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ARCHIVE: 2018 AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)

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Old Jan 1, 2018, 1:30 pm
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AA/US Domestic Dining (including Canada, Mexico, & the Caribbean)


See here for the 2019 domestic meal thread.


Note: this thread is about meals served on domestic AA flights.

Link to Combined 2018 AA International Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)

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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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 2018 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.
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ARCHIVE: 2018 AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)

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Old Jul 24, 2018, 4:01 pm
  #616  
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Originally Posted by lds89
Exception markets refer to offering meals at standard times (ie before 8pm) for flights below the typical distance threshold for meals; not that a meal is always offered regardless of times. The only time meals are offered after 8pm are departures exceeding 2,200 miles or the premium transcons - ie CLT-SFO or MIA-SFO flights at 8:30p and 9:50p, respectively, offer dinner. But CLT-LAX post 8pm departure only offers refreshments as do any other flight departing after 8pm that isn't a premium transcon or isn't at least 2,220 miles in covered distance.
Yes, I understand this to be the case; thanks. However the Wiki provides the 8pm time that you mentioned, and then identifies the exception markets. Within the exception markets is the 1pm to 4pm rule. I thought the wiki was a bit unclear. I also wrote this one up because I thought I recall AA 1021 did receive a meal in the not too distant past from past experiences onboard...
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Old Jul 24, 2018, 9:02 pm
  #617  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
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Originally Posted by BWISkyGuy
Different strokes for different folks... The scrambled egg biscuit and gravy is one of my favorite AA entrees. Of course it's not the best rendition I've ever had, but it's far from the worst, especially considering the handling/holding/heating.
Ummmmmm........I was not the one making the post, asking for opinions on breakfast.

If you like that glob of flour+water+salt that AA calls a biscuit, respond to the post by TSiGirl, so she will be notified of your love for AA's biscuits.
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Old Jul 24, 2018, 9:17 pm
  #618  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Originally Posted by BWISkyGuy
Different strokes for different folks... The scrambled egg biscuit and gravy is one of my favorite AA entrees. Of course it's not the best rendition I've ever had, but it's far from the worst, especially considering the handling/holding/heating.
Agreed, while certainly not the best biscuit and gravy on earth by a long shot I find that to be one of the less offensive breakfasts and with a mini tabasco bottle (occasionally provided but also often self brought) its a solid, if not unhealthy, breakfast. I shy away from any omelet as they always seem terrible by the time you get them where as the scrambled eggs on the biscuit seem to hold up much better. The fruit plate is also good, and clearly more healthy but sometimes some guilty food is good for you (or at least that's my justification).
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 7:33 am
  #619  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
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Originally Posted by ryan182
Agreed, while certainly not the best biscuit and gravy on earth by a long shot I find that to be one of the less offensive breakfasts and with a mini tabasco bottle (occasionally provided but also often self brought) its a solid, if not unhealthy, breakfast. I shy away from any omelet as they always seem terrible by the time you get them where as the scrambled eggs on the biscuit seem to hold up much better. The fruit plate is also good, and clearly more healthy but sometimes some guilty food is good for you (or at least that's my justification).
Even since I had the TSA confiscate my self brought mini tabasco bottle claiming that I could use it as a form of pepper spray (I honestly did not know what to say to the TSA employee, I was just in awe), I have shied away from providing my own and I am appreciative when AA provides it to me along with my meal.
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 9:19 am
  #620  
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Originally Posted by kmersh
Even since I had the TSA confiscate my self brought mini tabasco bottle claiming that I could use it as a form of pepper spray (I honestly did not know what to say to the TSA employee, I was just in awe), I have shied away from providing my own and I am appreciative when AA provides it to me along with my meal.
I travel with my condiment pack, which has packets of Diablo Hot Sauce from Taco Bell (no hate please), my travel size sriracha and lastly travel packets of Cholula sauce, never had Id a problem with TSA.

https://sriracha2go.com/
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 1:57 pm
  #621  
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I have the following options for a JFK-SFO dinner flight in First Class next week:

Roasted Lamb Chops w/ Pulled Lamb Juice, Roasted Turnips, Preserved Lemon and Fig Compote
Cumin Rubbed Pan Roasted Chicken w/ Zinfandel Grape Sauce and Creamy Polenta
Grilled Halibut w/ Mediterranean Quinoa, Succotash and Creamy Tomato Fennel Sauce
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese w/ Spaghetti Squash, Basil Oil and Shaved Parmesan

And the following options for lunch on LAX-JFK in First Class the week after next:

