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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
May 18, 2017, 5:56 pm
#436
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1
Upcoming Flight: 6/17/17, AA LAX-MCO Lunch suggestions
Hey guys so I'm flying first class on American from LAX to MCO. The pre-order menu just came out and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
May 18, 2017, 7:27 pm
#437
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), HHonors Diamond
Posts: 443
Hey guys so I'm flying first class on American from LAX to MCO. The pre-order menu just came out and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
May 18, 2017, 7:32 pm
#438
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,416
Hey guys so I'm flying first class on American from LAX to MCO. The pre-order menu just came out and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
May 18, 2017, 7:59 pm
#439
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
Hey guys so I'm flying first class on American from LAX to MCO. The pre-order menu just came out and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but if it were me, I'd probably pick the lasagna. The lasagnas I've had have always been tasty - but sometimes a little heavy on the sauce and/or cheese. For me, the salads have always been between meh and blech. The salad greens themselves are fine - uninspiring. The dressing is a little plastic cup of salty goop. Protein on the side ranges from completely dry/over cooked to okay.
(faint praise, yes, but that's the state of meals these days)
This of course is the problem with asking for meal recs - I know what my taste preferences are, but everyone has different taste. It's not objective...
May 18, 2017, 8:56 pm
#440
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
What Dinner in AA F was like five years ago
While cruising through my old YouTube video uploads, I came upon one of dinner in AA F that was taken about five years ago. The video was taken on an evening BOS-ORD flight. The video can be watched
.
My first thought was simply, "wow." It's amazing how much the meals have gone down. This was an 867-mile flight, and we were served a full salad, a good entree (stuffed shells), and dessert. Compare that to the food or, even worse, the snack basket now.
Amazing how much can change in five years.
My first thought was simply, "wow." It's amazing how much the meals have gone down. This was an 867-mile flight, and we were served a full salad, a good entree (stuffed shells), and dessert. Compare that to the food or, even worse, the snack basket now.
Amazing how much can change in five years.
May 18, 2017, 9:30 pm
#441
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
It's insanity that the options on RDU-DFW are the same thing that's offered on a transcon LAX-MCO flight.
May 18, 2017, 10:58 pm
#442
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
While cruising through my old YouTube video uploads, I came upon one of dinner in AA F that was taken about five years ago. The video was taken on an evening BOS-ORD flight. The video can be watched here.
My first thought was simply, "wow." It's amazing how much the meals have gone down. This was an 867-mile flight, and we were served a full salad, a good entree (stuffed shells), and dessert. Compare that to the food or, even worse, the snack basket now.
Amazing how much can change in five years.
My first thought was simply, "wow." It's amazing how much the meals have gone down. This was an 867-mile flight, and we were served a full salad, a good entree (stuffed shells), and dessert. Compare that to the food or, even worse, the snack basket now.
Amazing how much can change in five years.
With that said, even in the "good old days", AA F meals weren't perfect. I remember a curry meal that was inedible. And it was served on the nicer plateware and the classic navy blue linen that I miss so much.
I think, IMHO, it's a wash. AA did cheap out a lot with their meals post-9/2014, BUT they also kept some of the classic elements, such as sundaes on all transcons and bread plates on all flights that offer bread. DL/UA doesn't offer proper sundaes on their transcons (except for NYC-SFO/LAX). It could be much worse, but it definitely can be better (to be fair).
I'm positive there were a lot of complaints about the pmAA meal experience, just as there are some compliments about the current AA meals. Based on my observation, people like to wax nostalgia over the old days, but I'm sure people in 2007-2014 wanted the "old days" of 2002-2006 meals to come back as well.
May 18, 2017, 11:05 pm
#443
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
Ah. I definitely miss the classic AA plateware. The round dishes had a much more "classic" quaint feel to it and doesn't look as cheap as the current plateware.
With that said, even in the "good old days", AA F meals weren't perfect. I remember a curry meal that was inedible. And it was served on the nicer plateware and the classic navy blue linen that I miss so much.
I think, IMHO, it's a wash. AA did cheap out a lot with their meals post-9/2014, BUT they also kept some of the classic elements, such as sundaes on all transcons and bread plates on all flights that offer bread. DL/UA doesn't offer proper sundaes on their transcons (except for NYC-SFO/LAX). It could be much worse, but it definitely can be better (to be fair).
I'm positive there were a lot of complaints about the pmAA meal experience, just as there are some compliments about the current AA meals. Based on my observation, people like to wax nostalgia over the old days, but I'm sure people in 2007-2014 wanted the "old days" of 2002-2006 meals to come back as well.
With that said, even in the "good old days", AA F meals weren't perfect. I remember a curry meal that was inedible. And it was served on the nicer plateware and the classic navy blue linen that I miss so much.
I think, IMHO, it's a wash. AA did cheap out a lot with their meals post-9/2014, BUT they also kept some of the classic elements, such as sundaes on all transcons and bread plates on all flights that offer bread. DL/UA doesn't offer proper sundaes on their transcons (except for NYC-SFO/LAX). It could be much worse, but it definitely can be better (to be fair).
I'm positive there were a lot of complaints about the pmAA meal experience, just as there are some compliments about the current AA meals. Based on my observation, people like to wax nostalgia over the old days, but I'm sure people in 2007-2014 wanted the "old days" of 2002-2006 meals to come back as well.
May 18, 2017, 11:13 pm
#444
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
That's why so many people remember their childhoods as great, fun, and easy. It wasn't necessarily that way – we had our own struggles, but we remember the collective childhood as good, compared to the issues we have as adults.
