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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
Nov 5, 2018, 10:16 pm
#947
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Greetings,
I routinely fly TUS-ORD on Sunday mornings, first class, after 5AM (since last night's DST changes, after 6AM). This flight is listed as 3 hours, 29 minutes and according to "previous activity" in the AA app the base miles are 1,740. Flt number 2358.
For the last two weeks (including yesterday) there has been "no catering" meaning that breakfast was a small container of yogurt and a small (like 1.5 oz) bag of granola. They stepped it up a bit and threw in a fig bar as well yesterday.
I hardly think this qualifies as a first class meal. The pilot made an announcement saying to please not complain to the FA's but to email to aa.com. The week before they just pretended like this was normal...
Where on AA website can I find information on what was expected versus what was delivered?
In the WIKI (expertflyer.com) there is a breakdown by miles and what kind of meal to expect. Is this information still true?
Thanks!
P.S. I did notice both times the pilots received a full breakfast of roll, fruit, granola, yogurt, milk, cereal, etc...
I routinely fly TUS-ORD on Sunday mornings, first class, after 5AM (since last night's DST changes, after 6AM). This flight is listed as 3 hours, 29 minutes and according to "previous activity" in the AA app the base miles are 1,740. Flt number 2358.
For the last two weeks (including yesterday) there has been "no catering" meaning that breakfast was a small container of yogurt and a small (like 1.5 oz) bag of granola. They stepped it up a bit and threw in a fig bar as well yesterday.
I hardly think this qualifies as a first class meal. The pilot made an announcement saying to please not complain to the FA's but to email to aa.com. The week before they just pretended like this was normal...
Where on AA website can I find information on what was expected versus what was delivered?
In the WIKI (expertflyer.com) there is a breakdown by miles and what kind of meal to expect. Is this information still true?
Thanks!
P.S. I did notice both times the pilots received a full breakfast of roll, fruit, granola, yogurt, milk, cereal, etc...
I did a dummy booking and it shows a Continental Breakfast which would be what I subscribed, shelf stable items.. I can only think that AA hasn't changed from the summer schedule since the heat of TUS in the middle of night might make things go bad sitting over night and not that weather has changed maybe the 615am flight will get a real meal.
Nov 5, 2018, 11:07 pm
#948
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
PHX-OGG
OLD LUS Boeing 757-200 Hawaii Version
Lunch
Pre-departure beverage of choice.
Once in the air, we were offered hot towels, a COLD Hawaiian nut mix served in a ramekin, and drink of choice. The meal choices today were either the Grilled Pork Chop, or a curry dish. I went with the curry dish and it was one of the best dishes that I have ever had on an aircraft. It was full of flavor and was simply delicious. The appetizer plate was a white blob of who knows what. The salad was fine, though uninspired. Rolls were pre-plated on the tray and there was no choice, which was disappointing. Dessert was a choice of either a fruit and cheese plate or a customized ice cream sundae. Needless to say, I went with the always tasty sundae. Napkins were pumpkin-themed for Halloween, which I have a feeling the flight attendant bought out of his own pocket.
The flight attendant made a few passes of the snack basket prior to landing. He also offered a Halloween treat bag, which, again, I have a feeling he paid for out of his own pocket. This was a very nice touch and his service throughout the flight was great.
OLD LUS Boeing 757-200 Hawaii Version
Lunch
Pre-departure beverage of choice.
Once in the air, we were offered hot towels, a COLD Hawaiian nut mix served in a ramekin, and drink of choice. The meal choices today were either the Grilled Pork Chop, or a curry dish. I went with the curry dish and it was one of the best dishes that I have ever had on an aircraft. It was full of flavor and was simply delicious. The appetizer plate was a white blob of who knows what. The salad was fine, though uninspired. Rolls were pre-plated on the tray and there was no choice, which was disappointing. Dessert was a choice of either a fruit and cheese plate or a customized ice cream sundae. Needless to say, I went with the always tasty sundae. Napkins were pumpkin-themed for Halloween, which I have a feeling the flight attendant bought out of his own pocket.
The flight attendant made a few passes of the snack basket prior to landing. He also offered a Halloween treat bag, which, again, I have a feeling he paid for out of his own pocket. This was a very nice touch and his service throughout the flight was great.
Nov 6, 2018, 1:46 pm
#949
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 1302 RDU-DFW 0731-0940 MD-80
Full PDB on a flight which boarded 20 minutes late!
Choice of oatmeal or the omelet. It's a decent enough meal but whatever chemically cheese they use inside is pretty bad.
Full PDB on a flight which boarded 20 minutes late!
Choice of oatmeal or the omelet. It's a decent enough meal but whatever chemically cheese they use inside is pretty bad.
Nov 6, 2018, 1:47 pm
#950
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 1080 DFW-ORD 1240-1500 787-8
PDB of Water or OJ. On a plane boarding through 2L when you're sitting to the left of it that's inexcusable
Choice of the pablano peppers or the Nicoise salad. I swear I'll be in my cold cold grave and these will still be the underwhelming lunch options on AA
As always the best part of the meal
PDB of Water or OJ. On a plane boarding through 2L when you're sitting to the left of it that's inexcusable
Choice of the pablano peppers or the Nicoise salad. I swear I'll be in my cold cold grave and these will still be the underwhelming lunch options on AA
As always the best part of the meal
Nov 7, 2018, 2:31 pm
#951
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,735
So a new option has appeared for an upcoming flight:
Mezze Trio - Quinoa tabbouleh, chickpea hummus, tomato and cucumber salas, and dolmades with a side of lemon pepper grilled chicken.
