Aug 31, 2014, 11:35 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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This thread touches upon shared individual experiences when flying First/Business domestically on AA/US, in regards to meal service (sharing menus/photos/experiences, both good and bad), as well as answering questions. Both carriers are still operating separately, but as of 9/1, domestic meal service (including Alaska and Hawaii) has been standardized across both carriers. Hence, the meal experience should be identical on both carriers, across the board, domestically.
What should we expect?
MEAL WINDOWS:
Up to 699 miles (under 2 hours):
Enjoy a light snack such as a fig bar, cookies or pretzels.
700-899 miles (2 – 2:30 hours)
A heartier selection of snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit is served on most flights (Lite Bites), with exceptions (see below).
900 – 1,298 miles (2:45 – 3:30 hours)
Warmed mixed nuts and a heartier selection of snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit is served on most flights.
1,299+ miles (over 3:30 hours)
Enjoy an appetizer paired with your entrée followed by cake for dessert. For 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 certain transcons, listed below.)
CERTAIN MARKETS:
A321 Transcontinental Service (JFK-LAX/SFO):
Note: This focuses specifically on JFK-LAX/SFO service.
Hawaiian Flights:
Between Hawaii and DFW/ORD:
Between Hawaii and LAX/PHX:
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.
Some of this information has been copied from the AA/US websites. This Wiki will be updated if there are any modifications made to the combined carrier's meal policy.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Flights departing DFW
(lower right wiki corner)This thread touches upon shared individual experiences when flying First/Business domestically on AA/US, in regards to meal service (sharing menus/photos/experiences, both good and bad), as well as answering questions. Both carriers are still operating separately, but as of 9/1, domestic meal service (including Alaska and Hawaii) has been standardized across both carriers. Hence, the meal experience should be identical on both carriers, across the board, domestically.
What should we expect?
MEAL WINDOWS:
Up to 699 miles (under 2 hours):
Enjoy a light snack such as a fig bar, cookies or pretzels.
700-899 miles (2 – 2:30 hours)
A heartier selection of snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit is served on most flights (Lite Bites), with exceptions (see below).
900 – 1,298 miles (2:45 – 3:30 hours)
Warmed mixed nuts and a heartier selection of snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit is served on most flights.
1,299+ miles (over 3:30 hours)
Enjoy an appetizer paired with your entrée followed by cake for dessert. For 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 certain transcons, listed below.)
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 JFK-LAX/SFO service.
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
- Between FLL and: PAP
- Between JFK and: FLL, MCO, TPA
- Between MIA and: IAH, PAP
- Between MSP and: CLT, PHL
- Between ORD and: BOS, DCA, DEN, JFK, LGA, RDU, AUS
Some of this information has been copied from the AA/US websites. This Wiki will be updated if there are any modifications made to the combined carrier's meal policy.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Flights departing DFW
Late 2014 AA/US Combined Domestic Meals - menu / pictures / etc. (Consolidated)
Sep 12, 2014, 2:33 pm
#241
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
That meal looks pretty much like something I would think about serving my dog. Or perhaps more like something my cat has served in reverse...
What was the little dish above the bread supposed to be?
Sep 12, 2014, 2:39 pm
#242
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
Sep 12, 2014, 2:41 pm
#243
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,606
That was one of the best parts of the service.
It had two olives, some crumbled pieces of feta, and then some cut up veggies. Would have preferred a salad instead.
Wasn't as gooey as before. I could also taste the difference in preparation (easy to tell, IMO, if its fresh or cooked and sitting for hours before in the airline kitchen)
Sep 12, 2014, 2:43 pm
#244
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
That's unacceptable. I couldn't eat that. Who actually prepares these meals?? Aa or a contractor? Has aa switched to the us contractor.
I had chicken piccata last night clt-lax and It looks exactly like this dish.
I had chicken piccata last night clt-lax and It looks exactly like this dish.
