- Leadership conference focused on restoring AA to greatness.
Reply to negative feedback via website form: (3.5 hr flight RNO-ORD)
Thank you for contacting American. We know that meal options are important to our customers, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your comments about the changes we have made to our First Class meal program.
There are no plans to discontinue the signature services that have set American Airlines apart over the years. In fact, we are investing millions in our product. This includes the existing premium transcontinental service on select markets, and the offering of certain elements that customers have come to appreciate over time such as warm mixed nuts on all meal flights, cookies and premium desserts on longer flights.
Our new Domestic First Class service footprint provides opportunities to not only streamline service but also to enhance the quality of current food components: new salads and entrees. Product offerings are be aligned with the length of flight. For example, appetizers have been added on certain flights, and a new snack basket concept has been introduced on shorter flights. New meal tray elements to modernize presentation have been introduced, including new china and a stemless wine glass.
A component of these changes is to make consistent between American and US Airways the length of flight where a full meal service is offered. Effective September 1, traditional meal service is offered in First Class on flights operated by American that are 2:45 or longer. While this has removed the traditional meal service from some markets served by American, the changes implemented at US Airways earlier this year added meals to many US Airways markets that traditionally have not offered a full meal service.
On flights from 2 hours to 2:45 in length we offer our customers a "Lite Bites" basket with a variety of food options including tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, breakfast breads and sweet and savory snacks. We will, of course, continue to offer complimentary beverages and snacks for our First Class customers on all of our flights, including beer, spirits and our award-winning wine selection.
Meals changes US & AA announced - international and domestic [Discussion]
Mar 10, 2014, 1:44 pm
#151
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I think it was an internal communication -- and clearly it's just an estimate. I would guess that nautical miles are used by the airline internally, though BoeingBoy would probably know better than I.
Supporting that, there are very few actual nonstop routes out of CLT that are >1000nm and <3.5h flight time -- domestically, I think it's just CLT-DEN. Center area is 1000nm, and the ring is 210min:
(Map generated by the Great Circle Mapper and copyright Karl L Swartz)
Supporting that, there are very few actual nonstop routes out of CLT that are >1000nm and <3.5h flight time -- domestically, I think it's just CLT-DEN. Center area is 1000nm, and the ring is 210min:
(Map generated by the Great Circle Mapper and copyright Karl L Swartz)
Mar 10, 2014, 4:27 pm
#152
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FWIW, the current meal schedule is published as a minimum flight time but is actually based on miles - something like 1300-1350 miles to get a meal in FC. Time based on scheduled flight time is actually a better method since at some airports the actual miles, and thus the flight time, is as much as 30 miles different depending on runway in use.
Jim
Mar 11, 2014, 2:03 am
#153
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FWIW, I just got my u/g on a 3pm PHX-IAH flight for *this week* that is now listed as "Dinner"
This flight has never been a meal flight, but always snack basket. Unsure if this is just the coding kicking in, or if there will actually be a meal catered, considering it's outside normal meal windows for AA (would be a snack flight, if anything)
I'll report back if I'm served anything other than basket goodies....anyone else seeing changes early?
This flight has never been a meal flight, but always snack basket. Unsure if this is just the coding kicking in, or if there will actually be a meal catered, considering it's outside normal meal windows for AA (would be a snack flight, if anything)
I'll report back if I'm served anything other than basket goodies....anyone else seeing changes early?
Mar 11, 2014, 12:30 pm
#154
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I hate to be the bearer of potential bad news, but I heard back from another US FA with insider information. Don't take this as gospel, but it seems like the final plan is:
When I asked this FA how come this was in conflict with the previous announcements that US was bringing its' meal service parameters to match that of AA's current parameters, I was told that "this was all tentative when written."
I'm still unclear of whether this is between 4/1 to 9/1, but I have to guess it's for 9/1 and onwards for the alignment of both carriers, because US does not currently (nor was slated to on 4/1) serve snacks between 2 and 2:45 hours, unless the announcement on Page 1 was designated for 4/1 on US flights. I will clarify and confirm if this is for post-9/1 meal planning (on both carriers), or only for the transitional period between 4/1 and 9/1.
2:45 and up meal flights
2:00-2:45 finger sandwiches/fruit, muffins/fruit
1:00-2:00 snack basket
Of what I'm hearing, those piddly snacks thrown on a tray aren't that fab, but I guess it's all in what one expects. I think I will leave my criticism silenced until I see the product and how it is presented.
2:00-2:45 finger sandwiches/fruit, muffins/fruit
1:00-2:00 snack basket
Of what I'm hearing, those piddly snacks thrown on a tray aren't that fab, but I guess it's all in what one expects. I think I will leave my criticism silenced until I see the product and how it is presented.
