Jan 1, 2018, 1:30 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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.
ARCHIVE: 2018 AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
Aug 24, 2018, 12:28 pm
#736
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: NYC/BOS
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 54
Aug 26, 2018, 8:19 pm
#737
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: San Francisco area
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott T
Posts: 455
Looking at menu for 8:10PM JFK-SFO departure in C next week, it shows 3 snack options instead of dinner, I have taken this flight several times in past and it always was the 3-4 dinner options, is this a new cut?
Aug 28, 2018, 7:32 am
#738
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
Just had my first foray into Asian Vegetarian meals... was kind of hoping for something savory but received this:
Main is oatmeal with blueberries, coconut, and a side of brown sugar. I probably would still have chosen this over the fruit plate or chicken chorizo egg biscuit thing, but it's nothing special. The blueberries are fresh (but taste sort of like the blueberries in a cobbler given the heat) and the (grated bakery-type dry) coconut is a nice touch. Some butter helped.
Sides were blueberry muffin top with Dickinson's strawberry preserves (and I still got a biscuit -- ate half with the usual Smuckers and half with the superior-textured Dickinson's), yogurt, and fruit. Fruit was the same as others' except that instead of grapes was a piece of golden papaya. Not totally ripe but a nice change.
All in all, I'm still looking forward to trying an AVML on a non-breakfast flight but would still order it on a breakfast flight.
Sides were blueberry muffin top with Dickinson's strawberry preserves (and I still got a biscuit -- ate half with the usual Smuckers and half with the superior-textured Dickinson's), yogurt, and fruit. Fruit was the same as others' except that instead of grapes was a piece of golden papaya. Not totally ripe but a nice change.
All in all, I'm still looking forward to trying an AVML on a non-breakfast flight but would still order it on a breakfast flight.
Aug 28, 2018, 7:53 am
#739
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,770
Just had my first foray into Asian Vegetarian meals... was kind of hoping for something savory but received this:
Main is oatmeal with blueberries, coconut, and a side of brown sugar. I probably would still have chosen this over the fruit plate or chicken chorizo egg biscuit thing, but it's nothing special. The blueberries are fresh (but taste sort of like the blueberries in a cobbler given the heat) and the (grated bakery-type dry) coconut is a nice touch. Some butter helped.
Sides were blueberry muffin top with Dickinson's strawberry preserves (and I still got a biscuit -- ate half with the usual Smuckers and half with the superior-textured Dickinson's), yogurt, and fruit. Fruit was the same as others' except that instead of grapes was a piece of golden papaya. Not totally ripe but a nice change.
All in all, I'm still looking forward to trying an AVML on a non-breakfast flight but would still order it on a breakfast flight.
Main is oatmeal with blueberries, coconut, and a side of brown sugar. I probably would still have chosen this over the fruit plate or chicken chorizo egg biscuit thing, but it's nothing special. The blueberries are fresh (but taste sort of like the blueberries in a cobbler given the heat) and the (grated bakery-type dry) coconut is a nice touch. Some butter helped.
Sides were blueberry muffin top with Dickinson's strawberry preserves (and I still got a biscuit -- ate half with the usual Smuckers and half with the superior-textured Dickinson's), yogurt, and fruit. Fruit was the same as others' except that instead of grapes was a piece of golden papaya. Not totally ripe but a nice change.
All in all, I'm still looking forward to trying an AVML on a non-breakfast flight but would still order it on a breakfast flight.
If it’s simply a variation on oatmeal is there any point ordering it as the steel-cut oatmeal is one of the choices on my normal menu?
Aug 28, 2018, 9:13 am
#740
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
Interesting, what route was this on? I’ve ordered AVML for a breakfast flight SEA-PHL in a few days and thought it would be the savoury curry type dish pictured by a few posters above.
If it’s simply a variation on oatmeal is there any point ordering it as the steel-cut oatmeal is one of the choices on my normal menu?
Aug 28, 2018, 12:17 pm
#741
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
That is an odd meal for Asian. But was better than the other two items
Aug 28, 2018, 11:17 pm
#742
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,770
Will report back with the outcome anyway.
