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]
Feb 17, 2014, 8:13 pm
#46
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Wait, so AA is completely discontinuing 3-class int'l F? I thought there were going to be a few 777's still with the 3-class configuration?
Also, doesn't US have a similar setup in Envoy (plated-on-board, dessert trolley, etc)? I know the old CO BusinessFirst and DL BusinessElite had a similar setup.
Also, doesn't US have a similar setup in Envoy (plated-on-board, dessert trolley, etc)? I know the old CO BusinessFirst and DL BusinessElite had a similar setup.
This part worries me the most. I think we might be seeing the end of the special enhanced 2-class Business Class service currently offered on 763 and 75L equipment on IFS routes. (such as plated-on-board entrees, dessert 3-tiered trolley instead of service cart, etc.)
I suspect the reason and timing are because of the 772 conversions to 2-class. Those J cabins will be HUGE, so the meal service will take hours if the FAs have to plate entrees on board and hand-run to so many pax.
They made one concession: the made-to-order REAL sundaes are now available in J regardless of equipment type. But still, it is disappointing to think that the service will not be enhanced if there is no F cabin on the flight, and thus no need to differentiate.
I suspect the reason and timing are because of the 772 conversions to 2-class. Those J cabins will be HUGE, so the meal service will take hours if the FAs have to plate entrees on board and hand-run to so many pax.
They made one concession: the made-to-order REAL sundaes are now available in J regardless of equipment type. But still, it is disappointing to think that the service will not be enhanced if there is no F cabin on the flight, and thus no need to differentiate.
Feb 17, 2014, 9:23 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
This won't end well
A few thoughts...
Also, another thought: maybe the new expedited service for JFK-MAN/DUB/LHR was meant to be in Economy? The announcement did not say explicitly it was for Biz/F, but did make it clear that there would be a more streamlined Biz service for all eastbound flights to Europe, but specifically for JFK-MAN/DUB/LHR, did not mention class of service.
Nowhere in that quote does it say Business or First. Following that quote, the new streamlined service does mention Business. So, they could mean Economy for all we know.
Also, another thought: maybe the new expedited service for JFK-MAN/DUB/LHR was meant to be in Economy? The announcement did not say explicitly it was for Biz/F, but did make it clear that there would be a more streamlined Biz service for all eastbound flights to Europe, but specifically for JFK-MAN/DUB/LHR, did not mention class of service.
Nowhere in that quote does it say Business or First. Following that quote, the new streamlined service does mention Business. So, they could mean Economy for all we know.
Y is currently an expedited meal service. Nope, this is clearly a J class downgrade, as AA currently offers an "expedited" J class meal service.
The issue with pre-flight dining is: 1) if you arrive at the airport delayed and have too little time for pre-flight dining, 2) the need to arrive at the airport earlier to partake of dining (extending your journey times) and 3) some folks may prefer to stay up much of the night and food is part of the experience/time killer.
However, as more ATI flights migrate to BA, and are flown by BA, there are fewer AA flights to worry about from JFK to LHR.
Feb 18, 2014, 4:07 am
#49
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Y is currently an expedited meal service. Nope, this is clearly a J class downgrade, as AA currently offers an "expedited" J class meal service.
The issue with pre-flight dining is: 1) if you arrive at the airport delayed and have too little time for pre-flight dining, 2) the need to arrive at the airport earlier to partake of dining (extending your journey times) and 3) some folks may prefer to stay up much of the night and food is part of the experience/time killer.
However, as more ATI flights migrate to BA, and are flown by BA, there are fewer AA flights to worry about from JFK to LHR.
The issue with pre-flight dining is: 1) if you arrive at the airport delayed and have too little time for pre-flight dining, 2) the need to arrive at the airport earlier to partake of dining (extending your journey times) and 3) some folks may prefer to stay up much of the night and food is part of the experience/time killer.
However, as more ATI flights migrate to BA, and are flown by BA, there are fewer AA flights to worry about from JFK to LHR.
Feb 18, 2014, 7:08 am
#50
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This thread makes my head spin.
All I can really tell is that things are getting better on the US side, which is good, meals will get faster on short eastbound transatlantic flights, which is good, and unnamed further changes are coming later, which could be good or bad. Call me naïve but I'll wait to judge each change until I actually know what it is. So far these are actually all "good" in my book.
PS: I am not trying to "AApologise" for AA/USdbaAA here, just saying that we should at least give them a chance to sort out what changes they will be announcing later before we hold a wake for the good old days.
All I can really tell is that things are getting better on the US side, which is good, meals will get faster on short eastbound transatlantic flights, which is good, and unnamed further changes are coming later, which could be good or bad. Call me naïve but I'll wait to judge each change until I actually know what it is. So far these are actually all "good" in my book.
PS: I am not trying to "AApologise" for AA/USdbaAA here, just saying that we should at least give them a chance to sort out what changes they will be announcing later before we hold a wake for the good old days.
Feb 18, 2014, 7:39 am
#51
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DL has no problem performing this task on their BusinessElite 2-class aircraft with what will essentially be the same size J cabin on AA 772's.
Feb 18, 2014, 7:52 am
#52
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And how long does the meal service usually take? That's the point. Its not about a problem doing it (note that there are no reductions to the extent of int'l F/J meal service on anything other than eastbound TATLs). Its about how long it takes. I highly doubt that DL finishes, on average, in less than 2 hours after take off. On a JFK-LHR flight, if one hits the pillow 2 hours out, and doesn't rise until the plane starts descending, they can get 3.5 hours of sleep at best most nights. Add in a little time to digest and brush teeth and recline, etc. and its down to like 3 hours.
