Feb 22, 2015, 6:28 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
AA/US Domestic Dining (including Canada, Mexico, & the Caribbean)
Note: this thread is about meals served on AA-US. There is another thread for the contingent that wishes to debate and discuss linens as a primary subject, including related presentation issues: Linens / presentation debate for meal service on AA, US / both.
PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST. /Moderators
Welcome to the 2015 Domestic Dining thread and the resulting discussion/trip reports/photos/shared experiences. Here, in this wiki post, I'll strive to explain what you should expect on AA flights in First and Business, meals-wise. Keep in mind that there are many domestic flights, so there are quite a few parameters to keep track of. This Wiki covers both AA and US flights, but as of September 2014, AA and US offers identical meal service domestically, so that part of the merger has its' harmonization completed.
Basically, in its' best condensed form, you should expect to receive a meal between 4:59am - 8pm on flights longer than 900 miles, which equals about two hours in the air. From that point, there are exceptions, and specific timing parameters.
What to Expect - Mainline:
Keep in mind that this list is not entirely inclusive, and there may be certain exceptions and/or abnormalities.
- Up to 699 miles: Light snacks such as a fig bar, cookies, and/or pretzels
- 700-899 miles: Warmed nuts, a snack plate (fruit/cheese, pita/hummus, or spinach dip/pita), and a cookie
- 900-1298 miles: A meal (fruit/breakfast entree; salad/entree) followed by a cookie; no meals between 1:30-4pm
- 1298-2199 miles: A full meal including an appetizer, with cake for lunch desserts and premade ice-cream for dinner desserts
- 2200 miles and above: Same as 1298-2199 miles, but consists of made-to-order sundaes or a cheese plate for both lunch and dinner desserts
What to Expect - Regional:
Keep in mind that this list is not entirely inclusive, and there may be certain exceptions and/or abnormalities.
- Up to 175 miles: A light snack mix along with beverage service
- 176-899 miles: Sweet and savory, organic/healthy snack choices (snack basket)
- 900-2199 miles: Warm mixed nuts, two meal options, and dessert. (For flights over 2200 miles, you will receive the same selection of snacks from 176-899 miles as a pre-arrival snack. All regional meal flights leaving after 8:00pm will also receive sweet and savory snacks as the only option. Editor's note: A regional jet for 2000+ miles? Hope that never happens!)
All of the meal flights that fall under the above timing parameters will receive two choices; normally, one meat and one vegetarian.
Longer westbound flights leaving from the east coast (transcontinental; non-premium) are not officially exceptions, but some flights after 8pm receive a full dinner service (such as the 8:05pm MIA-SAN flight, or the 8:30pm PHL-LAS flight). Additionally, non-premium transcontinental red-eye flights will receive snack basket service upon departure, then a continental breakfast box prior to arrival.
Official Exceptions:
The following flights all fall under 900 miles, but will receive a full meal service, with the exception of flights leaving between 1:31-4pm. Despite some of the listed flights being over 900 miles, they are remaining listed here, based on the AA website for documentation purposes.
- Chicago (ORD) - AUS/BDL/BOS/DCA/EWR/JFK/LGA/MSY/RDU
- Dallas (DFW) - BJX/ORD/MEX/QRO/SLP
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - PAP
- Los Angeles (LAX) - DEN
- Miami (MIA) - DCA/IAD/PAP
- New York (LGA) - ATL
- Phoenix (PHX) - MZT
Additional Information:
- JFK-LAX/SFO; MIA-LAX are considered premium transcontinental flights, and as such, receives a more refined service with three meal choices, per-course service, printed menus, and tray/tablecloth linens in both F/J. Those flights now are the only domestic flights in the system to offer special meals as another option (which can be reserved by either preordering online, or calling). Red-eye flights will receive a full "supper/snack" meal service, which is basically a condensed dinner service.
- Hawaiian meal service is very similar to what you'd expect on 2200+ mile flights, but there also will be Hawaiian rolls served, along with a pre-arrival continental breakfast/snack (dependent on the length of the route). Tropical warmed nuts are also currently served.
- All flights over 700 miles, regardless of a meal being served or not, will receive warm mixed nuts and a cookie.
Disclaimer: The editor of this Wiki does not guarantee the information presented above will always be accurate or properly followed by AA, given catering mishaps, irregular operations, rogue crews, or mismanagement. For the best up-to-date information, it would be prudent to check AA's website constantly for any updates, or call AA. The editors of this Wiki will keep this Wiki updated as often as possible.
Last updated: 7/26/2015 2:33pm, MrAndy1369
2015 Combined AA/US Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (Consolidated)
Aug 12, 2015, 10:27 am
#1711
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
RDU-LAX last night
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Aug 12, 2015, 10:33 am
#1712
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
RDU-LAX last night
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Aug 12, 2015, 10:40 am
#1713
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
First of all, RDU-LAX isn't really a transcon as AA defines it. And second, the meal and service were apparently very good.
And what's wrong with 7 hours on a US 319?
Last edited by SFO777; Aug 12, 2015 at 10:47 am
Aug 12, 2015, 10:45 am
#1714
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
Haha! It is a good thing the crew was at least proactive and kept drinks and (hopefully some snacks) flowing during the ground delay. Still, that's basically 7-7.5 hours on a US A319, snacks and drinks or not, that is a miserable flight, even in F.