AA1620
ORD-RDU
B738 w/ Sky Interior
Options were a Tarrago Chicken w/ red skin mashed 'taters and "fire roasted corn" or Ricotta Cavatelli w/ Mediterranean sauce. Pre-ordered the chicken, figuring it would be like every other AA chicken dish and taste alright.
Boy was I wrong.
This has to have been the nastiest meal I've ever had on AA. Definitely being influenced by US, as its an exact replica of a dish I had from PHX-JFK in January that seemed like it should be an economy meal.
Cookies were served in the bowls and much smaller than before. Tasted different as well, so not sure if that recipe has changed.
Overall, 1/10 for the meal. I'd love for the beef tenderloin salad I had two weeks ago on this route to come back. This is a special exception route for meals, though if they're going to serve this junk, they might as well switch it to snack basket meals.
ORD-RDU
B738 w/ Sky Interior
Options were a Tarrago Chicken w/ red skin mashed 'taters and "fire roasted corn" or Ricotta Cavatelli w/ Mediterranean sauce. Pre-ordered the chicken, figuring it would be like every other AA chicken dish and taste alright.
Boy was I wrong.
This has to have been the nastiest meal I've ever had on AA. Definitely being influenced by US, as its an exact replica of a dish I had from PHX-JFK in January that seemed like it should be an economy meal.
Cookies were served in the bowls and much smaller than before. Tasted different as well, so not sure if that recipe has changed.
Overall, 1/10 for the meal. I'd love for the beef tenderloin salad I had two weeks ago on this route to come back. This is a special exception route for meals, though if they're going to serve this junk, they might as well switch it to snack basket meals.
Sep 12, 2014, 2:52 pm
#245
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
The big catering firms worldwide are LSG Sky Chefs or Gate Gourmet. They'll prepare any meals the airlines want with any ingredients the airlines are willing to pay for - cheap ingredients or top-shelf ingredients. It's clear that Hatchet Man Hector has tampered with the specs of lots of AA meals.
Sep 12, 2014, 2:57 pm
#246
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
A cynical person might say that's the plan. Make the meal as disgusting looking (and tasting) and then, after the complaints roll in, announce that it's being replaced by the gas-station vending machine sandwiches instead - and tell everyone that it's an "improvement" you asked for.
Sep 12, 2014, 3:24 pm
#247
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
That's a disgusting looking meal.
A cynical person might say that's the plan. Make the meal as disgusting looking (and tasting) and then, after the complaints roll in, announce that it's being replaced by the gas-station vending machine sandwiches instead - and tell everyone that it's an "improvement" you asked for.
A cynical person might say that's the plan. Make the meal as disgusting looking (and tasting) and then, after the complaints roll in, announce that it's being replaced by the gas-station vending machine sandwiches instead - and tell everyone that it's an "improvement" you asked for.
That meal looks absolutely revolting; I probably wouldn't touch it. If I was starving, I'd pick at the chicken.
I have my first experience with McDougie coming up. Can't wait.
Sep 12, 2014, 4:09 pm
#248
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
AA sold pieces of its wholly-owned catering firm, Sky Chefs, to LSG in the late 1990s and sold the rest to LSG in 2001.
The big catering firms worldwide are LSG Sky Chefs or Gate Gourmet. They'll prepare any meals the airlines want with any ingredients the airlines are willing to pay for - cheap ingredients or top-shelf ingredients. It's clear that Hatchet Man Hector has tampered with the specs of lots of AA meals.
The big catering firms worldwide are LSG Sky Chefs or Gate Gourmet. They'll prepare any meals the airlines want with any ingredients the airlines are willing to pay for - cheap ingredients or top-shelf ingredients. It's clear that Hatchet Man Hector has tampered with the specs of lots of AA meals.
