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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#1861
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
OGG-LAX
American 14
Boeing 757-200 "new" Domestic configuration
Snack
This is the red-eye flight. I was quite disappointed by the flight, though not surprised, per se.
PDB of only OJ.
Waiting at my seat upon boarding was a bottle of water, and the premium duvet and pillow. ^
Once in the air, drink of choice, warmed Hawaiian nut mix, and a single snack choice on a tray. I declined, but it consisted of a warmed scone, fruit plate, and yogurt -- that's it. Glad I ate before the flight!
Attempted to sleep for the rest of the flight, so I missed whatever additional service there might have been.
American 14
Boeing 757-200 "new" Domestic configuration
Snack
This is the red-eye flight. I was quite disappointed by the flight, though not surprised, per se.
PDB of only OJ.
Waiting at my seat upon boarding was a bottle of water, and the premium duvet and pillow. ^
Once in the air, drink of choice, warmed Hawaiian nut mix, and a single snack choice on a tray. I declined, but it consisted of a warmed scone, fruit plate, and yogurt -- that's it. Glad I ate before the flight!
Attempted to sleep for the rest of the flight, so I missed whatever additional service there might have been.
#1862
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
I admit that my memory is not what it used to be and with the all the changes and supposed changes I am confused, but while my flight ex-DFW had an entree that was new in that I had not seen it before, it was decidedly not any better than 8/1 and still frozen in the center.
It was listed as Four Cheese Ravioli and maybe I received the Artichoke Ravioli instead, but it didn't have much taste and as I said earlier it was frozen in the center. Maybe I was under the wrong impression, but weren't the 8/1 changes supposed to be catered fresh and not previously frozen?
It was listed as Four Cheese Ravioli and maybe I received the Artichoke Ravioli instead, but it didn't have much taste and as I said earlier it was frozen in the center. Maybe I was under the wrong impression, but weren't the 8/1 changes supposed to be catered fresh and not previously frozen?
#1863
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
I admit that my memory is not what it used to be and with the all the changes and supposed changes I am confused, but while my flight ex-DFW had an entree that was new in that I had not seen it before, it was decidedly not any better than 8/1 and still frozen in the center.
It was listed as Four Cheese Ravioli and maybe I received the Artichoke Ravioli instead, but it didn't have much taste and as I said earlier it was frozen in the center. Maybe I was under the wrong impression, but weren't the 8/1 changes supposed to be catered fresh and not previously frozen?
It was listed as Four Cheese Ravioli and maybe I received the Artichoke Ravioli instead, but it didn't have much taste and as I said earlier it was frozen in the center. Maybe I was under the wrong impression, but weren't the 8/1 changes supposed to be catered fresh and not previously frozen?
I haven't seen any improvement. Indeed, I'm back on United this morning where I had an excellent quiche for breakfast accompanied by outstanding service, PDBs, DirecTV and fast Wifi.
Last edited by Microwave; Aug 21, 2015 at 6:47 am Reason: TOS violation – namecalling
#1864
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
All that said, bummer that OP's entree was frozen in the middle. I would definitely write to AA to complain. I don't believe AA announced that their food would be entirely fresh (i.e., never frozen), but I may have missed something.
Last edited by Microwave; Aug 21, 2015 at 6:48 am Reason: Edited quote of and reply to redacted post
#1865
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
I did email AA about the entree being completely frozen in the center and about how oddly the FA refused to reheat (well heat it properly the first time) it to fully thaw it.
I haven't heard anything back and most likely if I do hear anything I will receive yet another canned response that does not even closely acknowledge my issue.
Last edited by Microwave; Aug 21, 2015 at 6:48 am Reason: Edited quote of redactedpost
#1866
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
Well <redacted> I had the four cheese ravioli earlier this week ex-DFW, and it was quite good, as was the appetizer.
All that said, bummer that OP's entree was frozen in the middle. I would definitely write to AA to complain. I don't believe AA announced that their food would be entirely fresh (i.e., never frozen), but I may have missed something.
All that said, bummer that OP's entree was frozen in the middle. I would definitely write to AA to complain. I don't believe AA announced that their food would be entirely fresh (i.e., never frozen), but I may have missed something.
