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 entre 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 entre 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 2, 2014, 11:57 am
#61
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA CK, BA Gold, SPG PLT, Hyatt Diamond, Avis First, Hertz 5*
Posts: 537
The FA asked people how they liked the new snacks. After three concurrent negative responses, she stopped asking.
Sep 2, 2014, 12:04 pm
#62
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 588
With AA's "overly generous" meal policies, the two airlines managed to earn $1.9 billion (excl special items) in the first six months. Revenues are growing and the catering expenses aren't weighing down profits. For part of those six months, some legacy US routes got meals for the first time.
So now, eight months into the year, AA's meals must be trimmed to help pay for the introduction of meals to the low-fare US side of things.
Doesn't sound like a recipe for financial success, but then I'm not the one paid tens of millions a year.
A wiser choice would have been to introduce AA's meal policies to the US side ASAP following the merger. Then, on Sept 1, improvements to the legacy AA standards and the US side - say, meals on flights longer than 550 or 600 miles. One-up the competition instead of being the only legacy cutting first class meals.
So now, eight months into the year, AA's meals must be trimmed to help pay for the introduction of meals to the low-fare US side of things.
Doesn't sound like a recipe for financial success, but then I'm not the one paid tens of millions a year.
A wiser choice would have been to introduce AA's meal policies to the US side ASAP following the merger. Then, on Sept 1, improvements to the legacy AA standards and the US side - say, meals on flights longer than 550 or 600 miles. One-up the competition instead of being the only legacy cutting first class meals.
In support of what you're saying: They won my business from United that way. Personally, I'm in complete agreement with you here.
The counterpoint I see discussed a lot, is that AA hasn't exactly stuck it out in as many direct markets where they have to coexist side-by-side with low-fare competition -- at least to the extent that they would otherwise. Much like the pre-HP USAir/ways, Southwest and others have staked a claim in many of the airports and markets where AA used to have strongholds. Conventional wisdom both at AA and at USAir circa 1990's was to go after a different market segment, which works great inside the scope of your own business, but what about in a merger?
Sure, AA's efforts to cater to the premium travelers in its current markets is very successful. Do we just cut off the US routes where the margins are smaller? If so, then haven't we managed to fail the same way every previous AA and most previous US mergers (for various reasons) did?
Sep 2, 2014, 12:07 pm
#63
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: West of the Rockies
Programs: AA EXP | DL SM | HH DM |*wood Gold
Posts: 1,271
I encourage everyone be certain to Tweet your thoughts to @AmericanAir
MO
MO
Sep 2, 2014, 12:30 pm
#64
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: West of the Rockies
Programs: AA EXP | DL SM | HH DM |*wood Gold
Posts: 1,271
Where the NO LIKE button?
MO
MO
Sep 2, 2014, 12:32 pm
#65
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt
Posts: 237
My flight attendant's response yesterday when I asked about the new meals was "today we became US Airways" I thought, well you got what you asked for. I dont feel bad for embarrassed flight attendants, they begged for USAir and their management to take over without knowing anything about the service level they are known for.
Sep 2, 2014, 12:50 pm
#66
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 78
Just had the experience of the new meals. Flight AA out of DFW to ORD. Food was a bunch of horribly-looking grapes and some yoghurt. I begged for couch food instead and got some hummus. At least the FA was nice enough to accept that. Kudos for that FA.
Sep 2, 2014, 4:00 pm
#67
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Dallas, TX.
Programs: AAdvantage EXP 1MM
Posts: 60
You couldn't be more spot on. Unfortunately for the business analysts, it's next-to-impossible to calculate the impact these actions have on peoples' long-term decisions. Sure, they're saving a little money here and there with the cuts, and sure, their internal metrics may not initially see much of a blip in terms of booked revenue. However, there is a long term hit to the brand image. People like me, who once booked AA automatically because I believed in the turnaround and AA's premium reputation versus the other legacy carriers, are now saying, "Gee, what's the sense in loyalty now? I don't feel the same pride in the brand. You're giving me a degraded product, and if I'm going to book into F anyway, why be so faithful to AA?" Over time, that does hurt the bottom line, and those types of feelings can't be quantified. As Bob Farrell once said in his now famous book, "Give them the pickle."
