Jan 2, 2019, 10:33 am
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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
May 7, 2019, 1:58 pm
#436
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA-EXP, Flying Blue-Silver
Posts: 727
PHL-LAS
767-300
Dinner
May 2019
Full bar on offer for PDB.
After take-off, room temperature nuts were served with a choice of beverage.
Hot towels distributed and collected.
Dinner was a choice of some sort of pasta with red sauce or chicken, my pre-order of chicken was acknowledged.
The entrée was served on a tray with a small side salad (looked okay but didn’t try it) and the appetizer. The chicken was served with a very tasty risotto and three stalks of asparagus.The chicken itself was moist and tender and it had a small amount of a light pesto type sauce with it that was also very good.The appetizer was pieces of salmon served with potatoes in some sort of a white cream sauce.The potatoes were a bit hard, but the flavors were generally okay (kind of an odd appetizer).
Although the F/A on my aisle was very good, somehow he missed offering me or the gentleman across the aisle from me bread (although I did see rolls in the galley and others in the cabin had bread). I could have asked, and I’m sure he would have brought me a roll, but I decided to skip the carbs.
After dinner, what was advertised as Ben & Jerry’s caramel cone ice cream was offered (quite good).
Following dinner service the legacy AA crew spent much of the time chatting in the galley, although everyone was very friendly, and when I asked for a drink refill after a quick stop in the lavatory, the request was happily and promptly fulfilled.
No mint prior to landing. Overall, a decent (but nothing to write home about) meal and very solid (but not incredible) onboard service. No complaints.
767-300
Dinner
May 2019
Full bar on offer for PDB.
After take-off, room temperature nuts were served with a choice of beverage.
Hot towels distributed and collected.
Dinner was a choice of some sort of pasta with red sauce or chicken, my pre-order of chicken was acknowledged.
The entrée was served on a tray with a small side salad (looked okay but didn’t try it) and the appetizer. The chicken was served with a very tasty risotto and three stalks of asparagus.The chicken itself was moist and tender and it had a small amount of a light pesto type sauce with it that was also very good.The appetizer was pieces of salmon served with potatoes in some sort of a white cream sauce.The potatoes were a bit hard, but the flavors were generally okay (kind of an odd appetizer).
Although the F/A on my aisle was very good, somehow he missed offering me or the gentleman across the aisle from me bread (although I did see rolls in the galley and others in the cabin had bread). I could have asked, and I’m sure he would have brought me a roll, but I decided to skip the carbs.
After dinner, what was advertised as Ben & Jerry’s caramel cone ice cream was offered (quite good).
Following dinner service the legacy AA crew spent much of the time chatting in the galley, although everyone was very friendly, and when I asked for a drink refill after a quick stop in the lavatory, the request was happily and promptly fulfilled.
No mint prior to landing. Overall, a decent (but nothing to write home about) meal and very solid (but not incredible) onboard service. No complaints.
May 7, 2019, 3:45 pm
#437
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
AA 75
18:25 E90
LGA-PHL
Very enjoyable flight for the distance, I took a similar flight from JFK a month or so ago on a E45 which had no F, so getting a wider seat and more legroom was enjoyable. PDB was offered of open bar, and then once airborne another round of drinks and very quick passing of a much more snack variant snack basket. Landing call was made before most finished their drinks. But very enjoyable for the ~35 minute flight.
18:25 E90
LGA-PHL
Very enjoyable flight for the distance, I took a similar flight from JFK a month or so ago on a E45 which had no F, so getting a wider seat and more legroom was enjoyable. PDB was offered of open bar, and then once airborne another round of drinks and very quick passing of a much more snack variant snack basket. Landing call was made before most finished their drinks. But very enjoyable for the ~35 minute flight.
May 7, 2019, 4:09 pm
#438
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MIA
Posts: 498
MIA - JFK on 772. Surprisingly pleased with the chicken offering, hope they execute well.
May 7, 2019, 9:45 pm
#439
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 361
AA 75
18:25 E90
LGA-PHL
Very enjoyable flight for the distance, I took a similar flight from JFK a month or so ago on a E45 which had no F, so getting a wider seat and more legroom was enjoyable. PDB was offered of open bar, and then once airborne another round of drinks and very quick passing of a much more snack variant snack basket. Landing call was made before most finished their drinks. But very enjoyable for the ~35 minute flight.
