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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#286
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,158
@jawd1203, did you notice any difference in service since the announced 7 cuts (https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea...gne-glasses/)? Not sure if the cuts has taken place yet. However, your meals look good!
#287
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
#288
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 50
ORD-DFW
7:00am departure
Seat 5L (my favorite)
PDB of choice. Breakfast options were oatmeal or scrambled eggs w/ hollandaise and Canadian bacon. I had pre-ordered the latter, which was acknowledged by the FA. Meal came with a surprise pancake, which I left behind. Glad I had a bite to eat in the Admiral's Club before hand. The meal was lacking in substance. FAs were great: my coffee was frequently warmed up.
DFW-ORD
7:50pm departure
Seat 5L
PDB of OJ or water. Nuts and drinks served not long after takeoff. I pre-ordered the charcuterie and really enjoyed it. Very attentive FAs: they made several passes through the cabin refreshing drinks.
7:00am departure
Seat 5L (my favorite)
PDB of choice. Breakfast options were oatmeal or scrambled eggs w/ hollandaise and Canadian bacon. I had pre-ordered the latter, which was acknowledged by the FA. Meal came with a surprise pancake, which I left behind. Glad I had a bite to eat in the Admiral's Club before hand. The meal was lacking in substance. FAs were great: my coffee was frequently warmed up.
DFW-ORD
7:50pm departure
Seat 5L
PDB of OJ or water. Nuts and drinks served not long after takeoff. I pre-ordered the charcuterie and really enjoyed it. Very attentive FAs: they made several passes through the cabin refreshing drinks.
#289
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,449
Lunch
Boeing 787-8
First Class (Flagship Business), 1A
During boarding a PDB was offered from a selection of cranberry apple juice, orange juice, or water.
After takeoff, meal orders were confirmed or taken and service was started with beverages as well as warm nuts.
Meal choices were chow mien or salad with grilled chicken.
A basket with warm bread was also brought around.
Dessert was cookies with a choice of snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or sugar.
Boeing 787-8
First Class (Flagship Business), 1A
During boarding a PDB was offered from a selection of cranberry apple juice, orange juice, or water.
After takeoff, meal orders were confirmed or taken and service was started with beverages as well as warm nuts.
Meal choices were chow mien or salad with grilled chicken.
A basket with warm bread was also brought around.
Dessert was cookies with a choice of snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, or sugar.
#290
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
#291
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Palm Springs, CA 92264
Programs: AA ExPlat 3MMiler
Posts: 144
Lunch in F LAX-JFK F
Not sure if I should try the Grain and Greens or the Chicken Katsu? Or just go with the AVML or Hindu since they tend to be spicy and fresh. Thoughts?
Not sure if I should try the Grain and Greens or the Chicken Katsu? Or just go with the AVML or Hindu since they tend to be spicy and fresh. Thoughts?
- Grain and Greens Bowl Grain and Greens Bowl
fresh greens, farro, spelt, pearl barley, black beans, heirloom tomato, sugar snap peas, pineapple, onion, goat cheese, grilled shrimp available upon request - Beef Brisket Beef Brisket
succotash, roasted sweet peppers, honey BBQ sauce - Chicken Katsu Chicken Katsu
warm Japanese mushroom salad, pineapple curry sauce - Swiss Chard Stuffed with Caponata Swiss Chard Stuffed with Caponata
steamed rice, tomato saffron broth
#292
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
I had the Grain/Greens a month or two ago and thought it was light & fresh. There wasn't enough of the "good stuff" (tomato, pineapple, goat cheese, etc.) -- more actual grains and greens than I was expecting. The shrimp were good. I had eaten at FFD so I wasn't exactly hungry -- I don't think I would have been satisfied if looking for a full meal though. Have had several AVMLs on LAX-JFK and haven't been disappointed yet, so I'd go with that personally...
#293
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
On MIA-SJU dinner flight this coming Thursday and the menu options (below) aren't great.
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
Grilled Chicken
with shitake mushroom sauce and twice baked potato
Vegetarian Chili
with roasted garlic polenta cake
Fruit and Cheese Plate
fresh grapes and strawberry with assorted cheeses
Zoës Kitchen Charcuterie Plate
prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, spicy olives and dried cherry tomatoes; served with hummus, crudités and pita rounds
with shitake mushroom sauce and twice baked potato
Vegetarian Chili
with roasted garlic polenta cake
Fruit and Cheese Plate
fresh grapes and strawberry with assorted cheeses
Zoës Kitchen Charcuterie Plate
prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, spicy olives and dried cherry tomatoes; served with hummus, crudités and pita rounds
#294
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
DEN-PHL
AA 1781 11:30AM
Choice of chicken salad or cheese ravioli. PDB of water or OJ. Nuts and drinks distributed after takeoff. Chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookie for dessert.
