AA LAX Catering Issues Late 2017 (Listeria 1 Nov 2017)
#302
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
No Pre-Select Biz Dinner Options for LAX-HKG for Nov 14th
Couldn't see them online and called the EXP Desk. They couldn't see any either, except for the special meals (vegetarian etc..).
#303
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I wrote AA an email saying I felt a $50 voucher for LAX-RDU in F was inadequate. They gave me an additional 5,000 miles.
#304
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: North of Boston
Programs: AA EXP 3.9MM and counting, HHDiamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 57
On flight tomorrow, to HKG, 13th - just got email saying - see below. My highlighted color emphasis. MY question - does this have an effect on the food service at the Flagship lounge in LAX? anybody know for sure?
Important information
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, we suspended using the services of one of our onboard caterers at Los Angeles International (LAX). With this change, we regret to inform you that we will have limited service at this time.
We're doing all we can to resolve this matter as quickly as possible to ensure your dining experience returns to our standard service levels. If your meal service is impacted, you will receive an electronic travel voucher for use on a future flight.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this transition.
Important information
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, we suspended using the services of one of our onboard caterers at Los Angeles International (LAX). With this change, we regret to inform you that we will have limited service at this time.
We're doing all we can to resolve this matter as quickly as possible to ensure your dining experience returns to our standard service levels. If your meal service is impacted, you will receive an electronic travel voucher for use on a future flight.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this transition.
#305
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,594
The food and beverage service at the T5 Admirals Club has not been affected.
#306
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Made to order dishes, a selection of champagnes etc..
Anyway, my wife and I will be there tomorrow evening (Tuesday, Nov 14th) from about 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM prior to boarding the HKG flight. PM me if you're stopping by.
#307
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum Elite
Posts: 116
After I've checked in and cleared security, am I able to get to T5's lounge, and is it a far walk if so?
#308
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold (prev. Ex Plat for 10 years); DL Plat; UA Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,338
Yes. You can also clear security in T5 if you prefer. Once through either terminal walk toward the far end and you'll see signs that direct you. You take an escalator down to the tunnel. Perhaps 15-minute walk, at the very most.
#309
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,716
You can also access the Qantas lounge in TBIT. That would be my choice over the T5 AC.
#310
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LAX/VNY (Hometown: CAK)
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Regal Diamond
Posts: 743
Attachment 43796I flew Friday's AA1379 LAX-BOS (the red-eye), upgraded to F. No e-mail before the flight.
I used T5 Priority Check-in (former Delta One check-in area) and asked the agents there about the catering situation. They looked at me blankly, and I had to mention a few other key phrases ("listeria," "meal service," "snacks") before it clicked as to what I was asking about. They said they had no other information, but recommended that I pick up something in the terminal. I asked if any meal vouchers were being issued for this purpose, was told flat-out no.
I didn't have Admirals Club access for this flight, but decided to check with them in case they had better information. There the AC agent said that all catering issues had been resolved and that I had nothing to worry about.
Seeing the disparity of the two opinions, I talked to the gate agent. The GA working the flight didn't know, deferred to the senior GA, who walked down to the plane and said "yes, it's been double catered, there's food."
On boarding, passing by the folding tables stationed in the jet bridge stocked with beverages and other items covered by tablecloths, I boarded and asked the FA what the catering situation was. She said she had sandwiches and some snacks from the previous flight.
PDB was water or OJ. Then upon a departure delay waiting for maintenance to inspect a missing lifejacket compartment cover, I was able to ask for other drinks.
After takeoff, the snack basket was a picked-over collection of pretzels, mixed nuts, and cookie thins. To the side of the snack basket were plastic-wrapped turkey, lettuce, and cheese sandwiches (TLCs?) on wheat, with a laserjet address label slapped on the back identifying them. This flight is normally "refreshments," so I guess I should take it as a win. But then I tasted the sandwich -- the bread was hard and borderline-stale. I would have rather had a full snack basket instead of the sandwich.
(I checked after landing, and this plane originated in HNL)
I used T5 Priority Check-in (former Delta One check-in area) and asked the agents there about the catering situation. They looked at me blankly, and I had to mention a few other key phrases ("listeria," "meal service," "snacks") before it clicked as to what I was asking about. They said they had no other information, but recommended that I pick up something in the terminal. I asked if any meal vouchers were being issued for this purpose, was told flat-out no.
I didn't have Admirals Club access for this flight, but decided to check with them in case they had better information. There the AC agent said that all catering issues had been resolved and that I had nothing to worry about.
Seeing the disparity of the two opinions, I talked to the gate agent. The GA working the flight didn't know, deferred to the senior GA, who walked down to the plane and said "yes, it's been double catered, there's food."
On boarding, passing by the folding tables stationed in the jet bridge stocked with beverages and other items covered by tablecloths, I boarded and asked the FA what the catering situation was. She said she had sandwiches and some snacks from the previous flight.
PDB was water or OJ. Then upon a departure delay waiting for maintenance to inspect a missing lifejacket compartment cover, I was able to ask for other drinks.
After takeoff, the snack basket was a picked-over collection of pretzels, mixed nuts, and cookie thins. To the side of the snack basket were plastic-wrapped turkey, lettuce, and cheese sandwiches (TLCs?) on wheat, with a laserjet address label slapped on the back identifying them. This flight is normally "refreshments," so I guess I should take it as a win. But then I tasted the sandwich -- the bread was hard and borderline-stale. I would have rather had a full snack basket instead of the sandwich.
(I checked after landing, and this plane originated in HNL)
#311
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: LAX/VNY (Hometown: CAK)
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Regal Diamond
Posts: 743
So if the AC employees know it, definitely use the TBIT lounges if you can
#312
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA-EXP, Flying Blue-Silver
Posts: 727
I’m sure some will coming rushing to AA’s defense (per usual), but this is completely and totally inexcusable, in particular given that AA has had nearly two weeks to address the issue. Given the volume of paid premium traffic in and out of LAX, I can’t believe that AA would risk alienating some of its presumably most lucrative customers with this lackluster management of the situation (I also find it hard to believe that many of AA’s Hollywood A-list customers will find this very amusing, in particular on the “premium” 3-cabin routes).
#313
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: North of Boston
Programs: AA EXP 3.9MM and counting, HHDiamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 57
thanks to all who replied, here and privately. - I will use Q lounge prior to departure.
I just got my email voucher for $200.
The text states its for my recent flight... but as I've yet to take off.... [tomorrow]!
So typical. - Cheers all.
I just got my email voucher for $200.
The text states its for my recent flight... but as I've yet to take off.... [tomorrow]!
So typical. - Cheers all.
#314
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
I’m sure some will coming rushing to AA’s defense (per usual), but this is completely and totally inexcusable, in particular given that AA has had nearly two weeks to address the issue. Given the volume of paid premium traffic in and out of LAX, I can’t believe that AA would risk alienating some of its presumably most lucrative customers with this lackluster management of the situation (I also find it hard to believe that many of AA’s Hollywood A-list customers will find this very amusing, in particular on the “premium” 3-cabin routes).
#315
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Farmington, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT; DL Gold MDL
Posts: 238
Flying LAX to SYD in J November 23 and curious as to any recent experiences on the catering. In a prior reply, I saw catering for all flights would be "back to normal" by November 18, but looks doubtful since still don't have the ability to pre-select a meal.
Last edited by ctmike; Nov 21, 2017 at 6:23 am