Last edit by: JY1024
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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 2017 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.
2017 Combined AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
#751
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Posts: 213
Well as luck would have it, my attempt to be a bit daring and pre-ordering the Poblano Relleno for my flight yesterday (plus I really just couldn't do another blah chicken breast) didn't quite pan out as it seems there was a last minute catering swap and ended up with vegetarian lasagna. This might have had something to do with the hour and fifteen minute delay due to a leaky coffee maker, but one never knows!
Now I may be splitting hairs here, but when I hear vegetarian lasagna, I tend to think of layers including eggplant, perhaps some spinach, etc. but according to AA, that translates to pasta and cheese nuked in an orange colored sauce with two pieces of charred squash on the side... ah wait, I see what they're doing (silly me), it's a high-end gourmet deconstructed vegetarian lasagna!
Truthfully it wasn't horrible albeit a bit bland... I just think they should rename for what it is - a basic cheese lasagna and call it a day.
Now I'm sure I'll get flamed for this BUT... please please PLEASE can AA get rid of these silly warmed cookies as dessert? I've always thought they were such a messy and poor choice when you think of all the greasiness, dripping melted chocolate, etc. and the fact that they're "finger food". Ok, yes it may only be domestic first but are we not worthy of a dessert we can eat with a fork in a humane and dignified manner?!
Anywho... next round appears to be a choice between: another (bland) grilled chicken breast w/ cous cous or the cheese cappelletti which I've yet to try... looks like pasta it will be!
Now I may be splitting hairs here, but when I hear vegetarian lasagna, I tend to think of layers including eggplant, perhaps some spinach, etc. but according to AA, that translates to pasta and cheese nuked in an orange colored sauce with two pieces of charred squash on the side... ah wait, I see what they're doing (silly me), it's a high-end gourmet deconstructed vegetarian lasagna!
Truthfully it wasn't horrible albeit a bit bland... I just think they should rename for what it is - a basic cheese lasagna and call it a day.
Now I'm sure I'll get flamed for this BUT... please please PLEASE can AA get rid of these silly warmed cookies as dessert? I've always thought they were such a messy and poor choice when you think of all the greasiness, dripping melted chocolate, etc. and the fact that they're "finger food". Ok, yes it may only be domestic first but are we not worthy of a dessert we can eat with a fork in a humane and dignified manner?!
Anywho... next round appears to be a choice between: another (bland) grilled chicken breast w/ cous cous or the cheese cappelletti which I've yet to try... looks like pasta it will be!
#752
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP & 1MM (Lifetime Gold); Marriott Gold; National Exec Emerald's
Posts: 337
Well as luck would have it, my attempt to be a bit daring and pre-ordering the Poblano Relleno for my flight yesterday (plus I really just couldn't do another blah chicken breast) didn't quite pan out as it seems there was a last minute catering swap and ended up with vegetarian lasagna. This might have had something to do with the hour and fifteen minute delay due to a leaky coffee maker, but one never knows!
Now I may be splitting hairs here, but when I hear vegetarian lasagna, I tend to think of layers including eggplant, perhaps some spinach, etc. but according to AA, that translates to pasta and cheese nuked in an orange colored sauce with two pieces of charred squash on the side... ah wait, I see what they're doing (silly me), it's a high-end gourmet deconstructed vegetarian lasagna!
Truthfully it wasn't horrible albeit a bit bland... I just think they should rename for what it is - a basic cheese lasagna and call it a day.
Now I'm sure I'll get flamed for this BUT... please please PLEASE can AA get rid of these silly warmed cookies as dessert? I've always thought they were such a messy and poor choice when you think of all the greasiness, dripping melted chocolate, etc. and the fact that they're "finger food". Ok, yes it may only be domestic first but are we not worthy of a dessert we can eat with a fork in a humane and dignified manner?!
Anywho... next round appears to be a choice between: another (bland) grilled chicken breast w/ cous cous or the cheese cappelletti which I've yet to try... looks like pasta it will be!
Now I may be splitting hairs here, but when I hear vegetarian lasagna, I tend to think of layers including eggplant, perhaps some spinach, etc. but according to AA, that translates to pasta and cheese nuked in an orange colored sauce with two pieces of charred squash on the side... ah wait, I see what they're doing (silly me), it's a high-end gourmet deconstructed vegetarian lasagna!
Truthfully it wasn't horrible albeit a bit bland... I just think they should rename for what it is - a basic cheese lasagna and call it a day.
Now I'm sure I'll get flamed for this BUT... please please PLEASE can AA get rid of these silly warmed cookies as dessert? I've always thought they were such a messy and poor choice when you think of all the greasiness, dripping melted chocolate, etc. and the fact that they're "finger food". Ok, yes it may only be domestic first but are we not worthy of a dessert we can eat with a fork in a humane and dignified manner?!
Anywho... next round appears to be a choice between: another (bland) grilled chicken breast w/ cous cous or the cheese cappelletti which I've yet to try... looks like pasta it will be!
