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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Jun 5, 2015, 5:26 pm
#1036
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
AA1521
RDU-MIA
BSI B738 - AVOD
I was happy to have a chance to try out the new snack options. These were 100% better than the junk sandwiches that were handed out on this route before the May changes.
FAs came around with hot nuts and then offered a choice of hummus w/ spinach and artichoke dip or a fruit and cheese plate. I selected the hummus, which was quite good. The bread was fresh and overall it was a pretty decent snack for the 700 mile trip down to Miami.
RDU-MIA
BSI B738 - AVOD
I was happy to have a chance to try out the new snack options. These were 100% better than the junk sandwiches that were handed out on this route before the May changes.
FAs came around with hot nuts and then offered a choice of hummus w/ spinach and artichoke dip or a fruit and cheese plate. I selected the hummus, which was quite good. The bread was fresh and overall it was a pretty decent snack for the 700 mile trip down to Miami.
- Full meal with Hawaiian rolls plus two other bread options
- Choice of customized sundae or a fruit and cheese plate
- A plated snack such as fruit and cheese, hummus and pita or spinach dip and pita, prior to arrival
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...mium-cabin.jsp
Jun 5, 2015, 10:10 pm
#1037
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,203
US839 PHL-MCO offered iced mixed nuts along with a couple snack basket passes. PDB was offered (imagine my surprise) along with multiple drink runs inflight. The 757 had recliner-style J seats which were decently comfortable for the 2 hour flight. Does US not do the burned on board cookies?
Two PDB offered
Lukewarm nuts (they were heated but not hot. I blame the oven)
Multiple drink runs
Chocolate chip cookie.
Nice flight
Jun 5, 2015, 11:42 pm
#1038
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
Sounds similar to my flight with the exception of the cookie. Not offered one on mine. Glad to hear you got the UG, I was certainly happy with the seats after the day I'd had that day.
Jun 6, 2015, 11:06 am
#1039
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold GGL
Posts: 1,068
I have two morning departures from LAX coming up, one to HNL and one to IAD.
Both destinations are over 2200 miles so I was looking forward to ice cream sundaes.
Are they served with breakfast?
Both destinations are over 2200 miles so I was looking forward to ice cream sundaes.
Are they served with breakfast?
Jun 6, 2015, 11:42 am
#1040
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
Jun 6, 2015, 12:31 pm
#1041
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
For a very brief time, AA transcon (all transcons, not just JFK-LAX/SFO) breakfast flights, in 2014, had a mango sorbet served as a dessert after breakfast, along with Biscoffs. Not sure why this was discontinued, as it was a very classy service and gave transcon F a more premium feel.
Jun 6, 2015, 7:31 pm
#1042
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: OGG
Posts: 55
Meal service from hell... plus a chance of redemption
Terrible recent meals on AA in F:
1. HNL-DFW... the salad was some kind of crab concoction that was so spoiled it had turned dark gray, and would knock over a horse with the smell. The "entree" was some kind of tennis-ball shaped flour "thing" that apparently had some ground up shrimp inside, along with Tabasco sauce. Revolting, unedible.
2. DFW-DEN... at lunch (12:30 pm) they served a small dish with a plastic-wrapped package of 2 crackers and a few pieces of cheese. No place mats, no nothing. Apparently one was supposed to cut up the cheese on the plastic seat back tray.
3. ORD-BDL... 3:30 pm, short flight, Miracle of miracles, a delicious shrimp salad was served. Couldn't have been better.
4. BDL-DFW... mildly tolerable breakfast...
5. DFW-OGG... some kind of pink plastic fish, totally free from flavor, hard, dry, on top of some mushy, cooked 3-4 times, frozen and reheated "rice". Inedible.
Assuming the transpac planes are catered out of DFW, capital of the American Airlines International Empire, and all the flights with repulsive "food" probably originated there, could be a clue.
Seriously, if most of these meals were presented at a luncheon for the American board, presumably the caterer would be fired instantaneously. This stuff was mainly sub school cafeteria fare. It was that bad.
Anticipating as much, my general strategy is to take enough sushi and other fresh food for a couple of people. Good way to become popular up front.
Has anyone sent photographs of the catering to the AA chairman? E-mails are easy to ignore, hard-copy evidence, less so.
And they wonder why the Gulf carriers are making inroads to the US market?
1. HNL-DFW... the salad was some kind of crab concoction that was so spoiled it had turned dark gray, and would knock over a horse with the smell. The "entree" was some kind of tennis-ball shaped flour "thing" that apparently had some ground up shrimp inside, along with Tabasco sauce. Revolting, unedible.