The other choice is a Cheese Enchilada with Spanish Rice and green chili sauce.
Mezze Trio - Quinoa tabbouleh, chickpea hummus, tomato and cucumber salas, and dolmades with a side of lemon pepper grilled chicken.
The other choice is a Cheese Enchilada with Spanish Rice and green chili sauce.
Nov 7, 2018, 5:46 pm
#952
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Empire State
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 461
Nov 8, 2018, 4:33 pm
#954
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 105
AVML Breakfast
I order the AVML due to the limited use of dairy products. Being lactose intolerant (small amounts of dairy are ok), this has been a great, flavorful option for lunch and dinner that has met my dietary needs very well. I have very much appreciated that AA has provided this option.
However, I had my first AVML breakfast from LAS-CLT on Sunday and it was terrible. I also don't feel that it met the description in any way - it certainly wasn't the slightest bit spicy and included yogurt (dairy) as one of the main components. My entree was just vegetables that looked and tasted like canned veggies - carrots, broccoli and green beans with no seasoning. My sides were the same as everyone else's breakfast: yogurt and fruit. I was quite hungry so I ate the veggies but they were truly terrible and could not be called an entree. The fruit was good but a very small portion. I couldn't eat the yogurt. I would've expected them to provide an alternative side for the yogurt and was very surprised they did not as my past AVML's have went as far as to provide a butter substitute to limit the dairy use. I was definitely still very hungry after eating my fruit and veggies!
However, I had my first AVML breakfast from LAS-CLT on Sunday and it was terrible. I also don't feel that it met the description in any way - it certainly wasn't the slightest bit spicy and included yogurt (dairy) as one of the main components. My entree was just vegetables that looked and tasted like canned veggies - carrots, broccoli and green beans with no seasoning. My sides were the same as everyone else's breakfast: yogurt and fruit. I was quite hungry so I ate the veggies but they were truly terrible and could not be called an entree. The fruit was good but a very small portion. I couldn't eat the yogurt. I would've expected them to provide an alternative side for the yogurt and was very surprised they did not as my past AVML's have went as far as to provide a butter substitute to limit the dairy use. I was definitely still very hungry after eating my fruit and veggies!
Nov 8, 2018, 8:14 pm
#955
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, National Exec, Hertz PC, Nexus
Posts: 412
I order the AVML due to the limited use of dairy products. Being lactose intolerant (small amounts of dairy are ok), this has been a great, flavorful option for lunch and dinner that has met my dietary needs very well. I have very much appreciated that AA has provided this option.
However, I had my first AVML breakfast from LAS-CLT on Sunday and it was terrible. I also don't feel that it met the description in any way - it certainly wasn't the slightest bit spicy and included yogurt (dairy) as one of the main components. My entree was just vegetables that looked and tasted like canned veggies - carrots, broccoli and green beans with no seasoning. My sides were the same as everyone else's breakfast: yogurt and fruit. I was quite hungry so I ate the veggies but they were truly terrible and could not be called an entree. The fruit was good but a very small portion. I couldn't eat the yogurt. I would've expected them to provide an alternative side for the yogurt and was very surprised they did not as my past AVML's have went as far as to provide a butter substitute to limit the dairy use. I was definitely still very hungry after eating my fruit and veggies!
However, I had my first AVML breakfast from LAS-CLT on Sunday and it was terrible. I also don't feel that it met the description in any way - it certainly wasn't the slightest bit spicy and included yogurt (dairy) as one of the main components. My entree was just vegetables that looked and tasted like canned veggies - carrots, broccoli and green beans with no seasoning. My sides were the same as everyone else's breakfast: yogurt and fruit. I was quite hungry so I ate the veggies but they were truly terrible and could not be called an entree. The fruit was good but a very small portion. I couldn't eat the yogurt. I would've expected them to provide an alternative side for the yogurt and was very surprised they did not as my past AVML's have went as far as to provide a butter substitute to limit the dairy use. I was definitely still very hungry after eating my fruit and veggies!
Nov 9, 2018, 6:14 am
#956
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Jamie Larounis recently shared what appears to be the full slate of recent domestic menu updates:
https://twitter.com/TheForwardCabin/...81666133028865
https://twitter.com/TheForwardCabin/...81666133028865
Nov 9, 2018, 7:57 am
#957
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,735
Yes, in the preorder thread a few of us have reported issues this week. I was finally able to get in a couple of days ago.
Nov 9, 2018, 9:37 am
#958
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Kickin it in MCE again LAX-JFK
service was very good and friendly from this LA based crew. Water walk mid-flight, two full beverage services. Other options were the fruit and cheese plate or a hummus box (but more substantial than the usual BOB hummus).
JFK-LAX was a BBQ chicken wrap that came with ranch dressing, fruit and cheese, or a veggie wrap.
service was very good and friendly from this LA based crew. Water walk mid-flight, two full beverage services. Other options were the fruit and cheese plate or a hummus box (but more substantial than the usual BOB hummus).
JFK-LAX was a BBQ chicken wrap that came with ranch dressing, fruit and cheese, or a veggie wrap.
Nov 9, 2018, 11:14 am
#959
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Nov 9, 2018, 1:04 pm
#960
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 1537 RDU-ORD 1436-1600 MD-80
Choice of the fruit and cheese plate or the antipasto place. This was pretty tasty and a good amount of food for the mid-afternoon short haul.
Choice of the fruit and cheese plate or the antipasto place. This was pretty tasty and a good amount of food for the mid-afternoon short haul.