Last edited by Microwave; Aug 21, 2015 at 6:49 am Reason: Edited quote of redacted post
#1867
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
Makes sense. From my experience so far, the non-pasta entrees are a huge improvement post-8/1; I wouldn't say the same for pasta. Before 8/1, however, pastas were most definitely the safer choice, in my opinion.
#1869
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
Lax-clt lunch. Flew with partner. He had Asian salad with teriyaki chicken skewer - also had the tomato and mozzarella app. Beautiful presentation and excellent salad.
I - being hungover - ordered the lasagna which had the same app and a wedge salad. 3rd or 4th wedge I've had post8/1 and it was very good. Bacon, ble cheese, tomato. The lasagna was a huge step up from pre 8/1. It was very large and cooked perfectly. Cheesecake for desert was excellent.
I am a very picky eater and have been very impressed post 8/1. I took a pic but can't figure out how to upload.
Also an excellent aaa pmus flight attendant. Never sat down and I never had to ask for a refill.
I - being hungover - ordered the lasagna which had the same app and a wedge salad. 3rd or 4th wedge I've had post8/1 and it was very good. Bacon, ble cheese, tomato. The lasagna was a huge step up from pre 8/1. It was very large and cooked perfectly. Cheesecake for desert was excellent.
I am a very picky eater and have been very impressed post 8/1. I took a pic but can't figure out how to upload.
Also an excellent aaa pmus flight attendant. Never sat down and I never had to ask for a refill.
#1870
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
Lax-clt lunch. Flew with partner. He had Asian salad with teriyaki chicken skewer - also had the tomato and mozzarella app. Beautiful presentation and excellent salad.
I - being hungover - ordered the lasagna which had the same app and a wedge salad. 3rd or 4th wedge I've had post8/1 and it was very good. Bacon, ble cheese, tomato. The lasagna was a huge step up from pre 8/1. It was very large and cooked perfectly. Cheesecake for desert was excellent.
I am a very picky eater and have been very impressed post 8/1. I took a pic but can't figure out how to upload.
Also an excellent aaa pmus flight attendant. Never sat down and I never had to ask for a refill.
I - being hungover - ordered the lasagna which had the same app and a wedge salad. 3rd or 4th wedge I've had post8/1 and it was very good. Bacon, ble cheese, tomato. The lasagna was a huge step up from pre 8/1. It was very large and cooked perfectly. Cheesecake for desert was excellent.
I am a very picky eater and have been very impressed post 8/1. I took a pic but can't figure out how to upload.
Also an excellent aaa pmus flight attendant. Never sat down and I never had to ask for a refill.
Chalk up another score for LAX catering.
#1871
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Have been flying UA F transcons instead of AA/US this summer and actually enjoyed the food - they've definitely improved things at UA.
However, after reading this thread I'm a little scared to see what US puts in front of me for "Lunch" on PHX - CLT tomorrow. Maybe I'll just get food at PHX on the layover...
However, after reading this thread I'm a little scared to see what US puts in front of me for "Lunch" on PHX - CLT tomorrow. Maybe I'll just get food at PHX on the layover...
#1872
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
Have been flying UA F transcons instead of AA/US this summer and actually enjoyed the food - they've definitely improved things at UA.
However, after reading this thread I'm a little scared to see what US puts in front of me for "Lunch" on PHX - CLT tomorrow. Maybe I'll just get food at PHX on the layover...
However, after reading this thread I'm a little scared to see what US puts in front of me for "Lunch" on PHX - CLT tomorrow. Maybe I'll just get food at PHX on the layover...
#1873
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SF + PHX
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1k, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, X Elite+
Posts: 262
AA895 8/21
PHX-ORD
12:30pm scheduled
Lunch flight
Today's lunch out of PHX came with the standard pmUS crewed service. PDB, Towel, orders, nuts/beverage, all in line
Now, for the stuff we care about. I've realized you all want linen reports...so yes, linens and set first, below tray. Oddly removed prior to desert.
Lunch options were lasagna or Asian chicken salad. I had no choice (trending...apparently catering hates me?) so I got to try the salad. Which made me happy, seeing as how being handed the lasagna 2 weeks ago was not an experience I wanted to repeat.
