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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
May 5, 2015, 9:08 am
#841
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
May 5, 2015, 11:29 pm
#842
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Caracas
Programs: Former AA PLT/GLD, A3 *G, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,144
I have a big mystery,am not sure if someone can possibly clear me out of my scratching head.
About a month ago i flew MIA-SFO on the 7:00am flight on the 763. Years ago, when i joined this forum i understood that the mythical Sundae was most commonly served on the 763 equipment. So i always crossed fingers to get a 763 flight to see if i was lucky enough to get the Sundae or even the "Sludge" (which i understand it is like a downgraded version of the Sundae)
Anyhow, i wanted to get my ice cream. When i did the AA167 finally, after about 3 years waiting to catch another 763 flight. I asked the FA for the Sundae, and he came back saying something about the timetables. That they didn't have it for this morning flight. It left me scratching my head, i thought that they could offer a pseudo flagship like service on a MIA-SFO flight, as it is very long and was also served on a wide body/bigger equipment.
Which schedules/routes offer the sundaes domestically (as of today) ?
I was never sure if he was actually being honest (i think so) or if he was pulling my leg as i was seated in Y (so i don't actually know if any sort of ice cream was distributed in J). The FA was relatively kind, and i think he was telling the truth but i don't know. I had always wanted to meet the sundae with all of their toppings "everything of it" as it is relatively famous here but naah...
I forgot if it was a Ben&Jerrys or any other kind.
I know this is the international meals thread and this was a domestic itinerary, but this thread, i think, might be the most accurate to post this kind of questions. If someone can help me solve my Sundae & Sludge mystery i would be grateful! I would like to try one of these sometime
About a month ago i flew MIA-SFO on the 7:00am flight on the 763. Years ago, when i joined this forum i understood that the mythical Sundae was most commonly served on the 763 equipment. So i always crossed fingers to get a 763 flight to see if i was lucky enough to get the Sundae or even the "Sludge" (which i understand it is like a downgraded version of the Sundae)
Anyhow, i wanted to get my ice cream. When i did the AA167 finally, after about 3 years waiting to catch another 763 flight. I asked the FA for the Sundae, and he came back saying something about the timetables. That they didn't have it for this morning flight. It left me scratching my head, i thought that they could offer a pseudo flagship like service on a MIA-SFO flight, as it is very long and was also served on a wide body/bigger equipment.
Which schedules/routes offer the sundaes domestically (as of today) ?
I was never sure if he was actually being honest (i think so) or if he was pulling my leg as i was seated in Y (so i don't actually know if any sort of ice cream was distributed in J). The FA was relatively kind, and i think he was telling the truth but i don't know. I had always wanted to meet the sundae with all of their toppings "everything of it" as it is relatively famous here but naah...
I forgot if it was a Ben&Jerrys or any other kind.
I know this is the international meals thread and this was a domestic itinerary, but this thread, i think, might be the most accurate to post this kind of questions. If someone can help me solve my Sundae & Sludge mystery i would be grateful! I would like to try one of these sometime
May 6, 2015, 12:10 am
#843
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
I have a big mystery,am not sure if someone can possibly clear me out of my scratching head.
About a month ago i flew MIA-SFO on the 7:00am flight on the 763. Years ago, when i joined this forum i understood that the mythical Sundae was most commonly served on the 763 equipment. So i always crossed fingers to get a 763 flight to see if i was lucky enough to get the Sundae or even the "Sludge" (which i understand it is like a downgraded version of the Sundae)
Anyhow, i wanted to get my ice cream. When i did the AA167 finally, after about 3 years waiting to catch another 763 flight. I asked the FA for the Sundae, and he came back saying something about the timetables. That they didn't have it for this morning flight. It left me scratching my head, i thought that they could offer a pseudo flagship like service on a MIA-SFO flight, as it is very long and was also served on a wide body/bigger equipment.
Which schedules/routes offer the sundaes domestically (as of today) ?
I was never sure if he was actually being honest (i think so) or if he was pulling my leg as i was seated in Y (so i don't actually know if any sort of ice cream was distributed in J). The FA was relatively kind, and i think he was telling the truth but i don't know. I had always wanted to meet the sundae with all of their toppings "everything of it" as it is relatively famous here but naah...
I forgot if it was a Ben&Jerrys or any other kind.
I know this is the international meals thread and this was a domestic itinerary, but this thread, i think, might be the most accurate to post this kind of questions. If someone can help me solve my Sundae & Sludge mystery i would be grateful! I would like to try one of these sometime
About a month ago i flew MIA-SFO on the 7:00am flight on the 763. Years ago, when i joined this forum i understood that the mythical Sundae was most commonly served on the 763 equipment. So i always crossed fingers to get a 763 flight to see if i was lucky enough to get the Sundae or even the "Sludge" (which i understand it is like a downgraded version of the Sundae)
Anyhow, i wanted to get my ice cream. When i did the AA167 finally, after about 3 years waiting to catch another 763 flight. I asked the FA for the Sundae, and he came back saying something about the timetables. That they didn't have it for this morning flight. It left me scratching my head, i thought that they could offer a pseudo flagship like service on a MIA-SFO flight, as it is very long and was also served on a wide body/bigger equipment.
Which schedules/routes offer the sundaes domestically (as of today) ?
I was never sure if he was actually being honest (i think so) or if he was pulling my leg as i was seated in Y (so i don't actually know if any sort of ice cream was distributed in J). The FA was relatively kind, and i think he was telling the truth but i don't know. I had always wanted to meet the sundae with all of their toppings "everything of it" as it is relatively famous here but naah...
I forgot if it was a Ben&Jerrys or any other kind.
