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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#751
#752
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,770
The label confirmed this dish covers Asian Veg, Muslim and Hindu.
PDB offered albeit with a "or would you prefer to wait" suggestion to every passenger.
SEA-PHL AA2213 8am dep AVML
#753
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
So very happy to report I got the curry dish not the oatmeal, and in fact I'd say it was one of the nicest meals I've had on a plane! The rice was surprisingly moist and flavoursome, and the masala I think had paneer in it which I wasn't expecting. Overall excellent. The oatmeal my neighbour had looked vile to me.
The label confirmed this dish covers Asian Veg, Muslim and Hindu.
PDB offered albeit with a "or would you prefer to wait" suggestion to every passenger.
SEA-PHL AA2213 8am dep AVML
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74fa2e02d8.jpg
The label confirmed this dish covers Asian Veg, Muslim and Hindu.
PDB offered albeit with a "or would you prefer to wait" suggestion to every passenger.
SEA-PHL AA2213 8am dep AVML
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...74fa2e02d8.jpg
Last edited by JY1024; Sep 5, 2018 at 11:37 pm Reason: Removed img tag for readability
#755
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
AA4511 DCA-MSY, September 4 2018, 1:48 p.m. departure, E175. Had a choice between greek salad with chicken or asian chicken wrap. (No ability to preorder an AVML on this flight because no ovens on the E175.) Went with the wrap, which was fine but there was definitely nothing asian about it (tasted more like chicken caesar, confirmed by the sprinkling of grated parmesan throughout). Half-ounce bag of chips, nuts (not warm), and a Goose IPA made for a decent snack/lunch flight in my favorite narrowbody domestic non-A321T seat.
Avoid the yellow "lemon" thing, had a bizarrely overartificial (almost chemical) taste to it.
Avoid the yellow "lemon" thing, had a bizarrely overartificial (almost chemical) taste to it.
#756
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: San Francisco area
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott T
Posts: 455
AA is definitely going for great when it comes to AVM. I tried Delta's equivalent on SFO to ATL flight and it was you would expect from past, bland, tasteless, stale.
#757
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 10,417
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!
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bde5f2143a.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...77a0425257.jpg
Individual water bottles were distributed first along with linen setting
Doubles served with the drinks/nuts service
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3707815fe.jpg
Pics are a little dark because my overhead lights were not working:
Starters were really good, especially the thinly sliced pork
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abe6522d5f.jpg
Bulgogi was delish despite my bad picture
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...35816d31e7.jpg
Dip was decent too
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a1bdc1650.jpg
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!
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bde5f2143a.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...77a0425257.jpg
Individual water bottles were distributed first along with linen setting
Doubles served with the drinks/nuts service
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a3707815fe.jpg
Pics are a little dark because my overhead lights were not working:
Starters were really good, especially the thinly sliced pork
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abe6522d5f.jpg
Bulgogi was delish despite my bad picture
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...35816d31e7.jpg
Dip was decent too
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1a1bdc1650.jpg
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.
I haven’t had the beef on that flight, but I’ve had the sea bass. The ginger/cilantro garnish on the side of the plate looks a bit like dog vomit, but the fish I’ve had was delicious! Would not hesitate to get it again.
I was not a fan of the cream cheese dip. (I think it’s pretty much the same thing they have for red eye “snack” flights.) Too heavy for my tastes.
#758
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
As many of us are eating carb conscious, thought I'd post recent DBML offerings:
PHL-LAX, AA481, 13:00 - 15:40
Standard choices were Poblano Peppers or Nicoise Salad. My DBML had steak, a side barley pilaf with cherries and golden raisens, broccoli, tomatoes with a side salad (balsamic vinagrette), cold chicken and fruit. Only dessert offering was the standard ice cream sundae. Very good option!
PHX-PHL, AA674, 08:53-16:42
Standard choices were Oatmeal or Cheese Omelette. My DBML was basically the omelette meal with a tomatoe subbed for the sausage and margarine instead of butter. No whole grain bread available (yes, I opted for the bagel with cream cheese over the bisuit or chocolate croissant). Suspect a mis-catering with vegetarian instead of diabetic meal. On a positive note, the FA called me into the galley to show me what had been catered and offered a regular meal if preferred.
