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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Jun 4, 2018, 7:14 am
#466
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: CLE
Programs: UA, AA Plat Pro, DL, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 477
I find the tortellini is better than the short rib.
Jun 4, 2018, 11:26 am
#467
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
LGA-ORD
LAA 738 (2000 edition)
Lunch
Full PDB!
Choice of Nicoise salad with chicken or the enchiladas. Decided for the healthier option and chose the salad which was great and light.
Hot towels and nuts and drinks, cookies served as a separate course. Well done today AA.
Multiple refills offered and I definitely recognized the lead FA from prior flights on this route.
Also just a note that my seatmate ordered the Kosher meal and it looked huge. The entire normal tray was filled with plates of stuff and then the FA had to bring out a separate hot dish that was in a dish the size of int'l J cabin meals (that bigger square plate) - it was rice with either chicken or pork and smelled good (sorry not familiar with Kosher cuisine so could be off of the protein part). My seatmate actually had a hard time dealing with all of the dishes and plates.
In relation to DL.....AA offers a much classier dining experience in domestic FC.
LAA 738 (2000 edition)
Lunch
Full PDB!
Choice of Nicoise salad with chicken or the enchiladas. Decided for the healthier option and chose the salad which was great and light.
Hot towels and nuts and drinks, cookies served as a separate course. Well done today AA.
Multiple refills offered and I definitely recognized the lead FA from prior flights on this route.
Also just a note that my seatmate ordered the Kosher meal and it looked huge. The entire normal tray was filled with plates of stuff and then the FA had to bring out a separate hot dish that was in a dish the size of int'l J cabin meals (that bigger square plate) - it was rice with either chicken or pork and smelled good (sorry not familiar with Kosher cuisine so could be off of the protein part). My seatmate actually had a hard time dealing with all of the dishes and plates.
In relation to DL.....AA offers a much classier dining experience in domestic FC.
Last edited by AANYC1981; Jun 4, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Jun 4, 2018, 8:25 pm
#468
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago, London
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 31
DCA-ORD
737
Dinner
So I had the Hindu meal today. It was not good. I am sure it was the same as if I had selected the Asian Vegetarian. So I guess it is hit or miss as I really enjoyed my last Asian Vegetarian meal a few months ago. Also, although I do not eat them, no cookies were served on DCA-ORD during dinner like they normally are. And no PDB. And the flight attendant served my beer with a glass of ice (which I had her discard). And we sat waiting for a gate for 45 minutes after we landed. Made it home, so thankful, but going to chalk this flight as an L.
Hindu Meal DCA-ORD 6-4-18
737
Dinner
So I had the Hindu meal today. It was not good. I am sure it was the same as if I had selected the Asian Vegetarian. So I guess it is hit or miss as I really enjoyed my last Asian Vegetarian meal a few months ago. Also, although I do not eat them, no cookies were served on DCA-ORD during dinner like they normally are. And no PDB. And the flight attendant served my beer with a glass of ice (which I had her discard). And we sat waiting for a gate for 45 minutes after we landed. Made it home, so thankful, but going to chalk this flight as an L.
Hindu Meal DCA-ORD 6-4-18
Last edited by Chicago_Guy3344; Jun 4, 2018 at 8:27 pm Reason: Add more detail
Jun 4, 2018, 9:17 pm
#469
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 743
LGA-ORD
LAA 738 (2000 edition)
Also just a note that my seatmate ordered the Kosher meal and it looked huge. The entire normal tray was filled with plates of stuff and then the FA had to bring out a separate hot dish that was in a dish the size of int'l J cabin meals (that bigger square plate) - it was rice with either chicken or pork and smelled good (sorry not familiar with Kosher cuisine so could be off of the protein part). My seatmate actually had a hard time dealing with all of the dishes and plates.
LAA 738 (2000 edition)
Also just a note that my seatmate ordered the Kosher meal and it looked huge. The entire normal tray was filled with plates of stuff and then the FA had to bring out a separate hot dish that was in a dish the size of int'l J cabin meals (that bigger square plate) - it was rice with either chicken or pork and smelled good (sorry not familiar with Kosher cuisine so could be off of the protein part). My seatmate actually had a hard time dealing with all of the dishes and plates.
LOL! if it was a Kosher meal, it was definitely NOT pork. There are a lot of rules about what is Kosher, but the ones most noticeable to a non-Jewish person are: no pork, no shellfish, and no mixing milk with meat. I have a friend who keeps Kosher and every now and then, we are at an event and they bring out a pre-plated meal he cannot eat. He's pretty good about getting them to bring him something else instead, but I always wonder about people that order pork for these types of events, since observant Muslims don't eat it either.
Jun 4, 2018, 9:26 pm
#470
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
DCA-ORD
737
Dinner
So I had the Hindu meal today. It was not good. I am sure it was the same as if I had selected the Asian Vegetarian. So I guess it is hit or miss as I really enjoyed my last Asian Vegetarian meal a few months ago. Also, although I do not eat them, no cookies were served on DCA-ORD during dinner like they normally are. And no PDB. And the flight attendant served my beer with a glass of ice (which I had her discard). And we sat waiting for a gate for 45 minutes after we landed. Made it home, so thankful, but going to chalk this flight as an L.