2. DFW-DEN... at lunch (12:30 pm) they served a small dish with a plastic-wrapped package of 2 crackers and a few pieces of cheese. No place mats, no nothing. Apparently one was supposed to cut up the cheese on the plastic seat back tray.
3. ORD-BDL... 3:30 pm, short flight, Miracle of miracles, a delicious shrimp salad was served. Couldn't have been better.
4. BDL-DFW... mildly tolerable breakfast...
5. DFW-OGG... some kind of pink plastic fish, totally free from flavor, hard, dry, on top of some mushy, cooked 3-4 times, frozen and reheated "rice". Inedible.
Assuming the transpac planes are catered out of DFW, capital of the American Airlines International Empire, and all the flights with repulsive "food" probably originated there, could be a clue.
Seriously, if most of these meals were presented at a luncheon for the American board, presumably the caterer would be fired instantaneously. This stuff was mainly sub school cafeteria fare. It was that bad.
Anticipating as much, my general strategy is to take enough sushi and other fresh food for a couple of people. Good way to become popular up front.
Has anyone sent photographs of the catering to the AA chairman? E-mails are easy to ignore, hard-copy evidence, less so.
And they wonder why the Gulf carriers are making inroads to the US market?
Jun 7, 2015, 8:56 am
#1043
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
SLC-DFW
Boeing 737-800
Breakfast
A couple of note-worthy things about this flight. First off, this was the first time that I have flown a 737 on the route. Previously, I have always been on a MD-80. Sad to see the conversion happen here.
My disappointment with the disappearance of the mad-dog was quickly replaced once on board, however. Service on this flight was EXCELLENT, and earned the purser an AAplause certificate.
PDB of choice. ^
Beverage of choice and unprompted re-fill prior to meal service once in the air. ^
Hot towels proceeded the meal service. This was followed by linens being placed on the tray tables. ^
Meal choices on this flight were the ubiquitous steel-cut oatmeal or the quiche. I chose the quiche. It was fine, though the appearance and presentation left something to be desired. Notably, there was no meat on the plate. Just the quiche and 4 sad, lonely looking sliced potatoes.
Also on the tray was a fruit plate with numerous red grapes, an orange slice, and slice of cantaloupe, honeydew and pineapple.
Bread served from the basket. Today's choices were the biscuit or a wheat roll. As there was a light load, re-fill from the basket were offered, along with extra butter. ^
Drink re-fills were constantly offered.
FA's announcements were extremely professional and pleasant. I passed out after the meal, and woke up to a mint on my arm rest waiting for me. ^
This flight was a great example of what service could and should be.
Boeing 737-800
Breakfast
A couple of note-worthy things about this flight. First off, this was the first time that I have flown a 737 on the route. Previously, I have always been on a MD-80. Sad to see the conversion happen here.
My disappointment with the disappearance of the mad-dog was quickly replaced once on board, however. Service on this flight was EXCELLENT, and earned the purser an AAplause certificate.
PDB of choice. ^
Beverage of choice and unprompted re-fill prior to meal service once in the air. ^
Hot towels proceeded the meal service. This was followed by linens being placed on the tray tables. ^
Meal choices on this flight were the ubiquitous steel-cut oatmeal or the quiche. I chose the quiche. It was fine, though the appearance and presentation left something to be desired. Notably, there was no meat on the plate. Just the quiche and 4 sad, lonely looking sliced potatoes.
Also on the tray was a fruit plate with numerous red grapes, an orange slice, and slice of cantaloupe, honeydew and pineapple.
Bread served from the basket. Today's choices were the biscuit or a wheat roll. As there was a light load, re-fill from the basket were offered, along with extra butter. ^
Drink re-fills were constantly offered.
FA's announcements were extremely professional and pleasant. I passed out after the meal, and woke up to a mint on my arm rest waiting for me. ^
This flight was a great example of what service could and should be.
Jun 7, 2015, 3:42 pm
#1044
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,725
Are DFW-LAX dinner flights considered cookie or ice cream flights?? I think SFO/PDX/SEA are all ice cream flights but LAX may be too short.
Jun 7, 2015, 4:48 pm
#1046
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
Jun 8, 2015, 5:19 pm
#1047
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
A few notes from recent flights in First:
- US 2013 RDU-CLT: This is a former snack basket flight, now it just gets a pack of snack mix. Disappointing, though at least it's only a 30 minute flight.
- US 2039 CLT-MSP: 10:20 PM departure from CLT and all we got was one serving of mixed nuts in a ramekin. I think it was a miscater but the flight is a little over two hours and I was disappointed not to get a cookie
- US 1755 PHL-RDU: New snack basket offerings, at least for me:
- White Cheddar Popcorn
- Mixed Nuts
- Pretzels
- Biscotti
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies (really good)
- Sea Salt flavored chips
- US 2013 RDU-CLT: This is a former snack basket flight, now it just gets a pack of snack mix. Disappointing, though at least it's only a 30 minute flight.