Aug 29, 2018, 6:05 am
#743
Join Date: May 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold, Bonvoy Gold Elite, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 114
My choices for tomorrow's JFK-LAX flight. Leaning toward the chicken...the last few times I had any kind of fish on AA, it was overly "fishy" tasting. But, a while back I did have halibut and it was OK.
Anyone have the halibut recently? [hard not to make a "just for the halibut" joke here]
Anyone have the halibut recently? [hard not to make a "just for the halibut" joke here]
Aug 31, 2018, 6:22 am
#744
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
AA 2397 RDU-MIA 1205-1415 737-800
Full PDB
Choice of cheese plate or "the salami plate". This came with some prosciutto, salami, cheese, olives, crackers and a chocolate square. Pretty decent, though worse than the full meal this flight used to get.
Full PDB
Choice of cheese plate or "the salami plate". This came with some prosciutto, salami, cheese, olives, crackers and a chocolate square. Pretty decent, though worse than the full meal this flight used to get.
Aug 31, 2018, 8:08 am
#745
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 495
The 'Snack' is dinner, just a one tray service so no sundae (but do get a little pot of ice cream on the tray). Maximises rest on the late flight.
Aug 31, 2018, 9:51 am
#746
Join Date: May 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Hilton Honors Gold, Bonvoy Gold Elite, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 114
My choices for tomorrow's JFK-LAX flight. Leaning toward the chicken...the last few times I had any kind of fish on AA, it was overly "fishy" tasting. But, a while back I did have halibut and it was OK.
Anyone have the halibut recently? [hard not to make a "just for the halibut" joke here]
Anyone have the halibut recently? [hard not to make a "just for the halibut" joke here]
Aug 31, 2018, 12:42 pm
#747
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,203
Took the late PHL-LAS flight last night. PDB offered. Warmed nuts and cookie (chocolate chip or snickerdoodle) just like this thread shows. Great legacy US (HP I believe actually?) crew.
Aug 31, 2018, 6:42 pm
#748
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
SEA-PHX AA500
Plane was one of the PMUS A320s with no power, but flight was not that long that was not a big deal.
No PDB at all, first PMUS crew that did not do a PDB I've had in memory - and there was time to do so. Service once in the air was good though.
I pre-ordered the AVML which was similar to what I've received in the past, was very tasty. Regular meal choices were the enchiladas or shrimp salad and also apparently someone had pre-ordered a Kosher meal and missed the flight so the FA was offering that up (white fish and rice) and eventually found a taker on that.
Return flight PHX-SEA on B738,
Full PDB of choice by the best FA I've had on a domestic F flight on AA or any carrier, service the whole flight was amazing with a very happy attitude, had to double check I was in PDX not SIN on an SQ flight.
The regular menu had the same meal choices as the flight from SEA. While it has always seemed like AA uses the same meal for AVML and HNML (despite HNML allowing meat) I decided to order the HNML to see if perhaps it would be any different. Humorously enough the guy sitting next to me ordered the AVML so I got to see both side-by-side and they were identical in every way...it was also not very good. It was the first time since I've started ordering the AVML that I wished I had the regular option, main was what seemed like ricotta cheese wrapped in zucchini with carrots and asparagus...it was not very good at all. Adding PHX to my airports not to get special meals from!
Plane was one of the PMUS A320s with no power, but flight was not that long that was not a big deal.
No PDB at all, first PMUS crew that did not do a PDB I've had in memory - and there was time to do so. Service once in the air was good though.
I pre-ordered the AVML which was similar to what I've received in the past, was very tasty. Regular meal choices were the enchiladas or shrimp salad and also apparently someone had pre-ordered a Kosher meal and missed the flight so the FA was offering that up (white fish and rice) and eventually found a taker on that.
Return flight PHX-SEA on B738,
Full PDB of choice by the best FA I've had on a domestic F flight on AA or any carrier, service the whole flight was amazing with a very happy attitude, had to double check I was in PDX not SIN on an SQ flight.
