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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 25, 2017, 1:44 pm
#916
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
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Posts: 16,351
Aug 25, 2017, 5:59 pm
#917
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,989
I appreciated having food on this ~6 hr flight, because, while it was a late departure, I never seem to have time for dinner before my flights when I'm in NYC -- too many other things to do, and getting to JFK is always a mess, especially from Manhattan.
You'll find that some transcon flights like this will have late dinners. However, for most domestic flights, AA will stick to the pre-8pm rule.
Aug 25, 2017, 6:13 pm
#918
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Ugh - sorry you had to deal with that dish as well. Several of us have discussed this "sandwich" upthread as well. There seem to be two versions - one that's quite tasty and edible, and then there's the soggy/flabby flatbread version that's an abomination. Can't wait for the latter one to fall off the rotation.
My eating schedule is similar to yours; however, from an operational standpoint, I probably side more with AA on this one. For an 8pm departure, a meal probably wouldn't get served until 9:00-9:15pm at the earliest. (For a 10pm departure, the meal would be served by most people's bedtimes!) If I had to take a SWAG, I'd hazard that over 75% of the cabin would have already eaten dinner. Having that catering get wasted doesn't make operational sense (if it were my airline and if my assumptions are in the right ballpark).
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.
My eating schedule is similar to yours; however, from an operational standpoint, I probably side more with AA on this one. For an 8pm departure, a meal probably wouldn't get served until 9:00-9:15pm at the earliest. (For a 10pm departure, the meal would be served by most people's bedtimes!) If I had to take a SWAG, I'd hazard that over 75% of the cabin would have already eaten dinner. Having that catering get wasted doesn't make operational sense (if it were my airline and if my assumptions are in the right ballpark).
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, 7:41 pm
#919
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, JetSmarter, Global Entry, CLEAR
Posts: 102
Hi guys,
Has anyone taken the LAX - MCO on AA flight? It is a red-eye so I am assuming just the warm cookie and nuts with drinks. I am then doing the MCO - LAX flight the next day at around 7:30 PM and was wondering what the meal service is like for first class. Not sure if it's just the usual or anything special.
Please advise. Thanks!
Has anyone taken the LAX - MCO on AA flight? It is a red-eye so I am assuming just the warm cookie and nuts with drinks. I am then doing the MCO - LAX flight the next day at around 7:30 PM and was wondering what the meal service is like for first class. Not sure if it's just the usual or anything special.
Please advise. Thanks!
Aug 25, 2017, 11:54 pm
#920
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Hi guys,
Has anyone taken the LAX - MCO on AA flight? It is a red-eye so I am assuming just the warm cookie and nuts with drinks. I am then doing the MCO - LAX flight the next day at around 7:30 PM and was wondering what the meal service is like for first class. Not sure if it's just the usual or anything special.
Please advise. Thanks!
Has anyone taken the LAX - MCO on AA flight? It is a red-eye so I am assuming just the warm cookie and nuts with drinks. I am then doing the MCO - LAX flight the next day at around 7:30 PM and was wondering what the meal service is like for first class. Not sure if it's just the usual or anything special.
Please advise. Thanks!
1. Couscous with coconut curry and roasted vegetables.
2. Grilled Chicken with green beans.
Both are "the usual" and "nothing special".
Aug 26, 2017, 9:40 am
#921
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
I've never had a problem with AA mid snack service on long haul flights, which I think they do a good job, their main meal entree is a hit or miss
Aug 26, 2017, 10:51 am
#922
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: 5,913
-FlyerBeek
Aug 26, 2017, 12:28 pm
#923
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: DL GM, AA PLAT, Hilton Gold, AMEX Plat
Posts: 256
For reference, the 9pm JFK-SEA flight is also scheduled with dinner service.
I imagine there would be a revolt if all F got was nuts and a cookie on the 6h45m flight.
