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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#46
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Beantown! (BOS)
Programs: AA PtPro (2 MM); Hilton Diamond; Hertz President Cr; DL SkyMiles; UA MileagePlus
Posts: 3,435
AA 1360 LAX-BOS
Dinner
Ricotta Rotolo
With spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, basil and marinara sauce
Poblano Peppers
Stuffed with manchego, queso fresco, Monterey Jack and Cotija cheese with piquillo pepper sauce and cilantro rice
Vietnamese Salad
With Asian-inspired shiitake mushroom slaw, cabbage and carrots over rice noodles and a side of teriyaki chicken
AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY
fresh grapes and dried fruit with assorted cheeses
Chicken Meatballs
marinara sauce, creamy polenta
Dinner
Ricotta Rotolo
With spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, basil and marinara sauce
Poblano Peppers
Stuffed with manchego, queso fresco, Monterey Jack and Cotija cheese with piquillo pepper sauce and cilantro rice
Vietnamese Salad
With Asian-inspired shiitake mushroom slaw, cabbage and carrots over rice noodles and a side of teriyaki chicken
AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY
fresh grapes and dried fruit with assorted cheeses
Chicken Meatballs
marinara sauce, creamy polenta
#47
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,698
Aa442 yyz-lax
AA442: YYZ-LAX: 6pm
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
#48
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
#49
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
On the other hand, if I get served that Vietnamese Salad one more time, I'll be tempted to sling that slaw across the cabin.
#50
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
JFK-LAX
LAA A321T
Breakfast, J Class
PDB of bubbles, OJ, water
I guess they got rid of that biscotti they used to pass out with the initial beverage service sad as it was really tasty and a nice way to add something to the pre-meal beverage service for breakfast.
I ordered the cream cheese omelette with salmon potato hash and "bernaise" sauce. SO GROSS. I've never had an AA omelette this bad.....and the bernaise sauce was really weird tasting. I left the dish just like this and ate the biscuit (I luckily had a proper breakfast in the FL prior to the flight because this menu just seemed bad).
Attentive and friendly service though
LAA A321T
Breakfast, J Class
PDB of bubbles, OJ, water
I guess they got rid of that biscotti they used to pass out with the initial beverage service sad as it was really tasty and a nice way to add something to the pre-meal beverage service for breakfast.
I ordered the cream cheese omelette with salmon potato hash and "bernaise" sauce. SO GROSS. I've never had an AA omelette this bad.....and the bernaise sauce was really weird tasting. I left the dish just like this and ate the biscuit (I luckily had a proper breakfast in the FL prior to the flight because this menu just seemed bad).
Attentive and friendly service though
#51
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: District of Columbia
Programs: AA ExecPl, AT Gold, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Diamond, Hilton Diamond, National
Posts: 2,440
AA442: YYZ-LAX: 6pm
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,967
Weird, that seems like the exact type of flight that the snack plate is designed for! Oddly, I took an 815pm departure a couple of months ago DFW-GSO on E175 and there was a full meal with pre-meal nuts, full tray service, then dessert. In the past, that only happened on the 6pm-ish departures so was surprised it was catered with dinner for a post 8pm departure. Couldn't have been an FA mistake because the return flight would be breakfast.
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,993
I was reading this whilst eating the Ricotta ritolo! Also had the same Vietnamese salad as an option on my PHX-CLT flight. I generally find the pasta dishes to be a more predictable option. A bad pasta dish is better than a bad meat dish. With airline meals (at AA domestic standards) it's best to keep it simple...
The cold chicken breast was just fine and the asian dressing good too. There was nothing "asian inspired coleslaw" about the salad though. It's like a couple of employees of LSG Sky Chefs went outside and picked some grass and weeds then plated it. LOL
#54
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Weird, that seems like the exact type of flight that the snack plate is designed for! Oddly, I took an 815pm departure a couple of months ago DFW-GSO on E175 and there was a full meal with pre-meal nuts, full tray service, then dessert. In the past, that only happened on the 6pm-ish departures so was surprised it was catered with dinner for a post 8pm departure. Couldn't have been an FA mistake because the return flight would be breakfast.
#55
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
AA442: YYZ-LAX: 6pm
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
Dinner
A319
First Class, 1C
Greek style Salad with sun dried Tomato Dressing
Antipasto with cheese, olives and Italian style meats
Ravioli with 3 different cheeses.
Sundaes to order, alternative looked like a Mango Cheesecake or fruit and cheese.