18:25 E90
LGA-PHL
Very enjoyable flight for the distance, I took a similar flight from JFK a month or so ago on a E45 which had no F, so getting a wider seat and more legroom was enjoyable. PDB was offered of open bar, and then once airborne another round of drinks and very quick passing of a much more snack variant snack basket. Landing call was made before most finished their drinks. But very enjoyable for the ~35 minute flight.
That chicken dish you selected is one of my least favorite meals served by AA in years.
May 8, 2019, 2:13 pm
#441
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 83
"chicken"
I swear I'll never complain about AA economy food again. I recently flew United ORD-PEK due to a screaming deal and the food was horrifying. The "chicken" dishes are best described as ALPO (whereas AA's chicken is still usually identifiable as such)....the "vegetables" consisted of 2.5 sugar snap peas....all I could do was put the gristly, slimy, spongey alleged protein source in my mouth and wash down with wine, no chewing....the cold veggie salad thing on the way back had no dressing (after saying "but it's salted" to demonstrate that it did indeed have flavor, which it did not, the FA kindly agreed to steal me a leftover salad dressing from up front)....the mid-flight snack was a dry, hard roll with a tiny slice of lunch meat inside (as opposed to AA giving you a pretty edible warm empanada or meat/veggie pie type of thing). AA food service in coach now feels like it must have earned a Michelin star after what was presented to me on UA.
May 8, 2019, 2:51 pm
#443
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,580
May 8, 2019, 3:22 pm
#444
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
DFW-JFK
Boeing 757-200
Lunch
Pleased and surprised that my upgrade cleared in advance on this hub to hub route. The lie-flat seats were nice for this flight, but I wouldn't want to be stuck in these on a longer flight.
Pre-departure beverage of choice for...row 1. FA waited until the last possible second to offer a PDB, and lo and behold, ran out of time to get to the rest of the cabin.
Drink of choice, warm towels, and warm mixed nuts offered in the air. A double was proactively offered. ^
The meal was served with a tomato and hummus starter, a pretty boring salad, and hot roll. I asked the FA what the rolls were and his reply was..."uh, I don't know."
My pre-order of the cheese enchiladas was acknowledged. These were surprisingly delicious.
Some DYKWIA stopped in the galley and blocked the FA from service for awhile, which mean a long delay in serving cookies. I fell asleep and missed the service. Mints were offered prior to landing! ^
Boeing 757-200
Lunch
Pleased and surprised that my upgrade cleared in advance on this hub to hub route. The lie-flat seats were nice for this flight, but I wouldn't want to be stuck in these on a longer flight.
Pre-departure beverage of choice for...row 1. FA waited until the last possible second to offer a PDB, and lo and behold, ran out of time to get to the rest of the cabin.
Drink of choice, warm towels, and warm mixed nuts offered in the air. A double was proactively offered. ^
The meal was served with a tomato and hummus starter, a pretty boring salad, and hot roll. I asked the FA what the rolls were and his reply was..."uh, I don't know."
My pre-order of the cheese enchiladas was acknowledged. These were surprisingly delicious.
Some DYKWIA stopped in the galley and blocked the FA from service for awhile, which mean a long delay in serving cookies. I fell asleep and missed the service. Mints were offered prior to landing! ^
May 9, 2019, 5:08 am
#445
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
"chicken"
I swear I'll never complain about AA economy food again. I recently flew United ORD-PEK due to a screaming deal and the food was horrifying. The "chicken" dishes are best described as ALPO (whereas AA's chicken is still usually identifiable as such)....the "vegetables" consisted of 2.5 sugar snap peas....all I could do was put the gristly, slimy, spongey alleged protein source in my mouth and wash down with wine, no chewing....the cold veggie salad thing on the way back had no dressing (after saying "but it's salted" to demonstrate that it did indeed have flavor, which it did not, the FA kindly agreed to steal me a leftover salad dressing from up front)....the mid-flight snack was a dry, hard roll with a tiny slice of lunch meat inside (as opposed to AA giving you a pretty edible warm empanada or meat/veggie pie type of thing). AA food service in coach now feels like it must have earned a Michelin star after what was presented to me on UA.