Feb 18, 2014, 9:03 am
#53
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
And how long does the meal service usually take? That's the point. Its not about a problem doing it (note that there are no reductions to the extent of int'l F/J meal service on anything other than eastbound TATLs). Its about how long it takes. I highly doubt that DL finishes, on average, in less than 2 hours after take off. On a JFK-LHR flight, if one hits the pillow 2 hours out, and doesn't rise until the plane starts descending, they can get 3.5 hours of sleep at best most nights. Add in a little time to digest and brush teeth and recline, etc. and its down to like 3 hours.
Simple solution for those who wish to eschew epicurean edibles is to fly BA metal. And not have the BA on shore and in flight meal "model" migrate to the rest of the TATL ATI cabal. There are plenty of BA flights.
If one is really intent on sleeping, take the day flight and sleep in a hotel-- or fly BA--but don't preclude others on AA from enjoying a hot meal served in courses, if they want to.
Again, just another downgrade in the guise of "alignment."
Feb 18, 2014, 9:09 am
#54
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Simple solution for those who wish to eschew epicurean edibles is to fly BA metal. And not have the BA on shore and in flight meal "model" migrate to the rest of the TATL ATI cabal. There are plenty of BA flights.
If one is really intent on sleeping, take the day flight and sleep in a hotel-- or fly BA--but don't preclude others on AA from enjoying a hot meal served in courses, if they want to.
Again, just another downgrade in the guise of "alignment."
If one is really intent on sleeping, take the day flight and sleep in a hotel-- or fly BA--but don't preclude others on AA from enjoying a hot meal served in courses, if they want to.
Again, just another downgrade in the guise of "alignment."
Second, <redacted> the bulk of the passengers sitting in the J cabin on TATL flights <are> time-strapped business travelers who are conducting business in Europe the next day who don't have time to burn a day flying to Europe. And for most of us, sleep is an essential component to being functional upon arrival. Not only is offering Sleeper Service style-service alongside full four course service incredibly costly but it still disturbs those sleeping in the cabin. If you look at the majority of the passengers on BA in J, and many on AA in J (even though they don't serve pre-flight dining outside the FL), they zonk out instantly upon take off - many not even waiting for a night cap or the Sleeper Service food service.
Last edited by Microwave; Feb 28, 2014 at 1:33 am
Feb 18, 2014, 10:10 am
#55
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First, we don't know what the revised service will be. BA Openskies, for example, in addition to the small bites offers a hot dish on Sleeper Service flights. And as I recall from my last BA JFK-LHR Sleeper Service flight, there was still very much a suitable option if you needed to eat a meal. Sure not a drawn out business class service, but a meal.
I even find the economy service to be too slow... since there are so many pax if you are seated even halfway back it can take an hour to get your meal, which is wasted sleeping time. I usually just ask for water and then take a sleeping pill.
Feb 18, 2014, 11:05 am
#56
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And on the eastbounds ex-LAX, for example, there's plenty of time for a meal.
If AA is planning to align more with BA, then pre-flight dining would be a reasonable consideration for the overnights. Somehow, I doubt AA will be that reasonable
Feb 18, 2014, 12:07 pm
#57
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I fly a 929 mile segment in paid F or UP almost every week. I would be sad if they did away with meal service as both ways I can snag a connection around 45 mins.
Feb 18, 2014, 12:25 pm
#58
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Yes, I was thinking the same. I try to upgrade from Y to J on the 763s rather than the 772s for that reason.
What about the daytime eastbounds?
And on the eastbounds ex-LAX, for example, there's plenty of time for a meal.
If AA is planning to align more with BA, then pre-flight dining would be a reasonable consideration for the overnights. Somehow, I doubt AA will be that reasonable
What about the daytime eastbounds?
And on the eastbounds ex-LAX, for example, there's plenty of time for a meal.
If AA is planning to align more with BA, then pre-flight dining would be a reasonable consideration for the overnights. Somehow, I doubt AA will be that reasonable
The daytime flights have always played by their own rules so I'm sure that something suitable will be offered.
What the streamlined offering will be on other eastbound TATLs will be is TBD but my guess is it will be an improvement in 90+% of cases. The only truly long TATL that AA offers eastbound is LAX-LHR and to a lesser extent DFW-CDG/MAD. Who knows, when this gets rolled out, LAX-LHR may be exempted. Let's not take the press release verbatim.
The special service on the 767 and 757 is becoming more obsolete given the 77W is a plating service in J. My guess is that over the next 18 months, its standardized on all aircraft in J and the only real loss will be bigger wine glasses in J on the 767 and 757.
Feb 18, 2014, 12:27 pm
#59
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Which is what "streamlined presentation" may mean. My guess it will be a single tray with maybe just a combined app/salad rather than both. And maybe eliminating the ice cream sundaes in favor of an easier to serve desert.
Feb 18, 2014, 12:30 pm
#60
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Best of both worlds would be if they just put all the food in front of you and let you decide how fast or slow to eat it. On a 12+ hour flight or a westbound flight it can be fun to go through the different courses slowly but on eastbound TATL it's just a pain.. and as others have mentioned the carts are noisy.