Shocker! The lasagna had BASIL and PARM! It also looked gigantic, relative to my mini "entree" salad. Could AA spare a whole chicken breast? Maybe?
Despite size, I rather enjoyed my low carb entree. Both meals had the new caprese appetizer. Reminded me of the one I got from vce-phl in late July.
Desert was a wilted cheesecake that tasted more creamchesse-like than anything. Nothing like the cakes I've had previously, or the old AA cheesecake :-(
Service has been slow, but personalized. I guess I'm sitting next to an exp, because the FA keeps engaging with him first, often awkwardly at times. Happy Friday all!
PHX-ORD
12:30pm scheduled
Lunch flight
Today's lunch out of PHX came with the standard pmUS crewed service. PDB, Towel, orders, nuts/beverage, all in line
Now, for the stuff we care about. I've realized you all want linen reports...so yes, linens and set first, below tray. Oddly removed prior to desert.
Lunch options were lasagna or Asian chicken salad. I had no choice (trending...apparently catering hates me?) so I got to try the salad. Which made me happy, seeing as how being handed the lasagna 2 weeks ago was not an experience I wanted to repeat.
Shocker! The lasagna had BASIL and PARM! It also looked gigantic, relative to my mini "entree" salad. Could AA spare a whole chicken breast? Maybe?
Despite size, I rather enjoyed my low carb entree. Both meals had the new caprese appetizer. Reminded me of the one I got from vce-phl in late July.
Desert was a wilted cheesecake that tasted more creamchesse-like than anything. Nothing like the cakes I've had previously, or the old AA cheesecake :-(
Service has been slow, but personalized. I guess I'm sitting next to an exp, because the FA keeps engaging with him first, often awkwardly at times. Happy Friday all!
#1874
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
AA895 8/21
PHX-ORD
12:30pm scheduled
Lunch flight
Today's lunch out of PHX came with the standard pmUS crewed service. PDB, Towel, orders, nuts/beverage, all in line
Now, for the stuff we care about. I've realized you all want linen reports...so yes, linens and set first, below tray. Oddly removed prior to desert.
Lunch options were lasagna or Asian chicken salad. I had no choice (trending...apparently catering hates me?) so I got to try the salad. Which made me happy, seeing as how being handed the lasagna 2 weeks ago was not an experience I wanted to repeat.
Shocker! The lasagna had BASIL and PARM! It also looked gigantic, relative to my mini "entree" salad. Could AA spare a whole chicken breast? Maybe?
Despite size, I rather enjoyed my low carb entree. Both meals had the new caprese appetizer. Reminded me of the one I got from vce-phl in late July.
Desert was a wilted cheesecake that tasted more creamchesse-like than anything. Nothing like the cakes I've had previously, or the old AA cheesecake :-(
Service has been slow, but personalized. I guess I'm sitting next to an exp, because the FA keeps engaging with him first, often awkwardly at times. Happy Friday all!
PHX-ORD
12:30pm scheduled
Lunch flight
Today's lunch out of PHX came with the standard pmUS crewed service. PDB, Towel, orders, nuts/beverage, all in line
Now, for the stuff we care about. I've realized you all want linen reports...so yes, linens and set first, below tray. Oddly removed prior to desert.
Lunch options were lasagna or Asian chicken salad. I had no choice (trending...apparently catering hates me?) so I got to try the salad. Which made me happy, seeing as how being handed the lasagna 2 weeks ago was not an experience I wanted to repeat.
Shocker! The lasagna had BASIL and PARM! It also looked gigantic, relative to my mini "entree" salad. Could AA spare a whole chicken breast? Maybe?
Despite size, I rather enjoyed my low carb entree. Both meals had the new caprese appetizer. Reminded me of the one I got from vce-phl in late July.
Desert was a wilted cheesecake that tasted more creamchesse-like than anything. Nothing like the cakes I've had previously, or the old AA cheesecake :-(
Service has been slow, but personalized. I guess I'm sitting next to an exp, because the FA keeps engaging with him first, often awkwardly at times. Happy Friday all!
This could be the first basil/parm sighting I've hear of though. Interesting.
#1875
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461