I imagine there would be a revolt if all F got was nuts and a cookie on the 6h45m flight.
Aug 26, 2017, 8:56 pm
#924
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Amb Elite & LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,230
It depends on the route. Last month, I was surprised to find that my scheduled 9:10p departure from JFK to SAN had a full dinner. That flight ended up being delayed, so dinner was served well after 10pm.
I appreciated having food on this ~6 hr flight, because, while it was a late departure, I never seem to have time for dinner before my flights when I'm in NYC -- too many other things to do, and getting to JFK is always a mess, especially from Manhattan.
You'll find that some transcon flights like this will have late dinners. However, for most domestic flights, AA will stick to the pre-8pm rule.
I appreciated having food on this ~6 hr flight, because, while it was a late departure, I never seem to have time for dinner before my flights when I'm in NYC -- too many other things to do, and getting to JFK is always a mess, especially from Manhattan.
You'll find that some transcon flights like this will have late dinners. However, for most domestic flights, AA will stick to the pre-8pm rule.
While my FA smartly said "I can get you a sandwich from coach", nuts and a cookie are less than I get in coach. Makes zero sense.
If they want to save more money maybe they should start hedging on meals and put one less on the flight since I'd bet they don't get 100% participation.
Aug 28, 2017, 11:18 am
#925
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, JetSmarter, Global Entry, CLEAR
Posts: 102
Thanks! I will probably go with the chicken. Hopefully, if I am lucky I will get a cookie and the warm mixed nuts on the LAX - MCO red eye
Aug 28, 2017, 8:27 pm
#926
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Will AA be serving any meals in Y on PHX-OGG? It's almost s 6.5hr flight so I figured I'd ask.
EF is showing J3 so I'm not certain both myself and my gf will be upgraded to F based on my EXP status.
This is the first time I've flown to Hawaii on AA; I've always flown DL and have ALWAYS been upgraded each time.
EF is showing J3 so I'm not certain both myself and my gf will be upgraded to F based on my EXP status.
This is the first time I've flown to Hawaii on AA; I've always flown DL and have ALWAYS been upgraded each time.
Aug 28, 2017, 9:33 pm
#927
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
I have to say I've now had the peppers dish 3 times in the past two weeks, which is funny because when it first came out I never had it on my flights, and I really like that meal. Its clearly not aesthetically pleasing (which is being generous as it looks like a pile of dung over rice) nor is it gourmet by any stretch but compared to the other meals on AA over the past couple years it wins in the flavor department hands down. I'd note I like spicy food, I had a coworker who hates spicy foods and they did not enjoy it at all so if you are adverse to any spice (its not that hot IMO but there's a bit of heat) I'd avoid that dish but compared to the flavorless couscous its a big winner in my book and I will pre-book that anytime its offered.
Aug 29, 2017, 12:54 am
#928
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,458
Yes, PHX to Hawaii flights get sundaes. The service is exactly the same as LAX-Hawaii. FWIW, I haven't been impressed with F service between PHX and Hawaii over the past couple of years (it was better in the US days).
Aug 29, 2017, 1:29 am
#929
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 5,465
To add to the discussion about service on post-8pm midcons, my friend and I flew DFW-BOS and DFW-SFO, both this past Sunday. We were both served drinks with warm nuts (standard), followed by a choice of a veggie/hummus or cheese/fruit plate (seems nonstandard?). Unfortunately, neither of us got a cookie--was looking forward to trying the new cookie, but guess that will have to wait.
Aug 29, 2017, 7:52 am
#930
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1MM *Alliance Gold
Posts: 256
Breakfast choices on transcon in J
I'm usually a UA guy, but I've heard good things about AA's transcons on the 321 so I'm giving it a try. I was presented a choice of entrees for Breakfast on the outbound (nice). Can anyone comment on the chicken and waffle option vs the Breakfast burrito? Searched this thread, can't find any discussion of these meals.
Thanks.
Thanks.