I'm still unclear of whether this is between 4/1 to 9/1, but I have to guess it's for 9/1 and onwards for the alignment of both carriers, because US does not currently (nor was slated to on 4/1) serve snacks between 2 and 2:45 hours, unless the announcement on Page 1 was designated for 4/1 on US flights. I will clarify and confirm if this is for post-9/1 meal planning (on both carriers), or only for the transitional period between 4/1 and 9/1.
Mar 11, 2014, 1:43 pm
#155
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How would this FA know what is happening on 9/1?
Mar 11, 2014, 1:53 pm
#156
Join Date: Aug 2008
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I hate to be the bearer of potential bad news, but I heard back from another US FA with insider information. Don't take this as gospel, but it seems like the final plan is:
When I asked this FA how come this was in conflict with the previous announcements that US was bringing its' meal service parameters to match that of AA's current parameters, I was told that "this was all tentative when written."
I'm still unclear of whether this is between 4/1 to 9/1, but I have to guess it's for 9/1 and onwards for the alignment of both carriers, because US does not currently (nor was slated to on 4/1) serve snacks between 2 and 2:45 hours, unless the announcement on Page 1 was designated for 4/1 on US flights. I will clarify and confirm if this is for post-9/1 meal planning (on both carriers), or only for the transitional period between 4/1 and 9/1.
When I asked this FA how come this was in conflict with the previous announcements that US was bringing its' meal service parameters to match that of AA's current parameters, I was told that "this was all tentative when written."
I'm still unclear of whether this is between 4/1 to 9/1, but I have to guess it's for 9/1 and onwards for the alignment of both carriers, because US does not currently (nor was slated to on 4/1) serve snacks between 2 and 2:45 hours, unless the announcement on Page 1 was designated for 4/1 on US flights. I will clarify and confirm if this is for post-9/1 meal planning (on both carriers), or only for the transitional period between 4/1 and 9/1.
Mar 11, 2014, 3:58 pm
#157
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As per the OP a month ago:
The thing is, this change to 1100nm flights does not "bring them up to AA standards".
What it does do is bring the 3˝ hour standard about ľ hour (~˝ way) closer to AA's current standard (2-2˝ window).
It leaves plenty of room for speculation that come September, AA's standard would be pushed out ľ hour to be aligned with this new "1100nm" standard of US.
"On the American side of the operation, domestic meal
services will remain as they are today until September."
This, to me, makes it clear that in September AA will change meal services and windows. So much for the promise that US would offer AA services, and not the other way around.
Of course, we can dream of the New American expanding meals to all domestic F flights (which BA manages to do in Club Europe, on all flights), adding a snack as a beverage accompaniment in the Main Cabin, etc., etc., etc.
services will remain as they are today until September."
This, to me, makes it clear that in September AA will change meal services and windows. So much for the promise that US would offer AA services, and not the other way around.
Of course, we can dream of the New American expanding meals to all domestic F flights (which BA manages to do in Club Europe, on all flights), adding a snack as a beverage accompaniment in the Main Cabin, etc., etc., etc.
I have seldom read a more negative bunch of scaremongering posts as on this page. How can an improvement in catering on US flights to bring them up to AA standards (which is pretty high for a US domestic airline) be interpreted as the start of a reduction of such catering overall? ...
What it does do is bring the 3˝ hour standard about ľ hour (~˝ way) closer to AA's current standard (2-2˝ window).
It leaves plenty of room for speculation that come September, AA's standard would be pushed out ľ hour to be aligned with this new "1100nm" standard of US.
Mar 11, 2014, 4:05 pm
#158
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CLT-AUS is RJ, or at least some of them are, wonder how thats gonna work.
Mar 11, 2014, 4:35 pm
#159
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Mar 11, 2014, 4:49 pm
#160
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Internal communication? I would presume FA's are told of upcoming changes/long-term plans for meal service provisioning, and maybe it's been made official internally that, come 9/1, AA and US both will align to the 2:45 threshold for meal service, and snack service 2-2:45?
I'm still waiting to hear if this is decidedly for 9/1 and to be policy on both AA and US, or if this is only transitional until final alignment. Perhaps this is for US, but the combined carrier will have a 800/900-mile threshold to benchmark UA/DL, or even keep the current AA windows?
I'm still waiting to hear if this is decidedly for 9/1 and to be policy on both AA and US, or if this is only transitional until final alignment. Perhaps this is for US, but the combined carrier will have a 800/900-mile threshold to benchmark UA/DL, or even keep the current AA windows?
Last edited by MrAndy1369; Mar 11, 2014 at 5:11 pm Reason: clarification
Mar 11, 2014, 9:38 pm
#161
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I'm still unclear of whether this is between 4/1 to 9/1, but I have to guess it's for 9/1 and onwards for the alignment of both carriers, because US does not currently (nor was slated to on 4/1) serve snacks between 2 and 2:45 hours, unless the announcement on Page 1 was designated for 4/1 on US flights.
