Last edit by: JDiver
AA/US Domestic Dining (including Canada, Mexico, & the Caribbean)
Link to Combined 2019 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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.
MrAndy1369 originated this thread. Other posts in this topic have been merged here, throwing his post to #4. For members’ easy reference, we have reproduced that guidepost in its entirety. /Moderators
[COLOR="Navy"]Welcome to the 2019 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.
What to Expect - Regional:
Keep in mind that this list is not entirely inclusive, and there may be certain exceptions and/or abnormalities.
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.
Additional Information:
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.
Thanks to MrAndy1369 for starting the thread and for the guidelines.
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Link to Combined 2019 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.
MrAndy1369 originated this thread. Other posts in this topic have been merged here, throwing his post to #4. For members’ easy reference, we have reproduced that guidepost in its entirety. /Moderators
Introduction
Welcome to the 2019 version of the combined AA meals thread, focusing on domestic service. Please post your meal/service experiences, including menus, photos, reports, questions, and service anecdotes.
To help give us a clear picture of your experience, remember to include the route, time, and meal designation (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, refreshments, none). Photos are welcome and very helpful. Those are rudimentary guidelines, but of course, the format/style is up to you.
Format Sample
This is a format you can use when introducing your meal report. This is just a sample format; deviations are expected.
AA1: JFK-LAX: 3pm
Dinner
A321
First Class, 2A
(from here, share the menu and/or experiences and/or photos)
Historical Meal Reports
Throwback mode? Go crazy!
Enjoy!
Welcome to the 2019 version of the combined AA meals thread, focusing on domestic service. Please post your meal/service experiences, including menus, photos, reports, questions, and service anecdotes.
To help give us a clear picture of your experience, remember to include the route, time, and meal designation (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, refreshments, none). Photos are welcome and very helpful. Those are rudimentary guidelines, but of course, the format/style is up to you.
Format Sample
This is a format you can use when introducing your meal report. This is just a sample format; deviations are expected.
AA1: JFK-LAX: 3pm
Dinner
A321
First Class, 2A
(from here, share the menu and/or experiences and/or photos)
Historical Meal Reports
Throwback mode? Go crazy!
- 2018 - link
- 2017 - 2017 Combined AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
- 2016 - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html
- 2015 - link
- 2014 (post-9/1 combined) - link
- 2014 (pre-9/1) - link
- 2013 - link
- 2012 - link
- 2011 - link
- 2010 - link
- 2009 (combined Domestic and International) - link
Enjoy!
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.
- At this time, pre-ordered meals are not available on American Eagle flights.
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.
Thanks to MrAndy1369 for starting the thread and for the guidelines.
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ARCHIVE: Combined 2019 AA Domestic Meal, Meals, menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
#241
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 3
PHL-LAX LUNCH made to order sundaes? fact or fiction? Long time elite told me they have never seen them at lunch on this route. The thread on here says sundaes?
#242
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I'm in paid FC to Maui soon, so why is AA sending me an e-mail about pre-ordering my complimentary fresh coach meal???
#243
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 45
But WHAT?! They are offering pre-orders for coach meals now? I’m assuming you must be flying DFW or ORD to Hawaii since they’re the only routes to Hawaii with complimentary meals in the back.
#244
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
#245
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 197
AA333: ORD-FLL: 6:20pm
Dinner
First Class
Primary options: Grilled Beef Filet or Southwest Pasta. I ordered Asian Vegetarian and it was delicious. Filet that someone else got was rare – definitely not overcooked. It was questionably rare and possibly undercooked, although I only saw it from a distance. Bottom line – definitely not served ‘well done’ as I feared. My wife preordered the Southwest Pasta which was actually a lasagna when served. Although it doesn’t look great, she said it was actually really, really good, and wishes she could’ve taken the leftovers home! Also really impressed that they provided an ingredient card with the asian vegetarian tray. Nice touch.
Preordered "Southwest Pasta" but it came out as lasagna. Still delicious.
Asian Vegetarian
Asian Vegetarian ingredient card front
Asian Vegetarian ingredient card back
Dinner
First Class
Primary options: Grilled Beef Filet or Southwest Pasta. I ordered Asian Vegetarian and it was delicious. Filet that someone else got was rare – definitely not overcooked. It was questionably rare and possibly undercooked, although I only saw it from a distance. Bottom line – definitely not served ‘well done’ as I feared. My wife preordered the Southwest Pasta which was actually a lasagna when served. Although it doesn’t look great, she said it was actually really, really good, and wishes she could’ve taken the leftovers home! Also really impressed that they provided an ingredient card with the asian vegetarian tray. Nice touch.
Preordered "Southwest Pasta" but it came out as lasagna. Still delicious.
