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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Apr 6, 2015, 5:48 pm
#676
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
I don't mind waiting until 10:30-ish for dinner.... I just don't want to pay for a burger at the airport (or admiral club) only to find out they will serve some type of meal onboard. I most likely will get into admiral club so I can have some drink or light snack before boarding anyways.
And it's also good to know if the LAX-BOS route will have similar service as LAX-JFK route... I was on an LAX-JFK flight (a321 first class) last year, and the service was probably the best among the three legacy carriers ...
And it's also good to know if the LAX-BOS route will have similar service as LAX-JFK route... I was on an LAX-JFK flight (a321 first class) last year, and the service was probably the best among the three legacy carriers ...
Apr 6, 2015, 6:06 pm
#677
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
I don't mean to play moderator at all, but in the future, I respectfully request that people be more clear/explicit with exactly which flight(s) they're taking when doing reports and/or asking questions. Saying "I was on the A321 between JFK and LAX, one-paged menus are new?" causes confusion, because there are several levels of service on AA "flagship" transcons. Framing the question as "I was on AA #___, a redeye from LAX to JFK last night, ..." would be much more clearer.
Not intending to attack or target you at all, SJC AA. This is a general directive I'm respectfully requesting from people, that's all. Many thanks!
Last edited by JY1024; Apr 6, 2015 at 7:49 pm Reason: Removed image tags
Apr 6, 2015, 6:59 pm
#678
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
I don't mean to play moderator at all, but in the future, I respectfully request that people be more clear/explicit with exactly which flight(s) they're taking when doing reports and/or asking questions. Saying "I was on the A321 between JFK and LAX, one-paged menus are new?" causes confusion, because there are several levels of service on AA "flagship" transcons. Framing the question as "I was on AA #___, a redeye from LAX to JFK last night, ..." would be much more clearer.
The weird thing is that I've taken many redeye transcons but never noticed this before. Maybe because on the previous flights the FAs only distributed menus after takeoff, when I was already trying to sleep?
Apr 6, 2015, 7:15 pm
#679
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA
Programs: SPG PLT, AA EXP
Posts: 3,732
Happy to report (for those obsessed with the linens) that today's LAX-ATL A319 service featured tray lines on the tray, under the china. No extra linen for the table itself, just linens on the trays like the good ol' days.
Had pita, hummus, and olives as an appetizer, salad, and a chicken entree that was quite edible. Also had Heath toffee ice cream for dessert which was pretty darn good.
Had pita, hummus, and olives as an appetizer, salad, and a chicken entree that was quite edible. Also had Heath toffee ice cream for dessert which was pretty darn good.
Last edited by TonySCV; Apr 7, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Apr 6, 2015, 10:34 pm
#680
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: AA, WN, UA, Bonvoy, Hertz
Posts: 2,491
Glad to hear about these changes!
I think for many, the re-introduction of a snack service (which to me was a significant reduction on the 2.5hr and longer blocked flights) is the best news. As a person in the West Coast though, I end up getting "after 8pm" flights from DFW very often (doesn't matter which SoCal airport). I am still hoping they bring the snack service to those longer later evening flights. I know that demand on these flights for food is weaker, but I wish there was a better option available.
Rasheed
I think for many, the re-introduction of a snack service (which to me was a significant reduction on the 2.5hr and longer blocked flights) is the best news. As a person in the West Coast though, I end up getting "after 8pm" flights from DFW very often (doesn't matter which SoCal airport). I am still hoping they bring the snack service to those longer later evening flights. I know that demand on these flights for food is weaker, but I wish there was a better option available.
Rasheed
Apr 7, 2015, 12:28 am
#681
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
anyone flew this route just recently...?
Apr 7, 2015, 6:43 am
#682
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Anywhere
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 674
The LAX-BOS route has the usual domestic service. You don't get the special transcon service that the JFK routes get with the A321.
Since the departure is after 8pm, there won't be dinner. Warm nuts and a light bite, if you're awake. Most people will be trying to sleep, although good luck with that in the 737 seats.
Since the departure is after 8pm, there won't be dinner. Warm nuts and a light bite, if you're awake. Most people will be trying to sleep, although good luck with that in the 737 seats.
Apr 7, 2015, 7:57 am
#683
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Surprised to see a new meal line up for my PVR-DFW route tomorrow......almost looks like a PMAA meal offering but I will wait to confirm that:
Vegetable Stuffed Lasagna With Parmesan and basil
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken With potato wedges, green beans and sautéed cherry tomato
Vegetable Stuffed Lasagna With Parmesan and basil
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken With potato wedges, green beans and sautéed cherry tomato
Apr 7, 2015, 8:15 am
#684
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
Surprised to see a new meal line up for my PVR-DFW route tomorrow......almost looks like a PMAA meal offering but I will wait to confirm that:
Vegetable Stuffed Lasagna With Parmesan and basil
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken With potato wedges, green beans and sautéed cherry tomato
Vegetable Stuffed Lasagna With Parmesan and basil
Mushroom Stuffed Chicken With potato wedges, green beans and sautéed cherry tomato
Apr 7, 2015, 9:33 am
#685
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
If this is on/after 5/1, you'll get a snack-style meal followed by a prearrival continental breakfast box. If it's between today and 4/30, expect a s snack basket with Lite Bites, followed by the prearrival box.
Apr 7, 2015, 9:47 am
#686
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
Aboard AA 1081 as I type this (ORD-LAX). Full PBD's offered, black linens for tray tables but still paper liner on tray. Choices today were either a Proscuito Omlette or French Toast with Berry Compote. I had the omlette, tasty and it had a decent texture. Only issue was there was a puddle of liquid on the bottom of the plate - combination of the turkey sausage grease, potatoes and runoff from the eggs. Great crew in F - Austin was the Purser - great attitude, fun and kept a good eye on the cabin. Felt like the old AA up front.
Apr 7, 2015, 10:36 am
#687
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Aboard AA 1081 as I type this (ORD-LAX). Full PBD's offered, black linens for tray tables but still paper liner on tray. Choices today were either a Proscuito Omlette or French Toast with Berry Compote. I had the omlette, tasty and it had a decent texture. Only issue was there was a puddle of liquid on the bottom of the plate - combination of the turkey sausage grease, potatoes and runoff from the eggs. Great crew in F - Austin was the Purser - great attitude, fun and kept a good eye on the cabin. Felt like the old AA up front.
Apr 7, 2015, 10:46 am
#688
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
Apr 7, 2015, 10:59 am
#689
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
It'll be after 5/1. What rule changes on 5/1?
A snack style meal is like burger salad type of meal (not a formal 3-course meal).....?
A snack style meal is like burger salad type of meal (not a formal 3-course meal).....?
Apr 7, 2015, 11:16 am
#690
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344