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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Oct 20, 2017, 6:02 pm
#1067
Join Date: Feb 2004
Programs: AA 'kettle', Marriott Gold, ICH Gld, Hertz 5*
Posts: 5,258
AA2606
BDL-DFW
10/18 6:50am-9:45am
B738 metal
Full bar PDB. One FA stopped boarding flow while the other served the ordered PDB's.
Breakfast was the Chorizo gravy/egg on biscuits or steel cut oatmeal. I pre-ordered the biscuits.
Service was by tray and row, front to rear. After each row was served, the FA came back with a bread basket to offer. I noted the cloth napkin had no buttonhole.
I found the offered dish tasty and warm but did add the included Tabasco sauce to spice it up a bit. Both I and my seatmate who ordered the same dish thought they needed more gravy/topping. Things got dry pretty quickly.
Small dish of fruit was OK. Melons were pretty tasteless. I opted for the bagel and cream cheese from the bread offerings and the bagel was warm and fresh.
Mint was offered prior to arrival. Excellent service by FA who was always peering around the galley wall or walking the aisle to check on pax. Used items were promptly cleared and replacement drinks offered.
Overall a positive, if a bit spartan, experience. I only selected the bagel (biscuits already in place) because of the small size of the meal. Would've preferred protein to carb but it is what it is.
BDL-DFW
10/18 6:50am-9:45am
B738 metal
Full bar PDB. One FA stopped boarding flow while the other served the ordered PDB's.
Breakfast was the Chorizo gravy/egg on biscuits or steel cut oatmeal. I pre-ordered the biscuits.
Service was by tray and row, front to rear. After each row was served, the FA came back with a bread basket to offer. I noted the cloth napkin had no buttonhole.
I found the offered dish tasty and warm but did add the included Tabasco sauce to spice it up a bit. Both I and my seatmate who ordered the same dish thought they needed more gravy/topping. Things got dry pretty quickly.
Small dish of fruit was OK. Melons were pretty tasteless. I opted for the bagel and cream cheese from the bread offerings and the bagel was warm and fresh.
Mint was offered prior to arrival. Excellent service by FA who was always peering around the galley wall or walking the aisle to check on pax. Used items were promptly cleared and replacement drinks offered.
Overall a positive, if a bit spartan, experience. I only selected the bagel (biscuits already in place) because of the small size of the meal. Would've preferred protein to carb but it is what it is.
Oct 20, 2017, 8:05 pm
#1068
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
First, what does it say that AA is willing to admit that pax reject BOTH of the meal choices offered? Second, if both meals are not appetizing, and if I am reading the announcement correctly, I cannot order the cheese plate if booked within 24 hrs of departure. About 50% of my AA travel is booked less than 24 hours in advance. I get that AA is not going to bend over backwards to maximize options for upgrades at T-24, but for those of us that buy F tickets at that time, at a premium, you can't get me a cheese plate? Ugh, and I actually like the little cheese plates. So much better than 'snack basket'.
Oct 20, 2017, 10:18 pm
#1069
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
I saw this earlier too.
First, what does it say that AA is willing to admit that pax reject BOTH of the meal choices offered? Second, if both meals are not appetizing, and if I am reading the announcement correctly, I cannot order the cheese plate if booked within 24 hrs of departure. About 50% of my AA travel is booked less than 24 hours in advance. I get that AA is not going to bend over backwards to maximize options for upgrades at T-24, but for those of us that buy F tickets at that time, at a premium, you can't get me a cheese plate? Ugh, and I actually like the little cheese plates. So much better than 'snack basket'.
First, what does it say that AA is willing to admit that pax reject BOTH of the meal choices offered? Second, if both meals are not appetizing, and if I am reading the announcement correctly, I cannot order the cheese plate if booked within 24 hrs of departure. About 50% of my AA travel is booked less than 24 hours in advance. I get that AA is not going to bend over backwards to maximize options for upgrades at T-24, but for those of us that buy F tickets at that time, at a premium, you can't get me a cheese plate? Ugh, and I actually like the little cheese plates. So much better than 'snack basket'.
Oct 23, 2017, 7:28 am
#1070
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 saw this earlier too.
First, what does it say that AA is willing to admit that pax reject BOTH of the meal choices offered? Second, if both meals are not appetizing, and if I am reading the announcement correctly, I cannot order the cheese plate if booked within 24 hrs of departure. About 50% of my AA travel is booked less than 24 hours in advance. I get that AA is not going to bend over backwards to maximize options for upgrades at T-24, but for those of us that buy F tickets at that time, at a premium, you can't get me a cheese plate? Ugh, and I actually like the little cheese plates. So much better than 'snack basket'.
