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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 27, 2015, 10:41 am
#781
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Apr 27, 2015, 10:42 am
#782
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL DM; UA Gold; SPG Titanium
Posts: 31
Recently status matched over to AA after a decade of DL loyalty. I have to say, there are a whole lot of things that I thought DL did better, but I really think the AA food is a step up.
This was the only option on MKE-PHX yesterday morning. I guess there's no catering in MKE? Surprisingly good. The cinnamon roll was great and the cheese and crackers provided a nice savory complement.
This was the only option on MKE-PHX yesterday morning. I guess there's no catering in MKE? Surprisingly good. The cinnamon roll was great and the cheese and crackers provided a nice savory complement.
Apr 27, 2015, 11:57 am
#783
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
On the return , linens were used, but to cover the tray table. I was hoping to see them back on the trays themselves. I've never really seen any value in covering the tray table with a linen, and then plopping down a gross hospital cafeteria tray down with slop on it.
I know both aren't pristine, but I think the food tray is the lesser of two evils here.
Apr 28, 2015, 6:11 pm
#784
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
Dinner this evening (4/28) from DFW to O'Hare was a Beef Teriyaki or Mushroom Ravioli with a Sundried Tomato cream sauce. Went for the ravioli and it was pretty tasty. Had full PDB service. FA took orders on the ground - every single item (even the type of bread with dinner). I think they freak out a bit on a dinner service for 16 pax on a flight with a scheduled flying time of 1:45. Crew was on point with refills. Dessert was a chocolate chip cookie with tasted great to me (really gooey). In fact, FA came around with seconds for anyone who wanted one. Only shortfall was the lack of linens (very hit-or-miss on my recent experience). Overall, it felt pretty pre- 9/1 (AA "Classic").
Apr 28, 2015, 9:18 pm
#785
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,613
LAX-JFK
AA 30
A321T
11:25P-7:55A +1
April 27, 2015
First Class
Late Night Transcon Supper
The usual classy AA plastic cup PDB. But a nice variety of red-eye supper options including a full meal if you are so inclined.
Although apparently exactly the same as Business Class, right down to the menu.
Great service tonight although nuts with my drink would have been nice. @:-)
No linens on the table itself. But at least no stupid paper tray liner.
I pre-ordered the Cranberry and Almond crusted chicken breast, which was absolutely delicious... just like a pre-9/1 midcon meal.
The sweet potato red curry soup was very good..
Chicken was moist and perfectly prepared.
AA 30
A321T
11:25P-7:55A +1
April 27, 2015
First Class
Late Night Transcon Supper
The usual classy AA plastic cup PDB. But a nice variety of red-eye supper options including a full meal if you are so inclined.
Although apparently exactly the same as Business Class, right down to the menu.
Great service tonight although nuts with my drink would have been nice. @:-)
No linens on the table itself. But at least no stupid paper tray liner.
I pre-ordered the Cranberry and Almond crusted chicken breast, which was absolutely delicious... just like a pre-9/1 midcon meal.
The sweet potato red curry soup was very good..
Chicken was moist and perfectly prepared.
Apr 28, 2015, 10:28 pm
#786
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
Apr 29, 2015, 8:55 am
#787
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Dinner this evening (4/28) from DFW to O'Hare was a Beef Teriyaki or Mushroom Ravioli with a Sundried Tomato cream sauce. Went for the ravioli and it was pretty tasty. Had full PDB service. FA took orders on the ground - every single item (even the type of bread with dinner). I think they freak out a bit on a dinner service for 16 pax on a flight with a scheduled flying time of 1:45. Crew was on point with refills. Dessert was a chocolate chip cookie with tasted great to me (really gooey). In fact, FA came around with seconds for anyone who wanted one. Only shortfall was the lack of linens (very hit-or-miss on my recent experience). Overall, it felt pretty pre- 9/1 (AA "Classic").
Apr 30, 2015, 10:23 am
#788
Join Date: May 2006
Location: STL
Programs: UA Platinum, AA Platinum Pro, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,429
PHL-LAX
AA 755
A321
600P
April 29, 2015
First Class
Dinner
Originally booked PHLORDSNA, then PHLDFWSNA, and eventually got on the PHLLAX nonstop (host of back and forth ticketing issues, but I digress).
PDBs during boarding. Paula was working F and she was fantastic; to the point where I don't think I really saw her sit down or hide in the galley the entire flight.
Paula came to each row, addressed everyone by name and welcomed them, and gave detailed descriptions of the meals (not just chicken or pasta) which were chicken piccata with green/yellow beans and risotto or artichoke ravioli with cheese sauce.
