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 18, 2014, 8:57 pm
#301
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Very interesting. Along with SANbound's 9/13 flight. AA223 was definitely listed as having refreshment only for yesterday. I'll be on the flight soon and I'll report back whether or not I get a full meal (although it's listed as refreshment only)
FWIW, I did voice my displeasure to AA via twitter that I was able to select chicken for my flight yet they decided to yank it. I mentioned this before but for about a week post 9/1 AA223 was listed as having full dinner and I was able to select my meal choice. Then, around 9/9, they relisted AA223 as refreshment. I'm wondering if they will still serve meals in September because they did allow people to choose their meals at some point
FWIW, I did voice my displeasure to AA via twitter that I was able to select chicken for my flight yet they decided to yank it. I mentioned this before but for about a week post 9/1 AA223 was listed as having full dinner and I was able to select my meal choice. Then, around 9/9, they relisted AA223 as refreshment. I'm wondering if they will still serve meals in September because they did allow people to choose their meals at some point
Sep 19, 2014, 12:55 am
#302
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
Deleted
Last edited by AA-Flyer-SAN; Sep 19, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Sep 19, 2014, 1:05 am
#303
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Well I just flew on my first flight that didn't have the typical AA snack or
Meal but instead the "savory" snack basket. It was DISGUSTING. I've gotten better alternatives on AMTRAK in business class. The person next to me actually BOUGHT his FC ticket and doesn't know what he paid extra for. Here are some pics:
My savory option
The filling "sandwich".
A slab of "pesto", butter and some tomato thing.
Thanks Doug Parker.
Meal but instead the "savory" snack basket. It was DISGUSTING. I've gotten better alternatives on AMTRAK in business class. The person next to me actually BOUGHT his FC ticket and doesn't know what he paid extra for. Here are some pics:
My savory option
The filling "sandwich".
A slab of "pesto", butter and some tomato thing.
Thanks Doug Parker.
Sep 19, 2014, 8:21 am
#304
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
Yea, something like that, and they are always interested in hearing from loyal EXPs blah blah, but they have forwarded my comment to the catering department. Whatever that means.
Sep 19, 2014, 8:38 am
#305
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
They really need to forward all comments on to Dear Leader Doug Parker and flood his inbox with complaints.
Sep 19, 2014, 11:32 am
#306
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSN
Programs: UA Gold, SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 210
Had the "pleasure" of seeing the meal enhancements yesterday PHL-ORD (Republic), afternoon flight.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.
Sep 19, 2014, 11:51 am
#307
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Had the "pleasure" of seeing the meal enhancements yesterday PHL-ORD (Republic), afternoon flight.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.
Sep 19, 2014, 11:55 am
#308
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
Sep 19, 2014, 1:05 pm
#309
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: PVD
Programs: AA Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 135
AA 145 MIA-SAN 8:05 PM
September 13th, 2014
Juice or water PDB
Warm nuts with Jack & 7up to start (I didn't request any, though I observed other pax asking for and receiving refills on the nuts). Good service from the FA's with multiple runs through the cabin before, during, and after dinner service for refills and plate clearing.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Choice of Chicken Piccata or Artichoke Ravioli. FEBO used for order taking. I was flying with Mrs. SANbound, and we had preordered one of each. They ran out of the ravioli before reaching our row, and we were in row 5, the second row to get orders taken. It seemed about 25% of the cabin had preordered.
My Chicken Piccata
[IMG]
[/IMG]
My better half's Artichoke Ravioli
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Bread basket with warm wheat or pretzel rolls passed around immediately after receiving our trays. The vegetables on the chicken piccata looked and tasted like they were out of a grocery store freezer bag, and the chicken was a little dry, but otherwise the food seemed to be of acceptable quality. I wasn't blown away by anything but the warm nuts and pretzel roll, but comforts like those are hard to mess up!
New "sundae" to finish. No toppings, but the ice cream seemed to be of good quality and was of the cookies & cream variety.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
The wife tells me the ubiquitous snack basket was passed about an hour prior to landing, but I fell asleep after dinner until landing, so I missed it. Duvets and pillows on our seats when boarding, which was nice as I'd feared they'd taken them away with the "enhancements". Sorry for the pic quality... it was my first time trying to photograph airplane food, and I don't think I've made it to SFO777 standards quite yet!
September 13th, 2014
Juice or water PDB
Warm nuts with Jack & 7up to start (I didn't request any, though I observed other pax asking for and receiving refills on the nuts). Good service from the FA's with multiple runs through the cabin before, during, and after dinner service for refills and plate clearing.
[IMG]
[/IMG]Choice of Chicken Piccata or Artichoke Ravioli. FEBO used for order taking. I was flying with Mrs. SANbound, and we had preordered one of each. They ran out of the ravioli before reaching our row, and we were in row 5, the second row to get orders taken. It seemed about 25% of the cabin had preordered.
My Chicken Piccata
[IMG]
[/IMG]My better half's Artichoke Ravioli
[IMG]
[/IMG]Bread basket with warm wheat or pretzel rolls passed around immediately after receiving our trays. The vegetables on the chicken piccata looked and tasted like they were out of a grocery store freezer bag, and the chicken was a little dry, but otherwise the food seemed to be of acceptable quality. I wasn't blown away by anything but the warm nuts and pretzel roll, but comforts like those are hard to mess up!
New "sundae" to finish. No toppings, but the ice cream seemed to be of good quality and was of the cookies & cream variety.
[IMG]
[/IMG]The wife tells me the ubiquitous snack basket was passed about an hour prior to landing, but I fell asleep after dinner until landing, so I missed it. Duvets and pillows on our seats when boarding, which was nice as I'd feared they'd taken them away with the "enhancements". Sorry for the pic quality... it was my first time trying to photograph airplane food, and I don't think I've made it to SFO777 standards quite yet!
Sep 19, 2014, 1:32 pm
#310
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Sep 19, 2014, 1:36 pm
#311
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: AA Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 1,200
Sep 19, 2014, 1:49 pm
#312
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I never thought I would say this, but the pasta options on AA seem to be the better choices these days.
Sep 19, 2014, 3:09 pm
#313
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
The 'starter' looks more like an amuse bouche than an appetizer and the ice cream looks like it lacks the components and quantity that the old sludge used to have, not even to mention the old sundae.
Also, with the picatta I would think either risotto, pasta, or even mashed potatoes would be a better option than white rice. And for the love, could we please get some kind of linens or something back to cover the tray tables?? Placing drinks and food directly onto these things really grosses me out because I KNOW they're never actually cleaned and who knows how much is now spilled on them.
Sep 19, 2014, 3:25 pm
#314
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NY
Programs: AA Plat Pro, KrisFlyer Elite Gold
Posts: 578
Sep 19, 2014, 3:29 pm
#315
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
Had the "pleasure" of seeing the meal enhancements yesterday PHL-ORD (Republic), afternoon flight.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.
Choices were chicken salad and "three amigos" sandwiches. I choose the sandwiches................mistake.
One sandwich was turkey, one ham and one tomato. Consisted of a thanksgiving day soft dinner roll, 2 very small pieces of meat and one small circle of tomato, plus three squares of cheese on each. Horrid. Basically three cheese sandwiches. Stopped after the first one.
The saving grace was that the FA was 5*. PDB and kept the drinks flowing through out the flight. Flown with this gentlemen several times and he never dissappoints. On the PDB he warned, "careful, this one has legs. Long pour, short glass." Classic! They should find a way to clone this guy.
Gave him a couple outstanding service tickets for the effort.