First, what does it say that AA is willing to admit that pax reject BOTH of the meal choices offered? Second, if both meals are not appetizing, and if I am reading the announcement correctly, I cannot order the cheese plate if booked within 24 hrs of departure. About 50% of my AA travel is booked less than 24 hours in advance. I get that AA is not going to bend over backwards to maximize options for upgrades at T-24, but for those of us that buy F tickets at that time, at a premium, you can't get me a cheese plate? Ugh, and I actually like the little cheese plates. So much better than 'snack basket'.
Oct 23, 2017, 12:13 pm
#1071
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Had the enchiladas today LGA-ORD for lunch, which were pretty good.
Oct 24, 2017, 12:05 pm
#1072
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA- EXP UA - Silver SPG- PLT Marriott- PLT
Posts: 759
I'm flying JFK -->LAX on a 9:15pm departure. It looks like I'll get a snack (as opposed to dinner) - but will I also get a made to order sundae?
Oct 24, 2017, 12:46 pm
#1073
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Wanting First. Buying First.
Programs: Lifetime Executive Diamond Platinum VIP with Braniff, Eastern, Midway, National & Pan Am
Posts: 17,492
Most AA pasta is so bad that I still stick with mediocre chicken over disgusting pasta but when the vegetarian option is the stuffed poblanos I opt for the peppers.
Oct 24, 2017, 1:53 pm
#1074
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Programs: AS MVP 100K, UA PremEx-MM
Posts: 3,335
I hit the 30-day window for a flight next month DFW-LAX (dinner) and found this:
Dinner meals
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
Dinner meals
- Cheese Lasagna with pomodoro sauce
- Beef Filet with cipollini onon, asparagus, quinoa
- AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate with fresh grapes and berries with assorted cheeses
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
Oct 24, 2017, 6:58 pm
#1075
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,664
Had the beef ex-JFK - the filet will be small - but probably served with 2 fairly large shimp as the starter - so I looked at it as a surf and turf. Grab some soup or guac at the AC pre-flight and it should be a filling meal.
I hit the 30-day window for a flight next month DFW-LAX (dinner) and found this:
Dinner meals
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
Dinner meals
- Cheese Lasagna with pomodoro sauce
- Beef Filet with cipollini onon, asparagus, quinoa
- AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate with fresh grapes and berries with assorted cheeses
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
Oct 24, 2017, 9:30 pm
#1076
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: DCA
Programs: American AAdvantage EXP, World of Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Rewards Titanium, MGM Rewards Gold
Posts: 428
I had these choices a few months ago. On a midcon, don't expect a shrimp starter. You are looking at warm nuts, side salad, bread, and entree. The beef was very overcooked/dry and no sauce included as described. The lasagna looked like a science experiment gone wrong...
Oct 24, 2017, 11:14 pm
#1077
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,417
I hit the 30-day window for a flight next month DFW-LAX (dinner) and found this:
Dinner meals
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
Dinner meals
- Cheese Lasagna with pomodoro sauce
- Beef Filet with cipollini onon, asparagus, quinoa
- AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate with fresh grapes and berries with assorted cheeses
More excited to fly on the 787-9 than by the meal, but I guess I will choose the beef.
I had these choices a few months ago. On a midcon, don't expect a shrimp starter. You are looking at warm nuts, side salad, bread, and entree. The beef was very overcooked/dry and no sauce included as described. The lasagna looked like a science experiment gone wrong...
Oct 24, 2017, 11:31 pm
#1078
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
I had these choices a few months ago. On a midcon, don't expect a shrimp starter. You are looking at warm nuts, side salad, bread, and entree. The beef was very overcooked/dry and no sauce included as described. The lasagna looked like a science experiment gone wrong...
Oct 25, 2017, 4:07 am
#1079
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
Do other frequent flyers carry a "sauce and condiment" baggie in their rollaboard? Or am I the only one? 
< Special Shout-Out to FTW and your legendary stash of Serendipity >
Airline Meal Survival Kit:
< Special Shout-Out to FTW and your legendary stash of Serendipity >Airline Meal Survival Kit:
- Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning packets
- HP Sauce packets
- You don't actually need anything else
Oct 25, 2017, 6:23 am
#1080
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: DFW/PHL
Programs: US CP, UA *G; SPG Plat, Hilton Gold; Natl Exec, Hertz PC
Posts: 623
None of the options really appeal to me, but in my experience, the beef dish is one of the worst that I've had. And I fundamentally have nothing against the core ingredients. But the beef is always overcooked, there's no sauce to try to make it palatable, and the quinoa just tastes completely out of place.
Sigh...and yet, the lasagna is the dish I resort to these days. Certainly not because I like it - but it's the one I disdain the least.
Sigh...and yet, the lasagna is the dish I resort to these days. Certainly not because I like it - but it's the one I disdain the least.