Wagu Meatloaf w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Onions
Grilled Cauliflower Steak w/ Portobello Farrow Risotto, Sautéed Kale and Baby Sunburst Squash
Grilled Sea Bass w/ Tropical Mango Salsa, Curry Rice and Sautéed Spinach

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 2:04 pm
  #622  
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 361
Originally Posted by FlightNurse
I travel with my condiment pack, which has packets of Diablo Hot Sauce from Taco Bell (no hate please), my travel size sriracha and lastly travel packets of Cholula sauce, never had Id a problem with TSA.

https://sriracha2go.com/
I might have to order a million of these.
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 2:05 pm
  #623  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,619
Originally Posted by PresRDC
I have the following options for a JFK-SFO dinner flight in First Class next week:

Roasted Lamb Chops w/ Pulled Lamb Juice, Roasted Turnips, Preserved Lemon and Fig Compote
Cumin Rubbed Pan Roasted Chicken w/ Zinfandel Grape Sauce and Creamy Polenta
Grilled Halibut w/ Mediterranean Quinoa, Succotash and Creamy Tomato Fennel Sauce
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese w/ Spaghetti Squash, Basil Oil and Shaved Parmesan

And the following options for lunch on LAX-JFK in First Class the week after next:

Wagu Meatloaf w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Onions
Grilled Cauliflower Steak w/ Portobello Farrow Risotto, Sautéed Kale and Baby Sunburst Squash
Grilled Sea Bass w/ Tropical Mango Salsa, Curry Rice and Sautéed Spinach

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
I had the cumin rubbed chicken and enjoyed it, the wife said that Lamb Chops were fine (if not a bit overcooked).
With regards to the lunch, I had the Grilled Sea Bass and it was fine, nothing special.
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Old Jul 25, 2018, 5:46 pm
  #624  
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by PresRDC
And the following options for lunch on LAX-JFK in First Class the week after next:

Wagu Meatloaf w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Onions
Grilled Cauliflower Steak w/ Portobello Farrow Risotto, Sautéed Kale and Baby Sunburst Squash
Grilled Sea Bass w/ Tropical Mango Salsa, Curry Rice and Sautéed Spinach

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
The sea bass is ok (not great, not bad) but I personally prefer the wagyu meatloaf. It looks weird at first glance but it's actually one of the better AA meals IMO
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Old Jul 26, 2018, 8:32 am
  #625  
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Thanks all. Wife and I are both going with the chicken on the outbound. I'm doing the meatloaf on the return and the wife is going for the sea bass.
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Old Jul 26, 2018, 8:49 am
  #626  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Platinum, Admirals Club Member, HHonors
Posts: 77
Originally Posted by goblueov
How substantial is the F&C option? I'm curious if the fruit & cheese plate option is any different than the snack option they sell in coach?
These are my choices:
  • Grilled Chicken
    haricots verts, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic herb butter
  • AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate
    fresh grapes and dried fruit with assorted cheeses
  • Ravioli
    stuffed with burrata cheese in tomato garlic sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes
Thanks for the help!
I order the F&C every time I can CLT-DEN. It's not 'hefty' per se, but it's perfect for what I'm looking for.
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Old Jul 26, 2018, 8:54 am
  #627  
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Platinum, Admirals Club Member, HHonors
Posts: 77
I posted this over the flagship dining thread, but curious to know if the flagship dining would be the preferred option to eating on the plane. I'm flying BOS-JFK-LAX-LAS in F, (5pm out of JFK), with enough time to eat at either JFK, LAX or both. Is the in-flight meal on flagship first transcon comparable to the FFD at either location?
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Old Jul 26, 2018, 11:25 am
  #628  
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MIA-JFK
930PM
LAA 738

Full PDB from a MIA based crew

Drinks and nuts in the air and choice of two cookies later on.
AANYC1981 is offline  
Old Jul 26, 2018, 1:56 pm
  #629  
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
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Originally Posted by AANYC1981
MIA-JFK
930PM
LAA 738

Full PDB from a MIA based crew

Drinks and nuts in the air and choice of two cookies later on.
Are drinks, nuts, and a cookie the new "Refreshments" service? I had this same service the other day on ORD to BOS, omitting the PDB of course...
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Old Jul 26, 2018, 2:09 pm
  #630  
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Originally Posted by CHOPCHOP767
Are drinks, nuts, and a cookie the new "Refreshments" service? I had this same service the other day on ORD to BOS, omitting the PDB of course...
I swear I saw a snack basket on the galley counter when I boarded, but never saw it inflight. I did doze off a couple of times but it was never offered once I woke up but drink refills were.

Last edited by AANYC1981; Jul 26, 2018 at 3:09 pm
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