Asian Vegetarian
Asian Vegetarian ingredient card front
Asian Vegetarian ingredient card back
#246
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA-EXP, Flying Blue-Silver
Posts: 727
I have the Southwest Pasta available as a choice on an upcoming flight and am considering it. Does anyone know if this lasagna-looking dish is the typical Southwest Pasta?
#247
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
#248
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
#249
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
#250
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
So what passes for a Lite Bite lunch these days? I just booked a SLC-DFW-BWI flight in F for April 2nd. Historically, I had gotten lunch on flights even leaving close to 2pm. I was surprised to see no meal choice and then I noticed refreshments for service.
I didn't expect anything on DFW-BWI as it leaves after 8p, but this blows. I'd get a better meal on a regional it appears.
Should I just plan on eating before I leave?
I didn't expect anything on DFW-BWI as it leaves after 8p, but this blows. I'd get a better meal on a regional it appears.
Should I just plan on eating before I leave?
#251
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: 6,661
So what passes for a Lite Bite lunch these days? I just booked a SLC-DFW-BWI flight in F for April 2nd. Historically, I had gotten lunch on flights even leaving close to 2pm. I was surprised to see no meal choice and then I noticed refreshments for service.
I didn't expect anything on DFW-BWI as it leaves after 8p, but this blows. I'd get a better meal on a regional it appears.
Should I just plan on eating before I leave?
I didn't expect anything on DFW-BWI as it leaves after 8p, but this blows. I'd get a better meal on a regional it appears.
Should I just plan on eating before I leave?
flights 900-1298 miles, departing 1:31-4:00pm, have been snack plate instead of lunch for a while now
You'll still get nuts then something like a choice of antipasti or fruit/cheese, accompanied by a pack of crackers and maybe a chocolate square. Why not fly through ORD if you want a meal flight?
#252
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Shows you how long it's been since I've been up front. Didn't fly much last year unfortunately, so I'm back to being a Kettle.
I didn't realize this until after I had booked the flight. I saw an ORD connection (and surprisingly that it was 2 738s instead of the RJs). Been a bit worried about the weather and delays at ORD with all the crap that's been going on the last month. Connection was shorter in ORD too.
How have AA's ops been out of there lately?
I booked this ticket last night as an award ticket. Since I'm still within 24 hours, would I be able to change it without getting hit with a fee?
I didn't realize this until after I had booked the flight. I saw an ORD connection (and surprisingly that it was 2 738s instead of the RJs). Been a bit worried about the weather and delays at ORD with all the crap that's been going on the last month. Connection was shorter in ORD too.
How have AA's ops been out of there lately?
I booked this ticket last night as an award ticket. Since I'm still within 24 hours, would I be able to change it without getting hit with a fee?
#253
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,158
One thing that's curious...the tray liners. The photo shows the F meal without the tray linen...and the liners are shorter. Or are they referring to Economy/Premium Economy cabins only? I'm not clear if that means tray linens in domestic F will be going away, or being shortened?
Just glad they aren't reducing times, aka UA, or eliminating domestic ice cream on midcons/sundaes on transcons. That sets AA apart from the other legacies.
#254
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 576
Honestly, doesn't seem to have much impact, if any. Customers probably won't even notice the difference between pre-bagged bread, and honestly, it might keep the bread fresher, too? I thought bread was already always pre-bagged, anyway? And the champagne glasses... maybe not enough customers wanted champagne glasses? Losing garnishes and a 3rd appetizer may be noticeable, although most may not even really notice.
One thing that's curious...the tray liners. The photo shows the F meal without the tray linen...and the liners are shorter. Or are they referring to Economy/Premium Economy cabins only? I'm not clear if that means tray linens in domestic F will be going away, or being shortened?
Just glad they aren't reducing times, aka UA, or eliminating domestic ice cream on midcons/sundaes on transcons. That sets AA apart from the other legacies.
One thing that's curious...the tray liners. The photo shows the F meal without the tray linen...and the liners are shorter. Or are they referring to Economy/Premium Economy cabins only? I'm not clear if that means tray linens in domestic F will be going away, or being shortened?
Just glad they aren't reducing times, aka UA, or eliminating domestic ice cream on midcons/sundaes on transcons. That sets AA apart from the other legacies.
I'd be surprised if the linen tray liners are going away. Even in F, the paper tray liners are currently (supposed to be) under the linen ones -- they keep the linen from sliding off the slick plastic. I think that's what they were trying to show. If they were getting rid of the linen that would be a much deeper cut with much more impact that would have been called out clearly, I feel.
#255
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,186
And the champagne glasses... maybe not enough customers wanted champagne glasses?