Obviously, there are exceptions, but generally speaking, that's what happens. I'm pretty sure in 4-5 years, people will be moaning about AA's then-meals and will be demanding the return of (current) 2017 meals. Haha. It's just human nature, I guess? My thoughts here. @:-)
May 19, 2017, 10:37 am
#445
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA-EXP, Flying Blue-Silver
Posts: 727
PHL-LAS
First Class
May 2017
A321
Dinner
Pre-departure beverage of choice. ^
Once in the air, hot towels were distributed and then collected. ^
Warm nuts offered with choice of beverage.
Dinner choices were lasagna or filet of beef with couscous on the side.
I opted for the lasagna and it was very tasty.
My seatmate had the filet of beef. It looked excellent until she cut into it revealing that it was cooked well over temperature. Glad I went with the pasta.
The meal was accompanied by a salad, choice of one of 3 types of roll (including pretzel!), and a starter of two shrimp marinated in something pretty tasty and a side of coleslaw.
After the meal, chocolate chip ice cream was served; it was also very good.
Overall, a good dinner flight with very attentive service throughout. ^
First Class
May 2017
A321
Dinner
Pre-departure beverage of choice. ^
Once in the air, hot towels were distributed and then collected. ^
Warm nuts offered with choice of beverage.
Dinner choices were lasagna or filet of beef with couscous on the side.
I opted for the lasagna and it was very tasty.
My seatmate had the filet of beef. It looked excellent until she cut into it revealing that it was cooked well over temperature. Glad I went with the pasta.
The meal was accompanied by a salad, choice of one of 3 types of roll (including pretzel!), and a starter of two shrimp marinated in something pretty tasty and a side of coleslaw.
After the meal, chocolate chip ice cream was served; it was also very good.
Overall, a good dinner flight with very attentive service throughout. ^
May 19, 2017, 10:47 am
#446
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, TK Elite, HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 7,691
Hey guys so I'm flying first class on American from LAX to MCO. The pre-order menu just came out and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
Here are the two choices:
Lasagna- With sweet and hot pepper crema and summer squash
Greek Salad- with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamalta olives, feta cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and a side of grilled chicken.
Again in any feedback/ suggestions/ tips would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
[IMG]
[/IMG]I had the salad, which was OK. I like Greek salad, but it was not the best one I had.
Certainly good for an airplane meal. Very fresh.[IMG]
[/IMG]And here is the cake (which was surprisingly good).
[IMG]
[/IMG]I think lasagna is more filling, so choose based on how hungry you think you'll be.
May 19, 2017, 3:15 pm
#447
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DEN
Programs: DL PM, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 396
Flying ORD-LAX next week and my options are the Enchiladas or the Saffron Orzo Salad w/shrimp. I read in this thread that the Enchiladas are rated well and read some things about a Shrimp salad but can't tell if that's the same salad as above. Anyone have experience with this particular salad?
Saffron Orzo Salad
With baby squash, haricots verts, piquillo peppers and a side of chilled shrimp
Saffron Orzo Salad
With baby squash, haricots verts, piquillo peppers and a side of chilled shrimp
May 19, 2017, 3:28 pm
#448
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
Flying ORD-LAX next week and my options are the Enchiladas or the Saffron Orzo Salad w/shrimp. I read in this thread that the Enchiladas are rated well and read some things about a Shrimp salad but can't tell if that's the same salad as above. Anyone have experience with this particular salad?
Saffron Orzo Salad
With baby squash, haricots verts, piquillo peppers and a side of chilled shrimp
Saffron Orzo Salad
With baby squash, haricots verts, piquillo peppers and a side of chilled shrimp
May 21, 2017, 6:50 am
#449
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maryland
Programs: Marriott Platinum, SPG Gold, DL Silver
Posts: 514
Flying DCA - DFW - HNL next month. Not so thrilled with our choices (we can place our order now). Breakfast, I don't really care much. Choices for that are oatmeal or some biscuit topped with scrambled eggs and a chicken chorizo sausage gravy. Lunch options are cheese lasagna or shrimp in a red curry sauce with rice. Now, I like shrimp, but hope it doesn't smell the cabin (we're in first).
My son has allergies to milk and eggs, so I know the lasagna is obviously not safe, but often curry has dairy as well. They offer a vegetarian/vegan option, so I'm going to call and ask if it's truly vegan then at least it would be safe for him to eat (he's 20, so I'll also have him pack hearty snacks to tide him over).
Any experience with special meals, especially with food allergies lately? Usually the rolls are safe. Once they brought up a meal from coach for him (luckily they had an extra one), which was chicken teriyaki and rice.
Do they serve meals in coach DFW - HNL? I know they stopped, but heard some airlines have brought back meals for long flights.
Thanks!
My son has allergies to milk and eggs, so I know the lasagna is obviously not safe, but often curry has dairy as well. They offer a vegetarian/vegan option, so I'm going to call and ask if it's truly vegan then at least it would be safe for him to eat (he's 20, so I'll also have him pack hearty snacks to tide him over).
Any experience with special meals, especially with food allergies lately? Usually the rolls are safe. Once they brought up a meal from coach for him (luckily they had an extra one), which was chicken teriyaki and rice.
Do they serve meals in coach DFW - HNL? I know they stopped, but heard some airlines have brought back meals for long flights.
Thanks!
May 21, 2017, 7:02 am
#450
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
- Nice appetizer of jumbo shrimp cocktail ( this was bigger than the regular shrimp cocktail AA used to serve on mid cons)
-Filet with mashed potatoes and Asparagus
- Ice Cream Sundae
Fresh baked cookies before landing and sparkling water with lemons. All with printed menus full pillows and blankets.
American was the BEST airline back then when it came to onboard service. Parker ruined this airline. He is not a customer service oriented leader whatsoever.