AA 1781 11:30AM
Choice of chicken salad or cheese ravioli. PDB of water or OJ. Nuts and drinks distributed after takeoff. Chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookie for dessert.
#295
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 858
PHL-LAX
AA 1927 8:45 P.M.
PDB was served, and the FA actually paused boarding briefly while he went about serving those drinks. Nuts and drinks were also distributed after takeoff.
Regarding the main course, I failed to capture a screen shot of the menu choices and can't recall with total clarity, but one of the choices included a filet of beef entrée. In any case, below we have the diabetic meal, which turned out to be "seasoned chicken breast with three pepper sauce, accompanied by roasted corn Carolina grits and seasoned carrots." I regretted this choice, but my son saw what some others were having-- something with lasagna-- and he said it didn't look too appetizing, either. After dinner, I was offered a choice of a sundae or a cheese plate. I opted for the latter, my son for the former.
According to the nutritional information handed out with the meal, this DBML contained 250 calories with 8g fat, 60mg of cholesterol, 23g of carbs, 21g of protein, and 2g of fiber. Too, 950mg of sodium (41% of RDA).
Liquid appetizer and nuts.
Seasoned Chicken Breast, served with three pepper sauce, accompanied by Roasted Corn Carolina Grits, and seasoned carrots.
The chicken and grits entrée. Chicken was dry; grits were OK.
The salad. Had to use a knife to eat it in a somewhat civilized fashion.
AA 1927 8:45 P.M.
PDB was served, and the FA actually paused boarding briefly while he went about serving those drinks. Nuts and drinks were also distributed after takeoff.
Regarding the main course, I failed to capture a screen shot of the menu choices and can't recall with total clarity, but one of the choices included a filet of beef entrée. In any case, below we have the diabetic meal, which turned out to be "seasoned chicken breast with three pepper sauce, accompanied by roasted corn Carolina grits and seasoned carrots." I regretted this choice, but my son saw what some others were having-- something with lasagna-- and he said it didn't look too appetizing, either. After dinner, I was offered a choice of a sundae or a cheese plate. I opted for the latter, my son for the former.
According to the nutritional information handed out with the meal, this DBML contained 250 calories with 8g fat, 60mg of cholesterol, 23g of carbs, 21g of protein, and 2g of fiber. Too, 950mg of sodium (41% of RDA).
Liquid appetizer and nuts.
Seasoned Chicken Breast, served with three pepper sauce, accompanied by Roasted Corn Carolina Grits, and seasoned carrots.
The chicken and grits entrée. Chicken was dry; grits were OK.
The salad. Had to use a knife to eat it in a somewhat civilized fashion.
#296
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Midland, by way of Odessa, by way of El Paso, by way of Abuja, by way of Mexico City, by way of...
Programs: Aadvantage Exec Plat, AmEx Platinum, Hilton Diamond, United Club, Admiral's Club
Posts: 316
I ordered the Vegan meal from DFW to PHL on a dinner flight. I eat meat most of the time, but was restricted on this flight for religious reasons (it was a Friday in Lent). Full PDB service offered, as were the warm nuts. A pre-packaged dessert (a chocolate chip cookie) came with the meal, although I was also allowed a pre-made ice cream Sunday. My entree was four different vegetables-- some polenta, a mashed up eggplant, some carrots, and a multi-grain with roasted red peppers. It came with a very nice small salad, the aforementioned cookie, a pre-packaged roll, and some vegetable oil spread. It was all served on one tray.
Would I order it again? Probably not under normal circumstances. AA serves other things which I prefer. However, this was still tasty and is a nice option if it meets a dietary or religious need for you.
Would I order it again? Probably not under normal circumstances. AA serves other things which I prefer. However, this was still tasty and is a nice option if it meets a dietary or religious need for you.
#297
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
On MIA-SJU dinner flight this coming Thursday and the menu options (below) aren't great.
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
#298
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
On MIA-SJU dinner flight this coming Thursday and the menu options (below) aren't great.
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
1. Is the vegetarian chili bean-based? Going with the chicken for now even though it sounds uber boring, because I'm not a fan of beans.
2. Why no special meal (AVML etc.) pre-order on flights to SJU? This is mainline on a 767. I did a dummy booking and DFW-SJU doesn't get it either. Is this something I could call and request or am I just out of luck?
#299
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
#300
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 1534 ORD-RDU 1829-2127 737-800
No PDB
Choice of short rib or the Southwest Pasta. This is also really good, it's spicy and filling and the sauce goes great when mopped up with the white rolls.
Snickerdoodles or chocolate chip cookies. I might add I was able to enjoy three Glenlivets on an 85 minute flight so it was a good day
No PDB
Choice of short rib or the Southwest Pasta. This is also really good, it's spicy and filling and the sauce goes great when mopped up with the white rolls.
Snickerdoodles or chocolate chip cookies. I might add I was able to enjoy three Glenlivets on an 85 minute flight so it was a good day