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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#331
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, National Exec, Hertz PC, Nexus
Posts: 410
YVR-LAX
AA 6072
E75
6:44am-9:45am
April 5, 201i9
Can AA get any worse? AA/Compass breakfast on YVR-LAX E75 this morning. it was advertised as "strawberry pastry" which was true I guess.
The fruit was the only edible part of the meal. 15,000 Avios is about right on this one.
AA 6072
E75
6:44am-9:45am
April 5, 201i9
Can AA get any worse? AA/Compass breakfast on YVR-LAX E75 this morning. it was advertised as "strawberry pastry" which was true I guess.
The fruit was the only edible part of the meal. 15,000 Avios is about right on this one.
On a slightly related note, I flew back on the evening LAX-YVR flight which departs at 8:03. My upgrade didn't clear for the flight, but I was in the E+ 'bulkhead' and saw that a meal was served. That surprised me because of the 8PM cut-off. The website only showed 'refreshments' for the flight. It wasn't a snack they served either. I saw a plated cheesecake, but couldn't make out what the mains were. I am booked on this flight in May, and the moved the departure time up to 7:56 and it is showing 'dinner' for first class. Taking that flight out of LAX on Sunday evenings, as I have a couple times, I see people in the film industry who I imagine are working in Vancouver during the week. I was on that flight with Kevin Smith last year and some other actors I couldn't name. Since first class books up with revenue pax it's hard to get the upgrade on that flight.
#332
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD (formerly SAN)
Programs: Hilton Diamond; IHG Platinum; Bonvoy Gold; AA Platinum Pro and United Premier Silver (DH = AA EXP)
Posts: 1,928
#333
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
MIA-JFK
777
Dinner
MIA based crew.
PDB of water/OJ only.....asked for something else and was shot down. Plenty of time to accommodate my request since boarding was via 2L and hardly any aisle congestion.
DBML special order. I could have sworn MIA had better/different DBML catering from a recent pic (think it was a steak), but now looks like they are adopting the same lunch/dinner DBML meals as NYC/ORD which is a bummer. Getting tired of this chicken dish......would have done the Zoes charcuterie plate if I had known.
Grits were cold and hard.
777
Dinner
MIA based crew.
PDB of water/OJ only.....asked for something else and was shot down. Plenty of time to accommodate my request since boarding was via 2L and hardly any aisle congestion.
DBML special order. I could have sworn MIA had better/different DBML catering from a recent pic (think it was a steak), but now looks like they are adopting the same lunch/dinner DBML meals as NYC/ORD which is a bummer. Getting tired of this chicken dish......would have done the Zoes charcuterie plate if I had known.
Grits were cold and hard.
#334
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AAdvantage (Exec. Plat.)
Posts: 81
I've had the same experience, unfortunately. I was all in on the DBML for a while, and I've had this for the last four or five times (grits=gross; special sauce=?). 100% agree with you about the Zoe's plate next time.
#335
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: 6,670
Great to see that the Hindu meal is actually different from AVML and has meat. This prompted me to try Hindu on next week's DFW-DCA and next month's JFK-SFO (F). My hunch is that on DFW-DCA it will still be AVML with a Hindu label but we'll see...
#336
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
4/7
AA 2765 PHX-ORD 0515-1044 737-800
Full PDB
This flight ended up delayed until 10:10 AM so instead of the planned tomato and cheese omelet or fruit plate we were offered a chicken salad or the spicy pasta. The FA came to those who pre-ordered breakfast meals and gave them first choice which I appreciated
This was a perfectly good light lunch though I think the pasta portion could be a little larger, I ended up with a too much chicken to pasta ratio
Only chocolate chip cookies today
Full PDB
This flight ended up delayed until 10:10 AM so instead of the planned tomato and cheese omelet or fruit plate we were offered a chicken salad or the spicy pasta. The FA came to those who pre-ordered breakfast meals and gave them first choice which I appreciated
This was a perfectly good light lunch though I think the pasta portion could be a little larger, I ended up with a too much chicken to pasta ratio
Only chocolate chip cookies today
#337
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
#338
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
I remember many years ago that you got the planned catering regardless of the delay. I remember being served breakfast flying DFW-DCA on a delayed flight that ended up leaving mid-afternoon. Has this policy changed, or is your experience an exception?
#339
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: 6,670
Interesting, I didn't realize that SJU was an exception market for pre-ordering special meals. I would go with the charcuterie plate based upon those options because the chicken seems to be a roll of the dice and generally low quality. Regarding the chili, I seem to recall the "aroma" being a bit off-putting, kind of like the breakfast enchilada.
I will join the acclaim for the zoe's plate -- plenty of food and surprisingly good quality prosciutto. Will order again when I don't have the option of AVML or a good sounding main.
#340
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SFO/STS
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond
Posts: 396
Thanks for the picture. That does look good.
#342
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 937
I was a little wary of ordering the zoe's plate because of the report up thread that it was frozen cold, but I figured that was probably just an isolated defect.
I will join the acclaim for the zoe's plate -- plenty of food and surprisingly good quality prosciutto. Will order again when I don't have the option of AVML or a good sounding main.
I will join the acclaim for the zoe's plate -- plenty of food and surprisingly good quality prosciutto. Will order again when I don't have the option of AVML or a good sounding main.
#343
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Yep, the last time I had this dish the guy next to me was like "I'll have the meat and cheese plate too" only to have the FA tell him he has to pre-order it. Wah, wah, wah.......
#345
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,159
Agreed. Also love seeing the older, classic AA logo between the seatbacks. Harkens back to a simpler time when pmAA was standalone and climbing to be a more premium airline.