I had the chicken. Drinks and nuts came out (think she offered seconds on the nuts because I saw her bringing some additional ramekins...if she asked me I probably didn't hear because of headphones). Black linens put over tray (the US 321 trays are annoyingly small and don't like the fact they don't fold in half) Appetizer was salmon with a huge dollop of cream cheese, and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinegar. Chicken was ok, was expecting some capers or lemons but just had the sauce; risotto seemed to be cooked correctly not burned on the sides. Choice of rolls offered, red wine was ok didn't catch what type it was but seemed to be a little to light and sweet for me. Dessert was choice of cheese plate or ice cream sundae.
Snack basket offered prior to arrival.
Made a point to tell Paula she did a great job. All in all pretty good flight (though $27 for wifi seems a little steep) and a nice improvement from last month.
AA 755
A321
600P
April 29, 2015
First Class
Dinner
Originally booked PHLORDSNA, then PHLDFWSNA, and eventually got on the PHLLAX nonstop (host of back and forth ticketing issues, but I digress).
PDBs during boarding. Paula was working F and she was fantastic; to the point where I don't think I really saw her sit down or hide in the galley the entire flight.
Paula came to each row, addressed everyone by name and welcomed them, and gave detailed descriptions of the meals (not just chicken or pasta) which were chicken piccata with green/yellow beans and risotto or artichoke ravioli with cheese sauce.
I had the chicken. Drinks and nuts came out (think she offered seconds on the nuts because I saw her bringing some additional ramekins...if she asked me I probably didn't hear because of headphones). Black linens put over tray (the US 321 trays are annoyingly small and don't like the fact they don't fold in half) Appetizer was salmon with a huge dollop of cream cheese, and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinegar. Chicken was ok, was expecting some capers or lemons but just had the sauce; risotto seemed to be cooked correctly not burned on the sides. Choice of rolls offered, red wine was ok didn't catch what type it was but seemed to be a little to light and sweet for me. Dessert was choice of cheese plate or ice cream sundae.
Snack basket offered prior to arrival.
Made a point to tell Paula she did a great job. All in all pretty good flight (though $27 for wifi seems a little steep) and a nice improvement from last month.
Apr 30, 2015, 7:21 pm
#789
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 127
Typing this from a 7:50PM departure CLT-LAX on a US 321. Pictures of the meal to follow.
Pleasantly surprised to see the FA coming down the aisle laying out the black trayblecloths.
It's mildly embarrassing since my seatmate is a United flyer whose company paid for him to fly F and was asking how US compared. I told him I've never flown UA F, but out of AA, US, and DL it's a pretty lackluster product: old seats, flimsy unimpressive meal trays, etc... and we've had nothing but great service, PDB (wine), warm nuts, and now trayblecloths. Mind you, i'll take that embarrassment any day
Definitely a step in the right direction from the last couple months!
Pleasantly surprised to see the FA coming down the aisle laying out the black trayblecloths.
It's mildly embarrassing since my seatmate is a United flyer whose company paid for him to fly F and was asking how US compared. I told him I've never flown UA F, but out of AA, US, and DL it's a pretty lackluster product: old seats, flimsy unimpressive meal trays, etc... and we've had nothing but great service, PDB (wine), warm nuts, and now trayblecloths. Mind you, i'll take that embarrassment any day
Definitely a step in the right direction from the last couple months!
May 1, 2015, 2:06 pm
#790
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Today's the day of changes/improved meals/expanded windows. Any reports?
May 1, 2015, 2:55 pm
#791
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: EWR :rolleyes:
Programs: AC 50K, AS MVP, AA Plat Pro, DL Plat, UA Silver, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 9,634
Wow who would have thought I could be the first. I flew AA 1458 this morning EWR to dfw breakfast was pretty much exactly the same as my MIA PTY flight 2 weeks ago. Choice was omelette or French toast. Flying US 1782 EWR CLT later tonight in F so one more sample today.
May 2, 2015, 12:00 am
#792
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Hopefully more people can pipe in with more updates; very curious here!
Last edited by MrAndy1369; May 2, 2015 at 12:42 pm
May 2, 2015, 1:24 am
#793
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I'm only flying JFK-LAX-JFK this weekend and crappy Mesa so don't think my flights will have anything "new" to report
May 2, 2015, 11:43 am
#794
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
I don't know... Maybe in this case, no news is good news. Just glad to hear that the new meals don't include those pesto sandwiches plated instead of in the paper packets !
Don't take to the skies again for about another week, but I will report back when I do.
!Don't take to the skies again for about another week, but I will report back when I do.
May 2, 2015, 9:10 pm
#795
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: EWR :rolleyes:
Programs: AC 50K, AS MVP, AA Plat Pro, DL Plat, UA Silver, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 9,634
Wow who would have thought I could be the first. I flew AA 1458 this morning EWR to dfw breakfast was pretty much exactly the same as my MIA PTY flight 2 weeks ago. Choice was omelette or French toast. Flying US 1782 EWR CLT later tonight in F so one more sample today.
Here is a picture of the meal I was served yesterday. Also I took a look at my next flight on 5/13 and it is offering me the same two breakfast options I had yesterday, so I guess not to much is going to change from now until then...