I know this is the international meals thread and this was a domestic itinerary, but this thread, i think, might be the most accurate to post this kind of questions. If someone can help me solve my Sundae & Sludge mystery i would be grateful! I would like to try one of these sometime
May 6, 2015, 8:04 am
#844
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: JFK > LGA >> EWR
Programs: AA EXP 1.2mm, Kimpton IC, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,180
May 6, 2015, 9:00 am
#845
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: TPA for now. Hopefully LIS for retirement
Posts: 13,703
May 6, 2015, 12:37 pm
#846
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Things can change overnight, but there is significant lag between when the decision is made and when the changes can happen.
Those overnight changes that happened in September 2014 were decided probably in February 2014.
They can't make the decision to improve catering in, say, February 2015 and implement it all as quickly as May 2015.
Those overnight changes that happened in September 2014 were decided probably in February 2014.
They can't make the decision to improve catering in, say, February 2015 and implement it all as quickly as May 2015.
May 6, 2015, 2:03 pm
#847
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Alexandria, Longboat Key
Programs: UA Gold Marriott Gold AA Gold Choice Gold Wyndham PLAT IHG PLAT Avis President's Club Amtrak Select
Posts: 2,263
Things can change overnight, but there is significant lag between when the decision is made and when the changes can happen.
Those overnight changes that happened in September 2014 were decided probably in February 2014.
They can't make the decision to improve catering in, say, February 2015 and implement it all as quickly as May 2015.
Those overnight changes that happened in September 2014 were decided probably in February 2014.
They can't make the decision to improve catering in, say, February 2015 and implement it all as quickly as May 2015.
May 6, 2015, 4:57 pm
#848
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I actually just switch from the kale pasta to the chilled chicken salad (with pears, beets and goat cheese) on the 788 this weekend. I remembered it's easy to pick out the things you don't like from these salads and want a healthier option......can't wait to see these salads back on AA!
May 6, 2015, 9:02 pm
#849
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
DEN-DFW
American 1491
737-800
5:45P-8:43P
May 6, 2015
Refreshments
As usual, not a hint of a PDB today despite plenty of time at the gate in DEN. Once in the air, 2 FAs rolled the cart down the aisle for drinks, nuts in ramekin and then later snack service. Choice of either cheese and fruit plate or antipasto. Nice improvement over the snack basket, especially on a short announced 1:22 flight time.
American 1491
737-800
5:45P-8:43P
May 6, 2015
Refreshments
As usual, not a hint of a PDB today despite plenty of time at the gate in DEN. Once in the air, 2 FAs rolled the cart down the aisle for drinks, nuts in ramekin and then later snack service. Choice of either cheese and fruit plate or antipasto. Nice improvement over the snack basket, especially on a short announced 1:22 flight time.
May 6, 2015, 9:36 pm
#850
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
May 6, 2015, 9:41 pm
#851
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
DEN-DFW
American 1491
737-800
5:45P-8:43P
May 6, 2015
Refreshments
As usual, not a hint of a PDB today despite plenty of time at the gate in DEN. Once in the air, 2 FAs rolled the cart down the aisle for drinks, nuts in ramekin and then later snack service. Choice of either cheese and fruit plate or antipasto. Nice improvement over the snack basket, especially on a short announced 1:22 flight time.
American 1491
737-800
5:45P-8:43P
May 6, 2015
Refreshments
As usual, not a hint of a PDB today despite plenty of time at the gate in DEN. Once in the air, 2 FAs rolled the cart down the aisle for drinks, nuts in ramekin and then later snack service. Choice of either cheese and fruit plate or antipasto. Nice improvement over the snack basket, especially on a short announced 1:22 flight time.
May 6, 2015, 9:42 pm
#852
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Absolutely. Night and day difference.
I'd love to know how much the salad weighs.
Like on a scale.
I'd love to know how much the salad weighs.
Like on a scale.
May 7, 2015, 8:50 am
#853
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: WAS, LAX
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,330
Here's a new LAX - DFW "cold plate" lunch offering, served with *gasp* linens. Orzo, shrimp, and sun dried tomatoes. Pretty good!
http://i.imgur.com/1kpCGgP.jpg
The orzo had a mild pesto flavor, which nicely rounded out the acidity of the tomatoes.
A couple of noteworthy
:
1. Was 1/4 on linens this past week
2. DFW - CLT dinner flight was just a choice of beef or cheese tortellini, so not worth photographing. There was , however, no mention or availability of shaved Parmesan or basil.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that things are going back to the way they were. The problem is that the there's no freaking consistency in the little things. That's just plain stupid, especially when they're clearly spelled out on the website.
http://i.imgur.com/1kpCGgP.jpg
The orzo had a mild pesto flavor, which nicely rounded out the acidity of the tomatoes.
A couple of noteworthy
:1. Was 1/4 on linens this past week
2. DFW - CLT dinner flight was just a choice of beef or cheese tortellini, so not worth photographing. There was , however, no mention or availability of shaved Parmesan or basil.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that things are going back to the way they were. The problem is that the there's no freaking consistency in the little things. That's just plain stupid, especially when they're clearly spelled out on the website.
Last edited by JY1024; May 7, 2015 at 11:37 am Reason: Removed img tags from enormous photo :)
May 7, 2015, 8:58 am
#854
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
The only thing that's consistent about AA is their constant inconsistency (and really lack of enforcement of policies).
May 7, 2015, 9:50 am
#855
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
DFW-ORD
AA 2320
Inaugural 788 Dreamliner
7:10A-9:30A
May 7, 2015
Breakfast
Choice of Quiche Florentine or Steelcut Oatmeal. No linen sighting this morning.
AA 2320
Inaugural 788 Dreamliner
7:10A-9:30A
May 7, 2015
Breakfast
Choice of Quiche Florentine or Steelcut Oatmeal. No linen sighting this morning.