I swear I'll never complain about AA economy food again. I recently flew United ORD-PEK due to a screaming deal and the food was horrifying. The "chicken" dishes are best described as ALPO (whereas AA's chicken is still usually identifiable as such)....the "vegetables" consisted of 2.5 sugar snap peas....all I could do was put the gristly, slimy, spongey alleged protein source in my mouth and wash down with wine, no chewing....the cold veggie salad thing on the way back had no dressing (after saying "but it's salted" to demonstrate that it did indeed have flavor, which it did not, the FA kindly agreed to steal me a leftover salad dressing from up front)....the mid-flight snack was a dry, hard roll with a tiny slice of lunch meat inside (as opposed to AA giving you a pretty edible warm empanada or meat/veggie pie type of thing). AA food service in coach now feels like it must have earned a Michelin star after what was presented to me on UA.
Also, wrong thread... may I suggest: 2019 Let's Eat - United First, United Business, & Premium Transcon Service
May 9, 2019, 5:57 am
#446
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
May 9, 2019, 10:58 am
#447
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 576
Almost every commercially produced frozen entrée has a one year shelf life -- if not longer. LSG has also been freezing most of their entrees (at least in my region) for more than a decade -- chances are you've been eating them for a long time and not even realizing it.
May 9, 2019, 11:34 am
#448
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,202
"chicken"
I swear I'll never complain about AA economy food again. I recently flew United ORD-PEK due to a screaming deal and the food was horrifying. The "chicken" dishes are best described as ALPO (whereas AA's chicken is still usually identifiable as such)....the "vegetables" consisted of 2.5 sugar snap peas....all I could do was put the gristly, slimy, spongey alleged protein source in my mouth and wash down with wine, no chewing....the cold veggie salad thing on the way back had no dressing (after saying "but it's salted" to demonstrate that it did indeed have flavor, which it did not, the FA kindly agreed to steal me a leftover salad dressing from up front)....the mid-flight snack was a dry, hard roll with a tiny slice of lunch meat inside (as opposed to AA giving you a pretty edible warm empanada or meat/veggie pie type of thing). AA food service in coach now feels like it must have earned a Michelin star after what was presented to me on UA.
I swear I'll never complain about AA economy food again. I recently flew United ORD-PEK due to a screaming deal and the food was horrifying. The "chicken" dishes are best described as ALPO (whereas AA's chicken is still usually identifiable as such)....the "vegetables" consisted of 2.5 sugar snap peas....all I could do was put the gristly, slimy, spongey alleged protein source in my mouth and wash down with wine, no chewing....the cold veggie salad thing on the way back had no dressing (after saying "but it's salted" to demonstrate that it did indeed have flavor, which it did not, the FA kindly agreed to steal me a leftover salad dressing from up front)....the mid-flight snack was a dry, hard roll with a tiny slice of lunch meat inside (as opposed to AA giving you a pretty edible warm empanada or meat/veggie pie type of thing). AA food service in coach now feels like it must have earned a Michelin star after what was presented to me on UA.
Last edited by airb330; May 9, 2019 at 11:45 am
May 9, 2019, 1:19 pm
#449
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC, BOS, ORD
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM
Posts: 843
Almost every commercially produced frozen entrée has a one year shelf life -- if not longer. LSG has also been freezing most of their entrees (at least in my region) for more than a decade -- chances are you've been eating them for a long time and not even realizing it.
May 9, 2019, 9:50 pm
#450
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Upcoming transcon itinerary in June.
For the redeye outbound LAX-JFK:
For the redeye outbound LAX-JFK:
- Mezze Plate traditional hummus, dolma, Greek yogurt salad, lentil bulgur salad, pita bread on side
- Grain and greens bowl fresh greens, farro, baby beets, carrot, cucumber, zucchini, goat cheese, almonds, tumeric rubbed chicken on the side
- LAMB CUTLETS pistachio pesto crust, mustard herb crust, forbidden rice, fresh greens
- SEAFOOD MEDLEY shrimp, scallops, halibut, salmon, purple potatoes, baby fennel, dill saffron broth
Has any brave soul ordered the Seafood Medley above and lived to tell the tale? How about those "cutlets"? I'm finished dealing with that dry/flavorless "chicken on the side".
For the lunchtime return:
Apparently AA catering keeps plenty of Quinoa in the freezer.
For the lunchtime return:
- Eggplant Lasagna pomodoro sauce
- ORIENTAL SHORT RIB Chinese broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, fresh greens, five spice sauce
- CHICKEN PARMIGIANA pesto spaghetti, cherry tomato sauce
- Grain and greens bowl red quinoa, red lentils, edamame, sautéed shiitake mushroom, broccolini, roasted corn, pickled onion, poached salmon on the side
Apparently AA catering keeps plenty of Quinoa in the freezer.