Hot or cold? I don't believe any pmUS RJs have ovens.
Mar 11, 2014, 11:23 pm
#162
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Mar 11, 2014, 11:58 pm
#163
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One other note is that the US Embraer 190s, in spite of being flown by mainline crews, do not have ovens either. I believe they are the only mainline aircraft that do not, though they may have removed them from the few 737-400s that remain and are being retired this year as they're no longer deployed on longer routes that are meal eligible.
The E190s generally do shorter flights, such as the Shuttles, PHL-RDU, etc, but they also do routes such as PHL-AUS/SAT where this is more relevant.
The E190s generally do shorter flights, such as the Shuttles, PHL-RDU, etc, but they also do routes such as PHL-AUS/SAT where this is more relevant.
Mar 12, 2014, 1:09 pm
#164
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Yes, but based on the wording of that FA, it seems like it may be the final plan...hence my concern. Still waiting upon confirmation, though.
Worst case scenario: AA will move to 2:45/3:30 as the minimum for meal service; best case scenario: AA will retain its' current meal windows, even after 9/1, and the 2:45 window is purely transitional.
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this idea - if this best warrants a new thread, mods, feel free to create one. I would strongly recommend a mass letter-writing campaign to AA while we still have time, to ask that they keep meal service standards the same as they are today. Something simple such as:
------
I, and a coalition of elites and paying First Class passengers, respectfully request that the combined carrier retain meal services at the current service levels and timing windows. Keeping your meal service standards high will foster competition, command high revenue by paying premium-fare customers, and will adhere to a premium image that American Airlines has worked hard to achieve. Offering meal service, even on short 2-hour flights, has differentiated you from your competitors, and helps to bring in premium fares for a premium service.
Also, American Airlines has traditionally kept its' meal service standards generous compared to other carriers for decades, so why stop now? Two hours and forty minutes can appear to be longer, and may drive away potential premium revenue. Offering a higher standard of service helps to make the brand stand out and be recognized. If you feel that you do not currently get enough premium fares, may I suggest you market your First Class product, showcasing the fact that you serve meals on 2-hour flights, while your competitors do not, and see if this pulls in extra revenue?
I understand mergers are a difficult and trying time, for both the airline and the customer. However, I implore you to seriously consider keeping your First Class meals the same, both the timing and the quality. I have enjoyed your meal service for [number of] years.
Respectfully,
[name; elite status if applicable]
------
I can imagine if many of us sent in that letter, customizing it a bit based on our own experiences, it may make a difference and may fall on their radar. Maybe not, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Sometimes carriers can forget that we DO appreciate their unique service, in a rush to follow other carriers’ policies/standards, so it may be a good reminder for AA to acknowledge that we do enjoy their service.
What do you think of my suggested letter format? Any feedback/recommendations?
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this idea - if this best warrants a new thread, mods, feel free to create one. I would strongly recommend a mass letter-writing campaign to AA while we still have time, to ask that they keep meal service standards the same as they are today. Something simple such as:
------
I, and a coalition of elites and paying First Class passengers, respectfully request that the combined carrier retain meal services at the current service levels and timing windows. Keeping your meal service standards high will foster competition, command high revenue by paying premium-fare customers, and will adhere to a premium image that American Airlines has worked hard to achieve. Offering meal service, even on short 2-hour flights, has differentiated you from your competitors, and helps to bring in premium fares for a premium service.
Also, American Airlines has traditionally kept its' meal service standards generous compared to other carriers for decades, so why stop now? Two hours and forty minutes can appear to be longer, and may drive away potential premium revenue. Offering a higher standard of service helps to make the brand stand out and be recognized. If you feel that you do not currently get enough premium fares, may I suggest you market your First Class product, showcasing the fact that you serve meals on 2-hour flights, while your competitors do not, and see if this pulls in extra revenue?
I understand mergers are a difficult and trying time, for both the airline and the customer. However, I implore you to seriously consider keeping your First Class meals the same, both the timing and the quality. I have enjoyed your meal service for [number of] years.
Respectfully,
[name; elite status if applicable]
------
I can imagine if many of us sent in that letter, customizing it a bit based on our own experiences, it may make a difference and may fall on their radar. Maybe not, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Sometimes carriers can forget that we DO appreciate their unique service, in a rush to follow other carriers’ policies/standards, so it may be a good reminder for AA to acknowledge that we do enjoy their service.
What do you think of my suggested letter format? Any feedback/recommendations?
Mar 12, 2014, 3:32 pm
#165
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Personally, I would avoid mentioning the 2:40 thing in the second paragraph, and just focus on specific routes that could lose service. E.g., "In the past, I've chosen to fly AA from Boston to Chicago in part because of the excellent, full meal served in First. This service is a meaningful differentiator between AA and competitors like UA serving this route."