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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Nov 4, 2015, 8:53 pm
#2536
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,579
Perused dozens of pages here and looking for recommendations.
Turmeric paneer or grilled beef? Completely open to both options.
And would the wife like the Panko Mahi Mahi?
Turmeric paneer or grilled beef? Completely open to both options.
And would the wife like the Panko Mahi Mahi?
Nov 4, 2015, 8:56 pm
#2537
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
These all sound like new options. Not had, nor seen any of these before. If the paneer is anything like what there serving on UA these days, then it's quite good.
Nov 4, 2015, 9:49 pm
#2538
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,579
Funny but AA tweeted me back after inquiring but I may hold off until around the 15th in order to select online instead.
Nov 4, 2015, 9:57 pm
#2539
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
correct, definitely not new:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25058868-post1176.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25058868-post1176.html
Nov 5, 2015, 7:05 am
#2540
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Anywhere
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 674
I tried searching this thread but couldn't find it (might have missed it).
Does anybody know what the cutoff time between breakfast and lunch is?
Does anybody know what the cutoff time between breakfast and lunch is?
Nov 5, 2015, 7:22 am
#2541
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 paneer was mentioned as here as far back as July, looks like a cheese or tofu option. People here tend to talk down the beef though so since its been a few months, I figured I'd ask again.
Funny but AA tweeted me back after inquiring but I may hold off until around the 15th in order to select online instead.
Funny but AA tweeted me back after inquiring but I may hold off until around the 15th in order to select online instead.
Nov 5, 2015, 10:37 am
#2542
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 2,085
Nov 5, 2015, 12:57 pm
#2543
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SLC
Programs: DL PM, Hilton/Marriott Gold
Posts: 971
I had the Tamale on my JAX-DFW flight last sunday. The tomatillo sauce was sort of buried under/inside the black beans. I'll echo metallo and say that it was definitely on the blander side (I usually like my mexican food with a kick), but it was by no means "revolting," "unpalatable," or "inedible" (to use the common FT adjectives 
)
It could use a little miniature tabasco bottle on the side or something for sure, but i'd order it again.
)It could use a little miniature tabasco bottle on the side or something for sure, but i'd order it again.
Nov 5, 2015, 2:13 pm
#2544
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
You can get them on Amazon, although they're more expensive there than they would be at a grocery store.
Nov 6, 2015, 3:26 pm
#2545
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt
Posts: 237
File this under way more information than anyone needs, however:
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
Nov 6, 2015, 3:56 pm
#2546
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP (probably nothing w/ AA next year :)), Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 405
File this under way more information than anyone needs, however:
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
Nov 6, 2015, 4:20 pm
#2547
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
File this under way more information than anyone needs, however:
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
The mixed nut mix, now known as the cashew mix, was not an oversight that no one knew about so no need to send emails. Due to worldwide increased almond and pecan prices the supplier could not afford to supply the mix at the contracted price with the usual mix. AA agreed, hence the increase in cashews. Prices have apparently come back down and the new mix will be back to normal, which as usual includes maybe one pistachio.
Problem solved!
Nov 6, 2015, 5:07 pm
#2548
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: AFKL PLT, BA Gold, SK Gold, AY Gold, A3 Silver, LH FTL, IHG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 408
AA1270
RSW-DFW
Dinner
No PDB's offered, eventhough there would have been plenty of time after the boarding process was done. The whole flight for the crew was just going through motions. And what's the deal with the "dessert" cookie, I think it is just lazy to offer it at the same time with the meal tray. After finishing the main course, the cookie was almost cold!
On a positive side, the main course, Eggplant Parmigian was surprisingly good, I was happy that I chose that instead of the Mediterranean Chicken which my seat mate had and which look really sad.
RSW-DFW
Dinner
No PDB's offered, eventhough there would have been plenty of time after the boarding process was done. The whole flight for the crew was just going through motions. And what's the deal with the "dessert" cookie, I think it is just lazy to offer it at the same time with the meal tray. After finishing the main course, the cookie was almost cold!
On a positive side, the main course, Eggplant Parmigian was surprisingly good, I was happy that I chose that instead of the Mediterranean Chicken which my seat mate had and which look really sad.
Nov 7, 2015, 8:40 pm
#2549
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP (LT Plat 2MM), Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Plat, SPG Plat75, UA1K
Posts: 1,248
AA #327 today ORD-DCA. Lunch today was either a BBQ Chicken Salad or the Lentil Chili with Polenta Cake. I pre-offered the chili. Really a nice lunch. Good amount of spice to the chili and the polenta had a great texture and topped with something like a tomato jam. Tasty all around. Chicken salad looked kind of sad (and again - the entree salad gets served with a side salad). A roll and chocolate chip cookie finished off the meal. Full PDB's offered as well as a round of cocktails & cashew mix. No table linens. Nice service in a full F cabin on this 1h22m trip.
Nov 7, 2015, 8:47 pm
#2550
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
AA #327 today ORD-DCA. Lunch today was either a BBQ Chicken Salad or the Lentil Chili with Polenta Cake. I pre-offered the chili. Really a nice lunch. Good amount of spice to the chili and the polenta had a great texture and topped with something like a tomato jam. Tasty all around. Chicken salad looked kind of sad (and again - the entree salad gets served with a side salad). A roll and chocolate chip cookie finished off the meal. Full PDB's offered as well as a round of cocktails & cashew mix. No table linens. Nice service in a full F cabin on this 1h22m trip.