Dec 31, 2016, 10:45 pm
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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Aug 21, 2017, 5:31 pm
#901
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 94
LAX-YVR (April 2017)
Business Class
Lunch
More details in my report here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...t-lounges.html
Business Class
Lunch
More details in my report here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...t-lounges.html
Aug 21, 2017, 8:22 pm
#902
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,457
Aug 23, 2017, 11:38 am
#903
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Posting in this forum because the CUN flights, while sold as business are pretty much domestic F.
CUN-PHX
AA 515
Dinner
As mentioned in the PDB thread, no full bar due to customs/taxes, etc. in CUN. Was also disappointed because this flight did not have the old 757/767 US Envoy seats, but has been refurbed to the standard AA domestic F seats
Still, AAmazing, albeit leisurely service provided. Once in the air, offered (and encouraged) full bar, so we ordered sparkling white wine. This was delivered with the nut mix (not warmed). Preselection of meals (Fish and Vegetable Plate) were acknowledged. Later switched to a drinkable Merlot.
For some reason, only 1 FA worked the F cabin. Hence it was a full 1.5 hrs in flight before our meals were delivered. Towels distributed after the beverage/nuts service.
Fish:
Vegetable:
Meals were both good; although SO commented that the Vegetable dish was a little more substantial. Fish was better than it looks. Still, decent catering considering the horror stories out of CUN. Would definitely recommend the Vegetable option; shrimp was decent too.
Dessert consisted of a cheesecake delivered after meal tray was removed. FA asked whether we preferred Baileys, Disaronno or both
Mints offered prior to landing.
Although the seats were a bit of a let down and service took awhile to complete, this was hands down the best 'domestic' AA flight I've taken this year; perhaps best in the last couple of years. When they get it right, AA really does offer a great F experience.
CUN-PHX
AA 515
Dinner
As mentioned in the PDB thread, no full bar due to customs/taxes, etc. in CUN. Was also disappointed because this flight did not have the old 757/767 US Envoy seats, but has been refurbed to the standard AA domestic F seats
Still, AAmazing, albeit leisurely service provided. Once in the air, offered (and encouraged) full bar, so we ordered sparkling white wine. This was delivered with the nut mix (not warmed). Preselection of meals (Fish and Vegetable Plate) were acknowledged. Later switched to a drinkable Merlot. 
For some reason, only 1 FA worked the F cabin. Hence it was a full 1.5 hrs in flight before our meals were delivered. Towels distributed after the beverage/nuts service.
Fish:
Vegetable:
Meals were both good; although SO commented that the Vegetable dish was a little more substantial. Fish was better than it looks. Still, decent catering considering the horror stories out of CUN. Would definitely recommend the Vegetable option; shrimp was decent too.
Dessert consisted of a cheesecake delivered after meal tray was removed. FA asked whether we preferred Baileys, Disaronno or both
Mints offered prior to landing.
Although the seats were a bit of a let down and service took awhile to complete, this was hands down the best 'domestic' AA flight I've taken this year; perhaps best in the last couple of years. When they get it right, AA really does offer a great F experience.
Aug 23, 2017, 8:14 pm
#904
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
MSP-LGA
E-175 (Republic)
Dinner
PDB of choice ^
nuts and drink of choice first
no hot towels
meal choice of veggie wrap or salad with chicken. assuming this was the greek salad i had for lunch on the flight out to MSP i chose to switch it up and just try the wrap.
kept the dessert as a standalone after the meal
as far as i know this is as good as a regional carrier flight can be......blows DL regional meals and service out of the water (really even DL mainline with their one tray, first in-flight drink on your meal tray service approach).