PHL-LAX, AA481, 13:00 - 15:40
Standard choices were Poblano Peppers or Nicoise Salad. My DBML had steak, a side barley pilaf with cherries and golden raisens, broccoli, tomatoes with a side salad (balsamic vinagrette), cold chicken and fruit. Only dessert offering was the standard ice cream sundae. Very good option!
PHX-PHL, AA674, 08:53-16:42
Standard choices were Oatmeal or Cheese Omelette. My DBML was basically the omelette meal with a tomatoe subbed for the sausage and margarine instead of butter. No whole grain bread available (yes, I opted for the bagel with cream cheese over the bisuit or chocolate croissant). Suspect a mis-catering with vegetarian instead of diabetic meal. On a positive note, the FA called me into the galley to show me what had been catered and offered a regular meal if preferred.
#759
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
As many of us are eating carb conscious, thought I'd post recent DBML offerings:
PHL-LAX, AA481, 13:00 - 15:40
Standard choices were Poblano Peppers or Nicoise Salad. My DBML had steak, a side barley pilaf with cherries and golden raisens, broccoli, tomatoes with a side salad (balsamic vinagrette), cold chicken and fruit. Only dessert offering was the standard ice cream sundae. Very good option!
PHX-PHL, AA674, 08:53-16:42
Standard choices were Oatmeal or Cheese Omelette. My DBML was basically the omelette meal with a tomatoe subbed for the sausage and margarine instead of butter. No whole grain bread available (yes, I opted for the bagel with cream cheese over the bisuit or chocolate croissant). Suspect a mis-catering with vegetarian instead of diabetic meal. On a positive note, the FA called me into the galley to show me what had been catered and offered a regular meal if preferred.
PHL-LAX, AA481, 13:00 - 15:40
Standard choices were Poblano Peppers or Nicoise Salad. My DBML had steak, a side barley pilaf with cherries and golden raisens, broccoli, tomatoes with a side salad (balsamic vinagrette), cold chicken and fruit. Only dessert offering was the standard ice cream sundae. Very good option!
PHX-PHL, AA674, 08:53-16:42
Standard choices were Oatmeal or Cheese Omelette. My DBML was basically the omelette meal with a tomatoe subbed for the sausage and margarine instead of butter. No whole grain bread available (yes, I opted for the bagel with cream cheese over the bisuit or chocolate croissant). Suspect a mis-catering with vegetarian instead of diabetic meal. On a positive note, the FA called me into the galley to show me what had been catered and offered a regular meal if preferred.
#761
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
#762
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
#763
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
HNL-DFW
777 (Diamond Seats)
Dinner / Continental Breakfast
PDB of bubbles, water or OJ......FA on my side introduced herself by name and made sure to say let me know if I can get you anything on this flight. She mentioned she only flies the HNL flights.....must be nice!
Menu:
Doubles again once in-flight with individual water bottles passed out
App
Korean Beef
Really lame cheese plate for dessert
Breakfast
Another great flight and awesome DFW LAA crew
777 (Diamond Seats)
Dinner / Continental Breakfast
PDB of bubbles, water or OJ......FA on my side introduced herself by name and made sure to say let me know if I can get you anything on this flight. She mentioned she only flies the HNL flights.....must be nice!
Menu:
Doubles again once in-flight with individual water bottles passed out
App
Korean Beef
Really lame cheese plate for dessert
Breakfast
Another great flight and awesome DFW LAA crew
#764
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
DFW-LGA
LAA A321 Sharklets
Lunch
PDB - yea right.....no way from this young crew
This is what I got to look at once in the air:
Pasta option
LAA A321 Sharklets
Lunch
PDB - yea right.....no way from this young crew
This is what I got to look at once in the air:
Pasta option
Last edited by AANYC1981; Sep 7, 2018 at 8:24 pm
#765
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA,UA,AS
Posts: 319
All of those feet would make me loose my appetite.