Hindu Meal DCA-ORD 6-4-18
737
Dinner
So I had the Hindu meal today. It was not good. I am sure it was the same as if I had selected the Asian Vegetarian. So I guess it is hit or miss as I really enjoyed my last Asian Vegetarian meal a few months ago. Also, although I do not eat them, no cookies were served on DCA-ORD during dinner like they normally are. And no PDB. And the flight attendant served my beer with a glass of ice (which I had her discard). And we sat waiting for a gate for 45 minutes after we landed. Made it home, so thankful, but going to chalk this flight as an L.
Hindu Meal DCA-ORD 6-4-18
Jun 5, 2018, 3:15 pm
#471
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 909
The "dinner" will be cold and likely the choice between a sandwich and a salad with some protein on the side. bse is correct in that there are no ovens on the 175s, therefore in the morning you'll get a continental breakfast. Maybe a fruit plate or cereal? Haven't taken a breakfast flight on the 175 so I am not sure.
On ORD-IAH I was offered choice of cold oatmeal (looked OK but just not right for me) or an egg salad wrap with side of fruit and unglazed cinnimon roll. The wrap was decent.....changed flights (schedule change) to get home to get more EQMs...no upgrade
Jun 5, 2018, 3:34 pm
#472
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
thanks for answers!
On ORD-IAH I was offered choice of cold oatmeal (looked OK but just not right for me) or an egg salad wrap with side of fruit and unglazed cinnimon roll. The wrap was decent.....changed flights (schedule change) to get home to get more EQMs...no upgrade
On ORD-IAH I was offered choice of cold oatmeal (looked OK but just not right for me) or an egg salad wrap with side of fruit and unglazed cinnimon roll. The wrap was decent.....changed flights (schedule change) to get home to get more EQMs...no upgrade
Jun 5, 2018, 3:50 pm
#473
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
For next time, IIRC the "cold oatmeal" is actually museli, which isn't half bad for breakfast considering the usual choices. Though, I forget what AA gives you to dress it, I've had it a few times recently on IAH->PHL and was pleasantly surprised. The Admirals Club in IAH also has the usual mix of items for poaching for the flight and isn't too crowded IME for early morning departures.
Jun 5, 2018, 3:57 pm
#474
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
6/3/18, 7:59pm CLT-SFO; LUS A321
Chose the hindu meal again; got a different one this time and differed from previous AVMLs. On the right was saag paneer - yes they actually had paneer! and on the left, bhindi / okra masala. Was tasty! Unfortunately the samosa was a little bit soft / soggy. Vegetables nice and fresh - had a different dressing than the ubiquitous oil vinegar dressing, a lemon vinagrette instead. Pita bread was heated this time. Still offered bread and full ice cream sundae. Hindu/AVML still seem to be the right choice out of Charlotte as they haven't changed the chicken and vegetables or cheese ravioli choices in months. The dessert wasn't dripping in syrup today either.
Chose the hindu meal again; got a different one this time and differed from previous AVMLs. On the right was saag paneer - yes they actually had paneer! and on the left, bhindi / okra masala. Was tasty! Unfortunately the samosa was a little bit soft / soggy. Vegetables nice and fresh - had a different dressing than the ubiquitous oil vinegar dressing, a lemon vinagrette instead. Pita bread was heated this time. Still offered bread and full ice cream sundae. Hindu/AVML still seem to be the right choice out of Charlotte as they haven't changed the chicken and vegetables or cheese ravioli choices in months. The dessert wasn't dripping in syrup today either.
Jun 5, 2018, 9:42 pm
#476
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Jun 6, 2018, 10:45 am
#477
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago, London
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 31
6/3/18, 7:59pm CLT-SFO; LUS A321
Chose the hindu meal again; got a different one this time and differed from previous AVMLs. On the right was saag paneer - yes they actually had paneer! and on the left, bhindi / okra masala. Was tasty! Unfortunately the samosa was a little bit soft / soggy. Vegetables nice and fresh - had a different dressing than the ubiquitous oil vinegar dressing, a lemon vinagrette instead. Pita bread was heated this time. Still offered bread and full ice cream sundae. Hindu/AVML still seem to be the right choice out of Charlotte as they haven't changed the chicken and vegetables or cheese ravioli choices in months. The dessert wasn't dripping in syrup today either.
Chose the hindu meal again; got a different one this time and differed from previous AVMLs. On the right was saag paneer - yes they actually had paneer! and on the left, bhindi / okra masala. Was tasty! Unfortunately the samosa was a little bit soft / soggy. Vegetables nice and fresh - had a different dressing than the ubiquitous oil vinegar dressing, a lemon vinagrette instead. Pita bread was heated this time. Still offered bread and full ice cream sundae. Hindu/AVML still seem to be the right choice out of Charlotte as they haven't changed the chicken and vegetables or cheese ravioli choices in months. The dessert wasn't dripping in syrup today either.
Jun 7, 2018, 6:01 am
#478
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
LGA-ORD
LAA 738
PDB - kind of......ice water offered only and when asking if a bloody mary was possible, it was happily given to me.