Aug 12, 2015, 10:50 am
#1715
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
Departing aircraft had a flat tire - then we kept doing circles out past the maintenance hangars trying to get around all of the TBIT departures. Very miserable, but FA was excellent.
Aug 12, 2015, 10:53 am
#1716
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: PIT/LBA
Programs: I miss US Airways
Posts: 791
Preorder for a short lunch flight next month:
Lentil Chili
With polenta cake and tomato chutney
Barbecue Chicken
Served chilled with mixed greens and black beans
Lentil Chili
With polenta cake and tomato chutney
Barbecue Chicken
Served chilled with mixed greens and black beans
Aug 12, 2015, 10:55 am
#1717
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Could mainline planes use the Bus Terminal or at least the adjacent tarmac position, assuming they had mobile stairs? Then pax enter terminal and use the bus shuttle. With limited T4 gates, this kind of "waiting for a gate" has to be happening more frequently.
Aug 12, 2015, 11:19 am
#1718
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
Go with the lentil chili. Best meal I've had since the merger, I actually finished it. Just watch for rocks.
Aug 12, 2015, 11:35 am
#1719
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
RDU-LAX last night
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Had the filet w/ lobster mac and cheese. First time having this entree and it was excellent. The fillet was small, but cooked medium and acceptable for a filet in the air. The mac and cheese was very - very good with tons of lobster (not sure if it is simulated but it is great). Lettuce wedge was substantial and much better than pre 8/1 salads. Mozzarella and tomatoes for app was the weakest link but still good.
Outstanding service from US flight attendant - no drinks left empty for entire 5 hour journey plus offered drinks upon landing as we had to wait 1.5 hours for a gate.
Aug 12, 2015, 12:00 pm
#1720
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
I wonder what the sundae costs. They really ought to do it on every flight with meal service. There's very little I remember about domestic F, but the two things I love are the warm pastries on AS during breakfast and the AA sundae on longer flights. It's unexpectedly nice for domestic service, despite being relatively simple.
Aug 12, 2015, 12:00 pm
#1721
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: PIT/LBA
Programs: I miss US Airways
Posts: 791
Aug 12, 2015, 1:53 pm
#1722
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Programs: AS MVP 100K, UA PremEx-MM
Posts: 3,335
Aug 12, 2015, 2:12 pm
#1723
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
Yes to both
Still cant believe how great the FA was - had everyone's names memorized - just over the top as good as I've ever had Middle aged woman of asian decent wearing thick smart type glasses.....
Still cant believe how great the FA was - had everyone's names memorized - just over the top as good as I've ever had Middle aged woman of asian decent wearing thick smart type glasses.....
Aug 12, 2015, 3:03 pm
#1724
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Here Today, There Tomorrow
Programs: 2.96MM DL DM, Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, HH Lifetime Diamond, Marriott TE
Posts: 1,318
Did hnl-dfw on the "late" flight, pre ordered the shrimp cake.
Bottom line, it was pretty bad. Tried to take picture but reading lights on the tied 767 didn't work and my phone wasn't flashing either.
Part of the problem, the fish was WAY overcooked, not surprising as this was some of the slowest service I've ever had displeasure of getting. Well over an hour into the flight before any nuts (no refills) and they changed the bring one tray with everything onit:
First the crab appt and "salad" with the appetizer on a plate bigger than the new normal entrée dish. A tiny piece of what tasted like sickeningly sweet dried banana with tiny spoonful of crab salad,. The crab was good bit the bottom part not. The "salad" was awful too, a tomato with some tasteless cheese. Tiny on a tiny plate.
Finished and they cleared and then waited for the shrimp came. More than 2 hours into the flight it came all dried out, salty, and just plain bad. Rice was crispy from over heating. I'm site this is not how the dish is supposed to be.
Bottom line, it was pretty bad. Tried to take picture but reading lights on the tied 767 didn't work and my phone wasn't flashing either.
Part of the problem, the fish was WAY overcooked, not surprising as this was some of the slowest service I've ever had displeasure of getting. Well over an hour into the flight before any nuts (no refills) and they changed the bring one tray with everything onit:
First the crab appt and "salad" with the appetizer on a plate bigger than the new normal entrée dish. A tiny piece of what tasted like sickeningly sweet dried banana with tiny spoonful of crab salad,. The crab was good bit the bottom part not. The "salad" was awful too, a tomato with some tasteless cheese. Tiny on a tiny plate.
Finished and they cleared and then waited for the shrimp came. More than 2 hours into the flight it came all dried out, salty, and just plain bad. Rice was crispy from over heating. I'm site this is not how the dish is supposed to be.
Aug 12, 2015, 4:43 pm
#1725
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,488
Was very surprised on my AUS-PHX flight yesterday when the FA started to put out warm nuts. I asked, "is there a meal?" She said, "not really a meal, but a nice snack."
It was a choice of this or hummus with pita:
Considering on my PHX-AUS there (upgraded to F on a CRJ) I just got the snack basket, this was a pleasant surprise.
It would have been nice if they gave a fork or something. It was just this and a cocktail napkin.
It was a choice of this or hummus with pita:
Considering on my PHX-AUS there (upgraded to F on a CRJ) I just got the snack basket, this was a pleasant surprise.
It would have been nice if they gave a fork or something. It was just this and a cocktail napkin.