Jan 1, 2016, 11:58 pm
Last edit by: Genius1
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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 2016 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.
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.
2016 Combined AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
Feb 14, 2016, 8:28 pm
#481
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,620
MCI-DCA
US, err, AA1870
1305 dep
Options were a salad with chicken on the side or this pasta dish. I haven't had a decent pAAsta dish since 2012, but this tasted surprisingly good.
No dessert offered.
DCA-MCI
AA5409
2000 dep
AAerSTL will surely be pleased to hear that MCI will become a catering station in a few months....
US, err, AA1870
1305 dep
Options were a salad with chicken on the side or this pasta dish. I haven't had a decent pAAsta dish since 2012, but this tasted surprisingly good.
No dessert offered.
DCA-MCI
AA5409
2000 dep
AAerSTL will surely be pleased to hear that MCI will become a catering station in a few months....
Feb 14, 2016, 9:05 pm
#482
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,915
AA2401 DFW-LAX
February 2016
B767
First Class
Breakfast
French Toast Strata
With cinnamon peach and cranberry compote
(the other option was the bruschetta omelette)
February 2016
B767
First Class
Breakfast
French Toast Strata
With cinnamon peach and cranberry compote
(the other option was the bruschetta omelette)
Feb 15, 2016, 1:38 am
#483
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
MCI-DCA
US, err, AA1870
1305 dep
Options were a salad with chicken on the side or this pasta dish. I haven't had a decent pAAsta dish since 2012, but this tasted surprisingly good.
No dessert offered.
DCA-MCI
AA5409
2000 dep
AAerSTL will surely be pleased to hear that MCI will become a catering station in a few months....
US, err, AA1870
1305 dep
Options were a salad with chicken on the side or this pasta dish. I haven't had a decent pAAsta dish since 2012, but this tasted surprisingly good.
No dessert offered.
DCA-MCI
AA5409
2000 dep
AAerSTL will surely be pleased to hear that MCI will become a catering station in a few months....
Feb 15, 2016, 10:20 am
#484
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,162
Feb 15, 2016, 10:25 am
#485
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,620
Feb 15, 2016, 10:48 pm
#486
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: City with Tax-Payer subsdized AA Maintance Base
Programs: Enough to Cause a Migraine
Posts: 1,857
Hmm... has AA shaved 7 miles off the route?? I ask because they last time I flew it at the end of December 2015, AA credited 1213 base miles for the route. The ORF-DFW flight is longer than DCA-DFW!
While it's blocked at 3:46, normally it's only ~3:15 in the air.
For this route, sadly, yes this is what AA considers normal for food in F on the early morning ORF-DFW flight. One time we had a 2 hour delay on the early morning ORF-DFW flight, [due to an mx issue] and the pilot quietly purchased breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks for all the F cabin. Those that didn't regularly fly the route in F probably would have assumed the sandwiches were the norm-- and not the sad cereal option.
I've been flying this route regularly in F since 2011.
In mid-2011, AA offered a cheese omelet, but dropped it by the end of the 2011. Over the years I've spoken to numerous FA's about the paltry catering, and repeatedly get told that there is no catering station in ORF, hence the lack of hot option. But AA *was* offering a hot option on the route before the end of 2011, and never offered it again. AA Customer Service claimed the change was due to lack of a catering station there, but yet, there is a catering company on site at ORF--- I pass it almost every time en-route to ORF. [the Catering company at ORF is local company, not LSG Skychefs--- which is probably the reason that AA claims there is not a caterer at ORF]
I would appreciate it if you would vocalize your complaint about your dissatisfaction about the lack of hot breakfast on the route to AA!
I vocalized my dissatisfaction with the lack of hot meals on the early morning ORF-DFW, and the complaint fell upon deaf ears--- and this was before DP took over the helm at AA. As someone that typically pays for F on the route, I can't justify paying more for F than what DL charges, and have shifted business to Delta, in part because of this not being addressed.
While it's blocked at 3:46, normally it's only ~3:15 in the air.
For this route, sadly, yes this is what AA considers normal for food in F on the early morning ORF-DFW flight. One time we had a 2 hour delay on the early morning ORF-DFW flight, [due to an mx issue] and the pilot quietly purchased breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks for all the F cabin. Those that didn't regularly fly the route in F probably would have assumed the sandwiches were the norm-- and not the sad cereal option.
I've been flying this route regularly in F since 2011.
In mid-2011, AA offered a cheese omelet, but dropped it by the end of the 2011. Over the years I've spoken to numerous FA's about the paltry catering, and repeatedly get told that there is no catering station in ORF, hence the lack of hot option. But AA *was* offering a hot option on the route before the end of 2011, and never offered it again. AA Customer Service claimed the change was due to lack of a catering station there, but yet, there is a catering company on site at ORF--- I pass it almost every time en-route to ORF. [the Catering company at ORF is local company, not LSG Skychefs--- which is probably the reason that AA claims there is not a caterer at ORF]
I would appreciate it if you would vocalize your complaint about your dissatisfaction about the lack of hot breakfast on the route to AA!