The regular menu had the same meal choices as the flight from SEA. While it has always seemed like AA uses the same meal for AVML and HNML (despite HNML allowing meat) I decided to order the HNML to see if perhaps it would be any different. Humorously enough the guy sitting next to me ordered the AVML so I got to see both side-by-side and they were identical in every way...it was also not very good. It was the first time since I've started ordering the AVML that I wished I had the regular option, main was what seemed like ricotta cheese wrapped in zucchini with carrots and asparagus...it was not very good at all. Adding PHX to my airports not to get special meals from!
Sep 1, 2018, 3:38 pm
#749
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
SEA-PHX AA500
Plane was one of the PMUS A320s with no power, but flight was not that long that was not a big deal.
Return flight PHX-SEA on B738,
Full PDB of choice by the best FA I've had on a domestic F flight on AA or any carrier, service the whole flight was amazing with a very happy attitude, had to double check I was in PDX not SIN on an SQ flight.
The regular menu had the same meal choices as the flight from SEA. While it has always seemed like AA uses the same meal for AVML and HNML (despite HNML allowing meat) I decided to order the HNML to see if perhaps it would be any different. Humorously enough the guy sitting next to me ordered the AVML so I got to see both side-by-side and they were identical in every way...it was also not very good. It was the first time since I've started ordering the AVML that I wished I had the regular option, main was what seemed like ricotta cheese wrapped in zucchini with carrots and asparagus...it was not very good at all. Adding PHX to my airports not to get special meals from!
Plane was one of the PMUS A320s with no power, but flight was not that long that was not a big deal.
Return flight PHX-SEA on B738,
Full PDB of choice by the best FA I've had on a domestic F flight on AA or any carrier, service the whole flight was amazing with a very happy attitude, had to double check I was in PDX not SIN on an SQ flight.
The regular menu had the same meal choices as the flight from SEA. While it has always seemed like AA uses the same meal for AVML and HNML (despite HNML allowing meat) I decided to order the HNML to see if perhaps it would be any different. Humorously enough the guy sitting next to me ordered the AVML so I got to see both side-by-side and they were identical in every way...it was also not very good. It was the first time since I've started ordering the AVML that I wished I had the regular option, main was what seemed like ricotta cheese wrapped in zucchini with carrots and asparagus...it was not very good at all. Adding PHX to my airports not to get special meals from!
Sep 2, 2018, 12:22 pm
#750
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
DFW-HNL
777 (Diamond seats)
Lunch
Seat: 1L (hate that airbag seatbelt)
PDB of bubbles, water, mimosas or OJ
Ken Chase is officially gone per the menu, LOL!
Individual water bottles were distributed first along with linen setting
Doubles served with the drinks/nuts service
Pics are a little dark because my overhead lights were not working:
Starters were really good, especially the thinly sliced pork
Bulgogi was delish despite my bad picture
Dip was decent too
Overall a very nice flight with a friendly LAA crew. Definitely a better experience than Delta's subpar J seat on thel 764 with one tray, downgraded service out of ATL.
IMHO AA via DFW is the best way to get to Hawaii these days.......no experience with UA out of EWR, but I believe the plane they are using isn't 1-2-1 in First and won't be for a while.
777 (Diamond seats)
Lunch
Seat: 1L (hate that airbag seatbelt)
PDB of bubbles, water, mimosas or OJ
Ken Chase is officially gone per the menu, LOL!
Individual water bottles were distributed first along with linen setting
Doubles served with the drinks/nuts service
Pics are a little dark because my overhead lights were not working:
Starters were really good, especially the thinly sliced pork
Bulgogi was delish despite my bad picture
Dip was decent too
Overall a very nice flight with a friendly LAA crew. Definitely a better experience than Delta's subpar J seat on thel 764 with one tray, downgraded service out of ATL.
IMHO AA via DFW is the best way to get to Hawaii these days.......no experience with UA out of EWR, but I believe the plane they are using isn't 1-2-1 in First and won't be for a while.
Last edited by AANYC1981; Sep 2, 2018 at 2:27 pm