Sep 12, 2014, 4:34 pm
#249
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,256
Did the inside of the enchilada resemble re-fried beans. Purple in color with the texture of mashed up black beans? If that is the case, what you ate was "pink slime" (aka lean finely textured beef) that was heated and chemically engineered for it to taste "good". That is not food, much less beef, and should not be served to any human.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jdto8KtdwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jdto8KtdwA
Now I am definitely going to stay away from any enchilada or similar meal. The chicken and shrimp were always good options but now it seems like pasta is probably the safest? Beef, which is always my goto seems like it should be avoided at all costs on the new system. What the heck was wrong with getting a piece of chicken and some sauce on the side to go with it if you like or having the chicken breaded?
Sep 12, 2014, 8:23 pm
#250
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,315
Lax-Mia 777 J on Monday - nice stuffed chicken. True, about 500 extra calories in the stuffing, but easy to scrape off, tender chicken and the stuffing wasn't bad if you weren't health concious.
Mia-Lax 777 J this morning. BEWARE the Turkey spinach quiche. A bowl made up a quiche crust filled with spinach glop. Requested it be cooked more - it just was then hot glop. (my second time with it; I thought it was just undercooked last time).
Mia-Lax 777 J this morning. BEWARE the Turkey spinach quiche. A bowl made up a quiche crust filled with spinach glop. Requested it be cooked more - it just was then hot glop. (my second time with it; I thought it was just undercooked last time).
Sep 12, 2014, 9:17 pm
#251
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 946
Why AA hasn't opted to offer healthier options is beyond me - with the popularity of Whole Foods, natural / organic, etc it seems like it would be a no brainer to offer better options. Though with former US management at the helm I won't hold my breath.
Sep 12, 2014, 9:20 pm
#252
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,606
That's a disgusting looking meal.
A cynical person might say that's the plan. Make the meal as disgusting looking (and tasting) and then, after the complaints roll in, announce that it's being replaced by the gas-station vending machine sandwiches instead - and tell everyone that it's an "improvement" you asked for.
A cynical person might say that's the plan. Make the meal as disgusting looking (and tasting) and then, after the complaints roll in, announce that it's being replaced by the gas-station vending machine sandwiches instead - and tell everyone that it's an "improvement" you asked for.
Really am interested to see what happens with the chicken picatta on Monday. If its anything like this dish, I'm sending it back.
Thankfully my only two connecting airports (when flying from MCI) have great restaurants.. Guess I'll be spending more $$ at DFW/ORD for meals, or enjoying more in the Centurion Lounge. Thankfully ORD has Tortas Frontera, which is much better than any meAAl Doug could serve.
Sep 12, 2014, 11:15 pm
#253
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 185
[QUOTE=miamigrad;23511563]Folks, please stay on topic of this thread and refrain from lodging personal commentary directed at one another. Disagreeing with someone's position is fine, but do not make personal attacks.
Posts are subject to redaction and/or deletion. Those who cannot abide by FT's TOS are subject to discipline.
Everybody's cooperation is appreciated.
Let's see how that plays out. Trolls come and go so many different ways.
Posts are subject to redaction and/or deletion. Those who cannot abide by FT's TOS are subject to discipline.
Everybody's cooperation is appreciated.
Let's see how that plays out. Trolls come and go so many different ways.
Sep 13, 2014, 4:32 am
#254
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
The cost of training US Airways employees on simple things like saying hello, smiling, and interacting with customers must be freaking Dougie out big time. How will he ever afford it?
Sep 13, 2014, 7:50 am
#255
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
AA1620
ORD-RDU
B738 w/ Sky Interior
Options were a Tarrago Chicken w/ red skin mashed 'taters and "fire roasted corn" or Ricotta Cavatelli w/ Mediterranean sauce. Pre-ordered the chicken, figuring it would be like every other AA chicken dish and taste alright.
Boy was I wrong.
ORD-RDU
B738 w/ Sky Interior
Options were a Tarrago Chicken w/ red skin mashed 'taters and "fire roasted corn" or Ricotta Cavatelli w/ Mediterranean sauce. Pre-ordered the chicken, figuring it would be like every other AA chicken dish and taste alright.
Boy was I wrong.