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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#121
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 45
AA ORD-DFW-RSW (Two Lunch Flights)
February 10, 2018:
AA 2526 ORD-DFW (A321)
10:25 am
First Class
Lunch
Pre-Departure Beverage (Yes)
Warm Nuts (Yes)
Choices were Enchilada or Shrimp Salad
I chose the Enchilada, which was quite good despite being overcooked. I was a bit disappointed in the salad, which barely contained any lettuce (as you can clearly see in the photo). Bread was offered, and I chose the herb roll. I was disappointed that no cookies were offered tho, but I suppose gossiping in her jump-seat was more important to the young Miami based flight attendant.
February 10, 2018:
AA 2507 DFW-RSW (737-800)
2:30 pm
First Class
Lunch
Pre Departure Beverage (Yes)
Warm Nuts (Yes)
Choices were a Salad with Chicken or Lasagna
I chose the lasagna, which was very good, ample sized and not over cooked. The quinoa salad was delicious and the pretzel roll was soft and warm. This time, as if the young New York based crew was reading my mind, cookies were offered and I ended up with 6 of them!
Overall, both flights were good, but the second was far superior! I’d definitely chose both options again.
AA 2526 ORD-DFW (A321)
10:25 am
First Class
Lunch
Pre-Departure Beverage (Yes)
Warm Nuts (Yes)
Choices were Enchilada or Shrimp Salad
I chose the Enchilada, which was quite good despite being overcooked. I was a bit disappointed in the salad, which barely contained any lettuce (as you can clearly see in the photo). Bread was offered, and I chose the herb roll. I was disappointed that no cookies were offered tho, but I suppose gossiping in her jump-seat was more important to the young Miami based flight attendant.
February 10, 2018:
AA 2507 DFW-RSW (737-800)
2:30 pm
First Class
Lunch
Pre Departure Beverage (Yes)
Warm Nuts (Yes)
Choices were a Salad with Chicken or Lasagna
I chose the lasagna, which was very good, ample sized and not over cooked. The quinoa salad was delicious and the pretzel roll was soft and warm. This time, as if the young New York based crew was reading my mind, cookies were offered and I ended up with 6 of them!
Overall, both flights were good, but the second was far superior! I’d definitely chose both options again.
#122
#123
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,353
Is anyone able to clarify what is served on the 20:10 departure from ORD - SEA? The distance is far enough to count as a full meal but I understand that after 20:00 the food offering gets reduced - but what to?
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
have you done a dummy booking to see if you can choose a meal? That is the easiest way to see if a meal is served and what is served on your flight.
#125
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,375
Unfortunately, Word crashed on me before I could paste the breakfast menu here for a mid-Feb SFO-JFK flight in business.
The three choices are banana french toast, beef filet and eggs, and bagel and assorted spreads (including smoked salmon and I think a couple of cream cheeses).
I searched and couldn't find these options mentioned - perhaps a new menu?
The three choices are banana french toast, beef filet and eggs, and bagel and assorted spreads (including smoked salmon and I think a couple of cream cheeses).
I searched and couldn't find these options mentioned - perhaps a new menu?
Steak and eggs
#126
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,375
Flagship Business wine list SFO-JFK Unfortunately, no Sauvignon Blanc boarded and no alternative offered.
#127
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 91
just saw a fruit and cheese plate as a preorder option for an upcoming ORD-PHX flight tomorrow. Doyou know if this is the same plate thats sold in Coach?
considering it since the other options are chicken meatball or polanbo peppers?
Thanks
considering it since the other options are chicken meatball or polanbo peppers?
Thanks
#128
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
I'm not sure if it is the same as sold in Coach. I do know that only those pre-ordered will be served this option as no extras are loaded. IMO it's a good option especially if you plan on eating after landing.
#129
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
I wish AA would load one or two extra just in case someone who gets a last-minute upgrade could get one.
#130
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: California
Programs: AA Gold.
Posts: 158
Feb 18 JFK-SFO 177 A321T First
Ordered the Pork Osso Buco. I forgot to take a photo of the Burrata Cheese App until after I ate it.
Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing
Pork Osso Buco
Cheese Plate with Port
Today's Menu
Ordered the Pork Osso Buco. I forgot to take a photo of the Burrata Cheese App until after I ate it.
Salad with Ginger Miso Dressing
Pork Osso Buco
Cheese Plate with Port
Today's Menu
#131
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,193
We are flying CLT-LAX departing at 8:10pm. Does this route count as an unofficial exception and provide dinner? We are prepared to eat in CLT or bring something onboard, but thought I'd ask here.
#132
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,161
Doing a quick dummy booking for mid-March, I see the 8:10pm showing as "Refreshments." In AA lingo, that probably means only warmed nuts and a cookie, maybe a snack basket. If you're wanting to get a full meal, I'd suggest doing a free SDC to an earlier flight that does have meal service.
#133
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
Given the length you'll get an appetizer, and the ice cream sundae for dessert. Make sure your electronics are charged prior to boarding - this is a legacy US 321 aircraft with no IFE and no inseat power, and that's a fairly long flight - 5 to 6 hours.
#134
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: Once a somebody now a nobody
Posts: 518
I realize this is too late for WearyTravellerMSP as his flight was last weekend, but for anyone with the choice I thought the chicken meatballs were tasty. I'd order them again if it was one of the choices. It came with a spicy corn salad that was also good.
#135
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 95
I've been surprised that the corn salad has been legitimately spicy. The poblanos have most of their spice tamped down by the cheese to the point where they're quite mild, but the side corn salad definitely has a kick.