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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 7, 2015, 11:31 am
#691
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,773
Hapoy to report (for those obsessed with the inens) 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 esible. 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 esible. Also had Heath toffee ice cream for dessert which was pretty darn good.
Apr 7, 2015, 12:38 pm
#692
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
This route used to have appropriate meal service until Parker came along.
Apr 7, 2015, 12:54 pm
#693
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ORD
Posts: 986
I don't think so. I'm relatively confident this flight used to have no food at 10 pm (the dreaded "premium snack mix").
Apr 7, 2015, 1:04 pm
#694
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
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, 1:07 pm
#695
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
Programs: AA PLT Pro 2MM, DL Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Ambassador + LT Plat, COFC Venture X, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 5,587
You would be wrong. I have taken this flight easily 30+ times in F in the past seven years and there has always been something served. Pre-March 2014 it was a choice of either a fruit and cheese plate and a rotating large salad (beef with Asian noodles, bloody mary salmon, ahi tuna, etc). After 03/2014 it was enhanced, briefly, to include a third hot entree selection and a small cup of Three Twins ice cream and finally scones and a bottled smoothie before arrival. All of this is now gone and its the light bites junk served on all other domestic flights. Who knows what will happen next month with the "enhancements".
Apr 7, 2015, 1:42 pm
#696
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA, Southwest, Hilton, Hyatt
Posts: 237
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, 4:22 pm
#697
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
(I think either water or OJ was the one missing, not champagne.)
Apr 7, 2015, 4:50 pm
#698
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
Apr 7, 2015, 5:53 pm
#699
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Every redeye transcon had meal service, which was further significantly enhanced during bankruptcy to include a hot meal option, and then eliminated by the geniuses at US Airways to align the product with US Airways' industry-worst product. This product is still available on the trio of "premium" trans-cons.
Apr 7, 2015, 11:36 pm
#700
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 2,085
I've asked for something other than those on transatlantic flights before and always been told "once we're in the air."
Apr 8, 2015, 6:32 am
#701
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 difference is that for international, duty must be paid on liquor being poured on the ground. That's why cheaper airlines like those of the U.S. variety tend to pour only soft drinks and some kind of cheap sparkling wine prior to departure. This should not be the case with a domestic transcon.
Apr 8, 2015, 10:12 am
#702
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
(deleted, I basically wrote exactly what cmd320 did before seeing that post)
Apr 8, 2015, 10:30 am
#703
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 2,085
The difference is that for international, duty must be paid on liquor being poured on the ground. That's why cheaper airlines like those of the U.S. variety tend to pour only soft drinks and some kind of cheap sparkling wine prior to departure. This should not be the case with a domestic transcon.
Apr 8, 2015, 8:33 pm
#704
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,598
My first AA flights of the year. The price was right and I had all day to get to PIT so I figured I check out the supposed enhancements. At least I get comfy seats as it's a double Mad Dog day. ^
DEN-DFW
AA 2307
MD-80
8:05A-11:05A
April 8, 2015
Refreshments
Good crew and PDB tray of OJ or water. Although the overnight cleaning crew apparently forgot 6EF.
Excellent service including a generous serving of nuts and a pass of the breakfast snack basket.
Terrific FA went seat-by-seat in F to advise connecting gate info. ^
With a 3 hour connection, I headed to the Centurion Lounge and had lunch since I didn't want to risk relying on Hector.
DFW-PIT
AA 1469
MD-80
2:15P-6:00P
April 8, 2015
Lunch
Another excellent crew with PDB tray of water, and great service once in the air.
Choice of beef or pasta.
My manicotti was not acknowledged but no problem in 6E as our FA followed FEBO or we were flying in the right direction.
No sign of any table cloth or improved food. Looks like that same old set-up and didn't taste any better.
Basic convenience store quality, although probably better than the "beef".
Salad had more "stuff" than before but pretty tasteless and still not close to the pre-9/1 salads.
Cookie was gooey, thinner and a little better than I recall from late last year.
DEN-DFW
AA 2307
MD-80
8:05A-11:05A
April 8, 2015
Refreshments
Good crew and PDB tray of OJ or water. Although the overnight cleaning crew apparently forgot 6EF.
Excellent service including a generous serving of nuts and a pass of the breakfast snack basket.
Terrific FA went seat-by-seat in F to advise connecting gate info. ^
With a 3 hour connection, I headed to the Centurion Lounge and had lunch since I didn't want to risk relying on Hector.
DFW-PIT
AA 1469
MD-80
2:15P-6:00P
April 8, 2015
Lunch
Another excellent crew with PDB tray of water, and great service once in the air.
Choice of beef or pasta.
My manicotti was not acknowledged but no problem in 6E as our FA followed FEBO or we were flying in the right direction.
No sign of any table cloth or improved food. Looks like that same old set-up and didn't taste any better.
Basic convenience store quality, although probably better than the "beef".
Salad had more "stuff" than before but pretty tasteless and still not close to the pre-9/1 salads.
Cookie was gooey, thinner and a little better than I recall from late last year.
Apr 9, 2015, 12:38 am
#705
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,347
AA 1110 JFK-DFW April 2015
April 2014
American Airlines First Class
AA New York JFK to Dallas Fort Worth
Breakfast
Choice of
Steel Cut Oatmeal
Or
Quiche Florentine served with rosemary potatoes and red peppers
American Airlines First Class
AA New York JFK to Dallas Fort Worth
Breakfast
Choice of
Steel Cut Oatmeal
Or
Quiche Florentine served with rosemary potatoes and red peppers