AA is stepping things up IMHO.....also AA's ground staff at MSP could not have been more pleasant and friendly ^
E-175 (Republic)
Dinner
PDB of choice ^
nuts and drink of choice first
no hot towels
meal choice of veggie wrap or salad with chicken. assuming this was the greek salad i had for lunch on the flight out to MSP i chose to switch it up and just try the wrap.
kept the dessert as a standalone after the meal
as far as i know this is as good as a regional carrier flight can be......blows DL regional meals and service out of the water (really even DL mainline with their one tray, first in-flight drink on your meal tray service approach).
AA is stepping things up IMHO.....also AA's ground staff at MSP could not have been more pleasant and friendly ^
Aug 24, 2017, 12:54 pm
#905
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SQ Gold, KQ Platinum, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,351
Aug 24, 2017, 1:14 pm
#906
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 81
What's typically the situation for flights scheduled at 8:05? Are meals served in first class still?
Aug 24, 2017, 1:16 pm
#907
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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Posts: 12,809
Aug 24, 2017, 1:22 pm
#909
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,030
Aug 24, 2017, 8:04 pm
#911
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Amb Elite & LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,230
I know it's not new but flying the 8:05pm DCA-DFW flight. 2:45 in the air. Nuts and cookies. Unfortunately forgot to look for the meal choice selection before my flight so I was caught unaware or I would have grabbed something in the airport.
The regional jet snack basket provides more food that this flight.
It's pretty embarrassing that they don't even offer a light snack on a flight like this.
And to consider a short-haul service a meal is pretty sad. Last week IAD-DFW small chicken breast, couscous and a mini salad is what people that are dieting shoot for in calorie counts.
The regional jet snack basket provides more food that this flight.
It's pretty embarrassing that they don't even offer a light snack on a flight like this.
And to consider a short-haul service a meal is pretty sad. Last week IAD-DFW small chicken breast, couscous and a mini salad is what people that are dieting shoot for in calorie counts.
Aug 24, 2017, 8:23 pm
#912
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
I know it's not new but flying the 8:05pm DCA-DFW flight. 2:45 in the air. Nuts and cookies. Unfortunately forgot to look for the meal choice selection before my flight so I was caught unaware or I would have grabbed something in the airport.
The regional jet snack basket provides more food that this flight.
It's pretty embarrassing that they don't even offer a light snack on a flight like this.
And to consider a short-haul service a meal is pretty sad. Last week IAD-DFW small chicken breast, couscous and a mini salad is what people that are dieting shoot for in calorie counts.
The regional jet snack basket provides more food that this flight.
It's pretty embarrassing that they don't even offer a light snack on a flight like this.
And to consider a short-haul service a meal is pretty sad. Last week IAD-DFW small chicken breast, couscous and a mini salad is what people that are dieting shoot for in calorie counts.
Aug 24, 2017, 10:12 pm
#913
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,418
ORD-DCA
AA1602
Breakfast
Crew was great, but unfortunately the food was not. The sandwich was very soggy. The small piece missing was not a bite--that's how it was served to me. Needless to say, I did not eat it, and noticed other passengers who had the sandwich did not finish it either.
AA1602
Breakfast
Crew was great, but unfortunately the food was not. The sandwich was very soggy. The small piece missing was not a bite--that's how it was served to me. Needless to say, I did not eat it, and noticed other passengers who had the sandwich did not finish it either.
I do, however, think AA should offer a light snack instead of just nuts and a cookie. I'm thinking something like what AA has done over the years for redeye flights - fruit/cheese plate, hummus plate, bowl of hot soup, small cold wrap. I'd think some people may get a bit peckish and want a snack vs. slogging through a heavy cheese lasagna at 11pm.
Aug 25, 2017, 7:33 am
#914
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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Posts: 12,809
I do, however, think AA should offer a light snack instead of just nuts and a cookie. I'm thinking something like what AA has done over the years for redeye flights - fruit/cheese plate, hummus plate, bowl of hot soup, small cold wrap. I'd think some people may get a bit peckish and want a snack vs. slogging through a heavy cheese lasagna at 11pm.
Aug 25, 2017, 12:06 pm
#915
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,457