I vocalized my dissatisfaction with the lack of hot meals on the early morning ORF-DFW, and the complaint fell upon deaf ears--- and this was before DP took over the helm at AA. As someone that typically pays for F on the route, I can't justify paying more for F than what DL charges, and have shifted business to Delta, in part because of this not being addressed.
Last edited by Max M; Feb 15, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Feb 16, 2016, 11:12 pm
#487
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Ex Platinum & 1MM, DL PLT, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,490
Today on AA 692 PHX-HNL
PDB
Cold Hawaiian nut mix
Entrée choice of
Teriyaki Salmon
Grilled salmon enhanced by a teriyaki ginger glaze served with carrots and vegetable fried rice
or
Lentil Chili
With polenta cake and tomato chutney
Had the salmon & it wasn't bad.
Choice of sourdough or wheat roll
Not sure what the appetizer was-a piece of rolled up beef & chunk of pineapple on a skewer.
Made to order sundaes from the cart
Those icky new beige tray linens
Snack basket passed around before landing
Personal bottle of water upon request
No mints before landing
LUS crew-FA up front did a good job.
Though we boarded via the front door, deplaning was via the mid door. Unlike LAA crews, FA's did not hold back coach to allow F to deplane first.
LUS 757 w/Eisenhower seats-only power port I found was in the lav! Otherwise, plane was typical LUS equip: beat to heck & filthy.
PDB
Cold Hawaiian nut mix
Entrée choice of
Teriyaki Salmon
Grilled salmon enhanced by a teriyaki ginger glaze served with carrots and vegetable fried rice
or
Lentil Chili
With polenta cake and tomato chutney
Had the salmon & it wasn't bad.
Choice of sourdough or wheat roll
Not sure what the appetizer was-a piece of rolled up beef & chunk of pineapple on a skewer.
Made to order sundaes from the cart
Those icky new beige tray linens
Snack basket passed around before landing
Personal bottle of water upon request
No mints before landing
LUS crew-FA up front did a good job.
Though we boarded via the front door, deplaning was via the mid door. Unlike LAA crews, FA's did not hold back coach to allow F to deplane first.
LUS 757 w/Eisenhower seats-only power port I found was in the lav! Otherwise, plane was typical LUS equip: beat to heck & filthy.
Feb 17, 2016, 6:07 am
#488
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,241
anyone have insight to the current JFK-SFO options in F?
im intrigued by how substantial the cheese plate option is for an entree. or the beef curry...
im intrigued by how substantial the cheese plate option is for an entree. or the beef curry...
Feb 17, 2016, 6:14 am
#489
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: AS 100K, AA Gold, IC Diamond AMB, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,841
tom911 also had pics of the dish somewhere up-thread.
Can't speak to the cheese plate.
Feb 17, 2016, 6:15 am
#490
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
Feb 17, 2016, 6:24 am
#491
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,241
this IS a late evening flight westbound departs JFK at 830PM and i know they sometimes do a scaled back dinner service on these sometimes--but given the other options (beef curry and four cheese shrimp quesadilla), which sound substantial, i figure/hope the cheese plate is big.
i usually ordered the vegetarian "special" meal which used to be great and big salads but in recent months i have been burned by a seriously insignificant salad which truly is a square plate of just bagged salad with nothing more unfortunately. leaves me starving!
Feb 17, 2016, 7:35 am
#492
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25654298-post2509.html
Feb 17, 2016, 8:01 am
#493
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: BA GGL & GfL, AA LTP, Marriott (sigh) Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,241
Here's what the Beef Curry looks like in F (on a lunch flight):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25654298-post2509.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25654298-post2509.html
that salad alone would make me happy!
Feb 17, 2016, 8:46 am
#494
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
You can also go right to my meal photos page:
https://tom911.smugmug.com/American-...es-My-Carrier/
https://tom911.smugmug.com/American-...es-My-Carrier/
Feb 17, 2016, 9:02 am
#495
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
ORD-DFW this morning on #2337. Choice of the Egg Strata or French Toast Strata. I was in 6E upgraded about 20 hours out so no chance to pre-order. Meal requests taken front to back and I was still able to get my first choice of the eggs. They were tasty and very fluffy served with potatoes and sausage. The fruit on the side looked rather sad (it looked like it was the core of the pineapple it was so unripe looking).
I will say this LAA crew did an outstanding job - coats were hung, full PDB's were offered, hot towel service with the 'ol smoking dry ice flair, linens on the tray (albeit the beige ones) and constant walkthroughs of the cabin for beverage top offs. Felt like the AA of old.
I will say this LAA crew did an outstanding job - coats were hung, full PDB's were offered, hot towel service with the 'ol smoking dry ice flair
, linens on the tray (albeit the beige ones) and constant walkthroughs of the cabin for beverage top offs. Felt like the AA of old.