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]
#211
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 758
Do you think they will retain the free meals in Y on the Haiti flights? I'm also curious as to how come that market specifically retained free meals in Y when all other Caribbean markets went to BOB.
#212
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
Finally, an official announcement:
More details here.
Meals on shorter flights, new snacks and more
Beginning April 1, 2014, you'll notice some new inflight enhancements in First Class on domestic US Airways flights.
Beginning April 1, 2014, you'll notice some new inflight enhancements in First Class on domestic US Airways flights.
- We're offering our signature snack basket on flights 1 – 2 hours in length
- Lite Bites, a new snack basket including fresh fruit, breakfast cakes and finger sandwiches, will be offered on flights 2 – 2:45 hours long
- Flights longer than 2:45 hours will feature an updated menu of fresh meals
#213
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,160
Expanded for additional details:
Nomenclature changes:
Source
I gotta admit, seems promising on paper. Let's see how the actual meal/snack service goes. Right now, AA's current snack service is a bit weak, so maybe the US snack service standards will actually be an improvement. One thing that kind of seems weird is the Lite Bites/Continental Breakfast box being served on post-8pm flights. Maybe that's a typo? AA currently offers "Late Night Supper" on post-8pm transcons. I also wonder why MSP is being specifically called out in this announcement.
Speaking of AA, it's also interesting how nothing is being said about the AA meal service standards - this is completely US Airways. Maybe there's still hope that AA's meal service windows will remain, or there will be at least a compromise to bring the minimum down to 800/900 miles to benchmark UA/DL. Time shall tell.
- On flights less than 1 hour, enjoy a morning and afternoon/evening beverage with a snack
- We’re offering our signature snack basket on flights 1 – 2 hours in length
- Lite Bites, a new snack basket including fresh fruit, breakfast cakes and finger sandwiches, will be offered on flights 2 – 2:45 hours long, as well as on flights departing after 8 PM
- On flights from Charlotte to Minneapolis and from Philadelphia to Minneapolis, enjoy meal service: Breakfast 5 AM – 9 AM, Lunch 9:01 AM – 1:30 PM, Dinner 4:01 PM – 8 PM, Lite Bites 1:31 PM – 4 PM and after 8 PM**
- A meal is offered on flights 2:45 – 3:30 hours long from 5 AM to 8 PM, and Lite Bites are offered after 8 PM**
- On flights longer than 4:30 hours, enjoy meal service with a snack basket 5 AM to 8 PM, and Lite Bites with a Continental Breakfast Box served after 8 PM and on late night flights
- New glassware on all domestic First Class flights
Nomenclature changes:
- The names of the US Airways classes of service will be changed to align with American Airlines.
- Envoy is now Business Class
- Coach and Economy are now referred to as Main Cabin
Source
I gotta admit, seems promising on paper. Let's see how the actual meal/snack service goes. Right now, AA's current snack service is a bit weak, so maybe the US snack service standards will actually be an improvement. One thing that kind of seems weird is the Lite Bites/Continental Breakfast box being served on post-8pm flights. Maybe that's a typo? AA currently offers "Late Night Supper" on post-8pm transcons. I also wonder why MSP is being specifically called out in this announcement.
Speaking of AA, it's also interesting how nothing is being said about the AA meal service standards - this is completely US Airways. Maybe there's still hope that AA's meal service windows will remain, or there will be at least a compromise to bring the minimum down to 800/900 miles to benchmark UA/DL. Time shall tell.
#214
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
My guess is MSP would fall under the time cutoffs, but Delta serves a meal so US will do so to complete with them. I'm surprised there aren't more similar cases like that.
#215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
They probably already exist (but mainly on the AA side) like ORD-LGA. I believe that US currently caters a couple of routes that are under the 3.5 hour rule for competitive reasons.
#216
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,160
I agree most of the shorter routes would go to AA (as US hubs are mainly transcon/"long-haul" hubs - PHX/CLT/PHL), but if US serves other competitive routes with meals, even if being under the cutoff, why is only MSP being mentioned?
#217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Because it was a route not previously meal-catered. And now it will be. I believe PHX-ORD is a US route that currently has meal service, but is under 3hr30min. What would be the point of mentioning it? To remind people in case they forgot? Moreover, PHX-ORD even if it were not a meal flight now, would be one under the new "2hr45min rule". However, I am surprised about DFW-CLT not having meals since AA offers meals on their side.
Last edited by Fanjet; Mar 27, 2014 at 1:38 am
#218
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Posts: 21,995
#219
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: High Point, NC
Programs: None
Posts: 9,171
Jim
#220
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,160
Yeah, but I did some dummy bookings for CLT/PHL transcons heading west after 8pm after 4/1, such as the 8:35pm PHL-SFO, and it's still showing as Dinner for those flights.
Also, if they do switch for the post-8pm transcons, why offer a continental breakfast box? Those are not redeyes.
Also, if they do switch for the post-8pm transcons, why offer a continental breakfast box? Those are not redeyes.
#221
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: High Point, NC
Programs: None
Posts: 9,171
Also, if they do switch for the post-8pm transcons, why offer a continental breakfast box? Those are not redeyes.
Jim
#222
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SFO / SJC / OAK
Programs: AS / CSR / AMEX
Posts: 266
Yeah, but I did some dummy bookings for CLT/PHL transcons heading west after 8pm after 4/1, such as the 8:35pm PHL-SFO, and it's still showing as Dinner for those flights.
Also, if they do switch for the post-8pm transcons, why offer a continental breakfast box? Those are not redeyes.
Also, if they do switch for the post-8pm transcons, why offer a continental breakfast box? Those are not redeyes.
But in all seriousness, it's probably just a mistake and I'm guessing they'll fix it
#223
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Currently US doesn't offer a meal on late transcons so that is more in line with US' current service. Time will tell if AA drops the meal on late night flights or US gets the meals, but if I had to bet it would be that AA will drop the meal in favor of Lite Snacks.
Jim
Jim
AA is not dropping meals on late trans-cons.
#225
Suspended
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Location: London
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