Sep 2, 2014, 4:08 pm
#68
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
You couldn't be more spot on. Unfortunately for the business analysts, it's next-to-impossible to calculate the impact these actions have on peoples' long-term decisions. Sure, they're saving a little money here and there with the cuts, and sure, their internal metrics may not initially see much of a blip in terms of booked revenue. However, there is a long term hit to the brand image. People like me, who once booked AA automatically because I believed in the turnaround and AA's premium reputation versus the other legacy carriers, are now saying, "Gee, what's the sense in loyalty now? I don't feel the same pride in the brand. You're giving me a degraded product, and if I'm going to book into F anyway, why be so faithful to AA?" Over time, that does hurt the bottom line, and those types of feelings can't be quantified. As Bob Farrell once said in his now famous book, "Give them the pickle."
Sep 2, 2014, 4:11 pm
#69
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Anaheim, CA - Delta Platinum Medallion,Sky Team Elite Plus, American Airlines Platinum, OneWorld - Emerald, EK-Skywards Gold, VS Flying Club, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold. Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum, Intercontinental Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 547
Sep 2, 2014, 4:19 pm
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,640
You couldn't be more spot on. Unfortunately for the business analysts, it's next-to-impossible to calculate the impact these actions have on peoples' long-term decisions. Sure, they're saving a little money here and there with the cuts, and sure, their internal metrics may not initially see much of a blip in terms of booked revenue. However, there is a long term hit to the brand image. People like me, who once booked AA automatically because I believed in the turnaround and AA's premium reputation versus the other legacy carriers, are now saying, "Gee, what's the sense in loyalty now? I don't feel the same pride in the brand. You're giving me a degraded product, and if I'm going to book into F anyway, why be so faithful to AA?" Over time, that does hurt the bottom line, and those types of feelings can't be quantified. As Bob Farrell once said in his now famous book, "Give them the pickle."
Sep 2, 2014, 4:42 pm
#71
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA- EXP UA - Silver SPG- PLT Marriott- PLT
Posts: 769
Feel the same way - the new meals, along with impending reductions in size of the first class cabin provide, little, if any, incentive to remain loyal.
Sep 2, 2014, 5:19 pm
#72
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
The airlines believe that in an economy that has been fairly strong in terms of travel they don't really need you. First Class domestic fares are getting discounted so they are enticing. SFO777 - your purchase of the UA ticket proves the point. Then segmenting the market the other way, $95 for a Visa card that gives you priority boarding, a couple lounge passes and first bag free. Wow, if we make 3 trips a year it pays for itself - and if we go twice, we are getting priority boarding and lounge passes!!! Woo Hoo!! With reduced size F cabins, fill them up with people who will buy up just to free themselves from the scrum - boom done - there are a few upgrades left here and there. Then multiply $95 x 1 million cardholders = Right to the Bottom Line. The banks make their money on the interest.
Now when the economy tanks you both will be important again. Right now, the airlines just not that into you.
@:-)
Sep 2, 2014, 5:44 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
I don't believe food in FC is the item that pushes me away from AA, but today, for the first time in 2.5 years (since I came over from UA), I thought to myself, "hmmm...do I keep going with AA, or should I go back to UA, where I already have 1.4 million miles and lifetime gold?"
Make no mistake, UA is not attractive at all from a service offering.
But it only takes a few small changes for me to think it's just not worth the "torture" to re-qualify for EXP, year after year.
If this is a sign of things to come, it makes me want to cash in my chips.
I'm really getting to the point where all this status stuff is B.S., and that paying for premium cabins on the cheapest carrier seems like the best option.
Make no mistake, UA is not attractive at all from a service offering.
But it only takes a few small changes for me to think it's just not worth the "torture" to re-qualify for EXP, year after year.
If this is a sign of things to come, it makes me want to cash in my chips.
I'm really getting to the point where all this status stuff is B.S., and that paying for premium cabins on the cheapest carrier seems like the best option.
Sep 2, 2014, 6:32 pm
#75
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,278
^ I also agree with this sentiment and this has been the way I have approached my air travel the past 18 months and it was quite frankly a bit freeing not having to play upgrade roulette. What I will state is that I have been willing to pay a modest premium for American versus United (the later I have been avoiding like the plague) and all things more or equal between Delta and American I would go with American. This tickey tack stuff with the meal tinkering will definitely eliminate that preference because at least now Delta has the best record of getting from Point A to Point B on time and with the lowest cancellations and at least I get my damn PDB.