Tired of the lasagna or beef filet with asparagus option, I decided to try the popular asian vegetarian meal and contrary to most on here, I found it bland and not good. I will not be ordering this again.
Cookie
Service on this flight was also extremely slow......the lead FA declined help from the other FA to assist with the drink/nut service. Meals were not distributed until well after an hour after take off (this was a one hour and 40 minute flight).
ViaSat WiFi was weird......it said WiFi was working but there was a notice that "streaming" entertainment did not work at the same time.....I have a screenshot which I will post in a different thread.
I would also love to know who the disheveled diva CK was in 3A too in case anyone would like my flight number to look it up. She didn't board with the CK announcement, but had no problem cutting in front of me in line for Group 1 and then asking me to put her overstuffed suitcase in the overhead bin for her, which I did.
She literally had a can of tomato juice on the ground after refusing it in the plastic cup, then I kid you not 4-5 cans (no glass or cup) of diet coke in-flight (some of which she shoved in her many hand bags that she simply couldn't part with for an hour and 40 minutes), PLUS requesting the 1L bottle of Dasani......special requests from the lead FA which made the already slow service even slower, asking for a cheese plate from coach only to be denied......the list goes on. How do I know she was CK? The CK rep came on the plane during boarding, announced her self as a CK rep, to try and talk to 3A only to be swatted away. I guess the CK rep was running late, as she didn't hang out at the gate like they normally do, so she was going on-board to engage with and thank the CK's on my flight.
LAA 738
PDB - kind of......ice water offered only and when asking if a bloody mary was possible, it was happily given to me.
Tired of the lasagna or beef filet with asparagus option, I decided to try the popular asian vegetarian meal and contrary to most on here, I found it bland and not good. I will not be ordering this again.
Cookie
Service on this flight was also extremely slow......the lead FA declined help from the other FA to assist with the drink/nut service. Meals were not distributed until well after an hour after take off (this was a one hour and 40 minute flight).
ViaSat WiFi was weird......it said WiFi was working but there was a notice that "streaming" entertainment did not work at the same time.....I have a screenshot which I will post in a different thread.
I would also love to know who the disheveled diva CK was in 3A too in case anyone would like my flight number to look it up. She didn't board with the CK announcement, but had no problem cutting in front of me in line for Group 1 and then asking me to put her overstuffed suitcase in the overhead bin for her, which I did.
She literally had a can of tomato juice on the ground after refusing it in the plastic cup, then I kid you not 4-5 cans (no glass or cup) of diet coke in-flight (some of which she shoved in her many hand bags that she simply couldn't part with for an hour and 40 minutes), PLUS requesting the 1L bottle of Dasani......special requests from the lead FA which made the already slow service even slower, asking for a cheese plate from coach only to be denied......the list goes on. How do I know she was CK? The CK rep came on the plane during boarding, announced her self as a CK rep, to try and talk to 3A only to be swatted away. I guess the CK rep was running late, as she didn't hang out at the gate like they normally do, so she was going on-board to engage with and thank the CK's on my flight.
Jun 7, 2018, 12:11 pm
#479
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 15
I would also love to know who the disheveled diva CK was in 3A too in case anyone would like my flight number to look it up. She didn't board with the CK announcement, but had no problem cutting in front of me in line for Group 1 and then asking me to put her overstuffed suitcase in the overhead bin for her, which I did.
She literally had a can of tomato juice on the ground after refusing it in the plastic cup, then I kid you not 4-5 cans (no glass or cup) of diet coke in-flight (some of which she shoved in her many hand bags that she simply couldn't part with for an hour and 40 minutes), PLUS requesting the 1L bottle of Dasani......special requests from the lead FA which made the already slow service even slower, asking for a cheese plate from coach only to be denied......the list goes on. How do I know she was CK? The CK rep came on the plane during boarding, announced her self as a CK rep, to try and talk to 3A only to be swatted away. I guess the CK rep was running late, as she didn't hang out at the gate like they normally do, so she was going on-board to engage with and thank the CK's on my flight.
She literally had a can of tomato juice on the ground after refusing it in the plastic cup, then I kid you not 4-5 cans (no glass or cup) of diet coke in-flight (some of which she shoved in her many hand bags that she simply couldn't part with for an hour and 40 minutes), PLUS requesting the 1L bottle of Dasani......special requests from the lead FA which made the already slow service even slower, asking for a cheese plate from coach only to be denied......the list goes on. How do I know she was CK? The CK rep came on the plane during boarding, announced her self as a CK rep, to try and talk to 3A only to be swatted away. I guess the CK rep was running late, as she didn't hang out at the gate like they normally do, so she was going on-board to engage with and thank the CK's on my flight.
Jun 7, 2018, 12:24 pm
#480
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: California, USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Marriott Plat, Hertz Pres, Global Entry
Posts: 103
CK Concierge Key - Ultra Special AA Customers ! https://thepointsguy.com/2016/05/top...concierge-key/
Old Adage remains true, money cannot buy class !
Old Adage remains true, money cannot buy class !