Dessert was served from a cart which I've not seen in a while
#56
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: California
Programs: AA Gold.
Posts: 158
Upcoming flight meal options for Transcon First. On the first I selected the Asian Vegetarian special meal as the normal ones did not sound appeasing. The return I selected the Osso Buco
Feb 4, 2018: 12 SFO-JFK (Lunch)
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
With jícama slaw and tomatillo poblano cream sauce
Chicken Sliders
With sriracha aïoli and mixed pickled vegetables
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese
spaghetti squash, basil oil, shaved Parmesan
Feb 18, 2018: 177 JFK-SFO (Dinner)
Grilled Beef Filet
With truffleyaki butter, mushroom medley and polenta cake
Pork Osso Buco
With Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
Panko Crusted Mahi Mahi
With beurre blanc sauce and barley fried rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steak
portobello farro risotto, sautéed kale, baby sunburst squash
Feb 4, 2018: 12 SFO-JFK (Lunch)
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
With jícama slaw and tomatillo poblano cream sauce
Chicken Sliders
With sriracha aïoli and mixed pickled vegetables
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese
spaghetti squash, basil oil, shaved Parmesan
Feb 18, 2018: 177 JFK-SFO (Dinner)
Grilled Beef Filet
With truffleyaki butter, mushroom medley and polenta cake
Pork Osso Buco
With Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
Panko Crusted Mahi Mahi
With beurre blanc sauce and barley fried rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steak
portobello farro risotto, sautéed kale, baby sunburst squash
#57
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Upcoming flight meal options for Transcon First. On the first I selected the Asian Vegetarian special meal as the normal ones did not sound appeasing. The return I selected the Osso Buco
Feb 4, 2018: 12 SFO-JFK (Lunch)
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
With jícama slaw and tomatillo poblano cream sauce
Chicken Sliders
With sriracha aïoli and mixed pickled vegetables
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese
spaghetti squash, basil oil, shaved Parmesan
Feb 18, 2018: 177 JFK-SFO (Dinner)
Grilled Beef Filet
With truffleyaki butter, mushroom medley and polenta cake
Pork Osso Buco
With Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
Panko Crusted Mahi Mahi
With beurre blanc sauce and barley fried rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steak
portobello farro risotto, sautéed kale, baby sunburst squash
Feb 4, 2018: 12 SFO-JFK (Lunch)
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
With jícama slaw and tomatillo poblano cream sauce
Chicken Sliders
With sriracha aïoli and mixed pickled vegetables
Vegetarian Cremini Bolognese
spaghetti squash, basil oil, shaved Parmesan
Feb 18, 2018: 177 JFK-SFO (Dinner)
Grilled Beef Filet
With truffleyaki butter, mushroom medley and polenta cake
Pork Osso Buco
With Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
Panko Crusted Mahi Mahi
With beurre blanc sauce and barley fried rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steak
portobello farro risotto, sautéed kale, baby sunburst squash
Nice to see an entire menu that omits the word "Quinoa".
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,967
#59
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Beantown! (BOS)
Programs: AA PtPro (2 MM); Hilton Diamond; Hertz President Cr; DL SkyMiles; UA MileagePlus
Posts: 3,435
AA 1360 LAX-BOS
Dinner (737-800)
Ricotta Rotolo
With spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, basil and marinara sauce
Poblano Peppers
Stuffed with manchego, queso fresco, Monterey Jack and Cotija cheese with piquillo pepper sauce and cilantro rice
Vietnamese Salad
With Asian-inspired shiitake mushroom slaw, cabbage and carrots over rice noodles and a side of teriyaki chicken
AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY - Fruit and Cheese Plate AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY
fresh grapes and dried fruit with assorted cheeses
Chicken Meatballs
marinara sauce, creamy polenta.
Chicken with Harvicot Verts (French green beans) or Poblano Peppers.
Yes, only passengers chose Poblano Peppers got choice, all other passengers had to choose chicken or stuffed peepers on the flight. Another situation with catering on this flight, catering loaded with service items with one extra cart. Yes, there was an extra cart in front galley area during boarding. I thought airlines and catering make detailed plan regarding loading plan of catering items, how many of what get stored where are carefully planned. But this case there was one extra cart could not be stored anywhere. Pilots came out and discussing with FAs about what to do. Looked like they reshuffled items at back galley and made some room at back galley. Once all were stored a pilot pulled empty cart out to the jetway and said let’s get out here.
It sure looked like catering issue at LAX is not resolved after two months?
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 29,993