- US 2039 CLT-MSP: 10:20 PM departure from CLT and all we got was one serving of mixed nuts in a ramekin. I think it was a miscater but the flight is a little over two hours and I was disappointed not to get a cookie
- US 1755 PHL-RDU: New snack basket offerings, at least for me:
- White Cheddar Popcorn
- Mixed Nuts
- Pretzels
- Biscotti
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies (really good)
- Sea Salt flavored chips
Last edited by CMK10; Jun 8, 2015 at 10:33 pm Reason: Wrong airport code
Jun 8, 2015, 5:25 pm
#1048
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
A few notes from recent flights in First:
- US 2013 RDU-CLT: This is a former snack basket flight, now it just gets a pack of snack mix. Disappointing, though at least it's only a 30 minute flight.
- US 2039 CLT-RDU: 10:20 PM departure from CLT and all we got was one serving of mixed nuts in a ramekin. I think it was a miscater but the flight is a little over two hours and I was disappointed not to get a cookie
- US 1755 PHL-RDU: New snack basket offerings, at least for me:
- White Cheddar Popcorn
- Mixed Nuts
- Pretzels
- Biscotti
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies (really good)
- Sea Salt flavored chips
- US 2013 RDU-CLT: This is a former snack basket flight, now it just gets a pack of snack mix. Disappointing, though at least it's only a 30 minute flight.
- US 2039 CLT-RDU: 10:20 PM departure from CLT and all we got was one serving of mixed nuts in a ramekin. I think it was a miscater but the flight is a little over two hours and I was disappointed not to get a cookie
- US 1755 PHL-RDU: New snack basket offerings, at least for me:
- White Cheddar Popcorn
- Mixed Nuts
- Pretzels
- Biscotti
- Coconut Oatmeal Cookies (really good)
- Sea Salt flavored chips
Jun 8, 2015, 8:33 pm
#1049
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
MIA-PHX
pmAA B737-800
Refreshments
Pathetic offering but great service. Ugh.
PDB of water, OJ, or champagne. ^
After takeoff, drink of choice, followed by warmed nuts in ramekin.
All that was offered was a basket of CHIPS -- NOTHING else.
Warmed chocolate chip cookies quickly followed.
FA said she worked this flight last week and more was offered. This week - on my flight - not so much. Pathetic.
She did an awesome job of accommodating requests and offering frequent re-fills. Still, Parker and Adler did a poor job with meeting (not just mine - but my seat opponents, too) expectations on this flight. #goingforgreat?
pmAA B737-800
Refreshments
Pathetic offering but great service. Ugh.
PDB of water, OJ, or champagne. ^
After takeoff, drink of choice, followed by warmed nuts in ramekin.
All that was offered was a basket of CHIPS -- NOTHING else.
Warmed chocolate chip cookies quickly followed.
FA said she worked this flight last week and more was offered. This week - on my flight - not so much. Pathetic.
She did an awesome job of accommodating requests and offering frequent re-fills. Still, Parker and Adler did a poor job with meeting (not just mine - but my seat opponents, too) expectations on this flight. #goingforgreat?
Jun 8, 2015, 8:50 pm
#1050
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
MIA-PHX
pmAA B737-800
Refreshments
Pathetic offering but great service. Ugh.
PDB of water, OJ, or champagne. ^
After takeoff, drink of choice, followed by warmed nuts in ramekin.
All that was offered was a basket of CHIPS -- NOTHING else.
Warmed chocolate chip cookies quickly followed.
FA said she worked this flight last week and more was offered. This week - on my flight - not so much. Pathetic.
She did an awesome job of accommodating requests and offering frequent re-fills. Still, Parker and Adler did a poor job with meeting (not just mine - but my seat opponents, too) expectations on this flight. #goingforgreat?
pmAA B737-800
Refreshments
Pathetic offering but great service. Ugh.
PDB of water, OJ, or champagne. ^
After takeoff, drink of choice, followed by warmed nuts in ramekin.
All that was offered was a basket of CHIPS -- NOTHING else.
Warmed chocolate chip cookies quickly followed.
FA said she worked this flight last week and more was offered. This week - on my flight - not so much. Pathetic.
She did an awesome job of accommodating requests and offering frequent re-fills. Still, Parker and Adler did a poor job with meeting (not just mine - but my seat opponents, too) expectations on this flight. #goingforgreat?