On my flight from PIT to PHX on the 19th, FA thought she had the Poblano Pepper dish but discovered it was lasagna when it came out of the oven.
#753
#754
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Meal Strategy
Here's what I've been doing at select airports, such as DFW, MIA, LAX, SFO:
1. Arrive early to airport, or if making connection, allow extra time in itinerary. Adding an extra hour or two between flights often results in fewer missed connections and less stress, in my experience.
2. Visit Centurion Lounge or United Club, burning some calories if that involves a considerable walk. Eat and drink in a chair, as seating is actually available.
3. Board AA aircraft. Enjoy PDB (chances are 50/50 you'll get a proper one).
4. In the air, accept beverage of choice and warmed nuts. Request refill of nuts. Request second Woodford Whiskey.
5. Skip the meal. Skip the drama. Skip the disappointment.
6. Arrive at destination, smiling.
I have no expectation that the catering on AA planes will improve anytime soon. So, when possible, I go to Plan B. No regrets.
1. Arrive early to airport, or if making connection, allow extra time in itinerary. Adding an extra hour or two between flights often results in fewer missed connections and less stress, in my experience.
2. Visit Centurion Lounge or United Club, burning some calories if that involves a considerable walk. Eat and drink in a chair, as seating is actually available.
3. Board AA aircraft. Enjoy PDB (chances are 50/50 you'll get a proper one).
4. In the air, accept beverage of choice and warmed nuts. Request refill of nuts. Request second Woodford Whiskey.
5. Skip the meal. Skip the drama. Skip the disappointment.
6. Arrive at destination, smiling.
I have no expectation that the catering on AA planes will improve anytime soon. So, when possible, I go to Plan B. No regrets.
#755
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DFW or Somewhere Else
Programs: UA Plt /Delta DM/ Marriott Platinum Prem./Hilton Diamond / Hyatt Globalist /Hertz PS / National EE
Posts: 1,107
Here's what I've been doing at select airports, such as DFW, MIA, LAX, SFO:
1. Arrive early to airport, or if making connection, allow extra time in itinerary. Adding an extra hour or two between flights often results in fewer missed connections and less stress, in my experience.
2. Visit Centurion Lounge or United Club, burning some calories if that involves a considerable walk. Eat and drink in a chair, as seating is actually available.
3. Board AA aircraft. Enjoy PDB (chances are 50/50 you'll get a proper one).
4. In the air, accept beverage of choice and warmed nuts. Request refill of nuts. Request second Woodford Whiskey.
5. Skip the meal. Skip the drama. Skip the disappointment.
6. Arrive at destination, smiling.
I have no expectation that the catering on AA planes will improve anytime soon. So, when possible, I go to Plan B. No regrets.
1. Arrive early to airport, or if making connection, allow extra time in itinerary. Adding an extra hour or two between flights often results in fewer missed connections and less stress, in my experience.
2. Visit Centurion Lounge or United Club, burning some calories if that involves a considerable walk. Eat and drink in a chair, as seating is actually available.
3. Board AA aircraft. Enjoy PDB (chances are 50/50 you'll get a proper one).
4. In the air, accept beverage of choice and warmed nuts. Request refill of nuts. Request second Woodford Whiskey.
5. Skip the meal. Skip the drama. Skip the disappointment.
6. Arrive at destination, smiling.
I have no expectation that the catering on AA planes will improve anytime soon. So, when possible, I go to Plan B. No regrets.
#757
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Some people can comfortably control the portions they eat in the lounge.
#758
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Rolling Lakes Yacht Club
Posts: 4,967
Oh I agree. It's all nasty and I rarely touch any of it, including "comfortable portions" of lounge food.
#759
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Have you been to a Centurion Lounge? Their greens and salad offerings make it easy to eat healthy and smart.
Last edited by jcatman; Jul 28, 2017 at 11:20 am Reason: typo
#760
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,017
On an earlier SJU-MIA flight yesterday, I had pre-ordered the beef medallion with couscous, and it was fine. Not a fine cut of beef, but edible. And the couscous was interesting (once it cooled down enough not to burn my tongue -- I suspect the beef and couscous were heated at the same time and should not have been).
#761
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 574
Flew MIA-JFK yesterday. Was supposed to have the Poblano Pepper dish, but they had catered the vegetarian lasagne, which was basically a cheese lasagne.
On an earlier SJU-MIA flight yesterday, I had pre-ordered the beef medallion with couscous, and it was fine. Not a fine cut of beef, but edible. And the couscous was interesting (once it cooled down enough not to burn my tongue -- I suspect the beef and couscous were heated at the same time and should not have been).
On an earlier SJU-MIA flight yesterday, I had pre-ordered the beef medallion with couscous, and it was fine. Not a fine cut of beef, but edible. And the couscous was interesting (once it cooled down enough not to burn my tongue -- I suspect the beef and couscous were heated at the same time and should not have been).
#762
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,206
Meal in TCON MCE
Is this a new thing? I had a choice between a wrap or a cheese plate.
#763
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
#764
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 214
#765
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555