Jan 1, 20, 9:30 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
AA/US Domestic Dining (including Canada, Mexico, & the Caribbean)
Link to The Official American Airlines Onboard Service Policy Guide, by Gary Leff on January 22, 2020. Comprehensive charts and information.
Link to Combined 2020 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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.
Welcome to the 2020 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.
[COLOR]
Link to The Official American Airlines Onboard Service Policy Guide, by Gary Leff on January 22, 2020. Comprehensive charts and information.
Link to Combined 2020 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.
Welcome to the 2020 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.
- 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.
[COLOR]
Combined 2020 AA Domestic Meal / Meals - menu / photos / etc. (master thread)
Jan 19, 20, 2:19 pm
#46
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Wanting First. Buying First.
Programs: Lifetime Executive Diamond Platinum VIP with Braniff, Eastern, Midway, National & Pan Am
Posts: 15,946
Sorry I didn't take any pictures but I had the guacamole bean dip snack on DFW-SFO (the ~20:30 B788 departure so after dinner window) in December. For my taste, I'd always pick that over the cheese plate.
Jan 19, 20, 4:41 pm
#47
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 1,972
On paper, guacamole and beans, what is not to love? On AA, id err on the side of caution selecting that, but I was expecting (my first mistake) something closer to what AS serves as their cheese plate (Brie, Beechers, Cheddar). Guess I will have to try this dip next time around.
Jan 19, 20, 8:27 pm
#48
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Looking to see what meal options were on a flight MIA - SEA! We are taking the 8:30pm departure in Economy and wondering if there was food service included since it's after 8pm and what to expect!
LAX to MIA 3:55pm deparure is another flight we are taking soon too! Bringing the kids for these 2 trips so I like to be somewhat prepared!
LAX to MIA 3:55pm deparure is another flight we are taking soon too! Bringing the kids for these 2 trips so I like to be somewhat prepared!
Jan 19, 20, 9:26 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: PNS
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA
Posts: 696
Looking to see what meal options were on a flight MIA - SEA! We are taking the 8:30pm departure in Economy and wondering if there was food service included since it's after 8pm and what to expect!
LAX to MIA 3:55pm deparure is another flight we are taking soon too! Bringing the kids for these 2 trips so I like to be somewhat prepared!
LAX to MIA 3:55pm deparure is another flight we are taking soon too! Bringing the kids for these 2 trips so I like to be somewhat prepared!
Within the U.S., Central America, Canada and the Caribbean
What's included
Over 250 miles
Your choice of Biscoff cookies or pretzels, plus non-alcoholic drinks.For sale
Zos Kitchen food
Weve teamed up with Zos Kitchen to introduce a new menu on our domestic routes. Choose from simple, fresh items created especially for us, as well as signature dishes from the restaurants like a hummus plate and the Grben sandwich.Inflight menu availability
Availability varies based on departure time and flight length:- Snacks 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. on flights over 700 miles (about 2+ hours)
- Breakfast 5 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. on flights over 1,100 miles (about 3+ hours)
- Light meals 9:45 a.m. - 8 p.m. on flights over 1,100 miles (about 3+ hours)
Jan 20, 20, 12:10 pm
#50
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 455
PHX-KOA mid February
Any opinions? All of the options look edible:
Lunch meals
- Fried Chicken Fried Chicken mashed potatoes, haricot vert, sweet Thai chili sauce
- Fresh Mozzarella Ravioli Fresh Mozzarella Ravioli with basil cream sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Beef Short Rib and Wine SauceBeef Short Rib and Wine Sauce with twice baked potato and grilled asparagus
Jan 20, 20, 4:36 pm
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: BAEC Gold, Delta Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, AMEX Platinum (US)
Posts: 18,477
AA1784 LAX-DFW: 8.35am
Breakfast
787-9
First Class, 2A
The breakfast enchilada as referenced in one of my earlier posts. Really not bad, TBH. Slather enough sauce and itll pass muster...
Breakfast
787-9
First Class, 2A
The breakfast enchilada as referenced in one of my earlier posts. Really not bad, TBH. Slather enough sauce and itll pass muster...
Jan 20, 20, 11:12 pm
#52
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K, AA GLD
Posts: 235
Oh boy. That breakfast enchilada is a menu option on one of my future flights - not as worried with your input, but it still looks like an omelette covered in cheez whiz.
You know how sometimes at the grocery store they have the clearance section, and it's all the "edgy" and new offerings/flavors that didn't pan out for 50% off? I feel like that's where PAR/D and associates source half of the meal ingredients like "sriracha pineapple chicken sausage".
You know how sometimes at the grocery store they have the clearance section, and it's all the "edgy" and new offerings/flavors that didn't pan out for 50% off? I feel like that's where PAR/D and associates source half of the meal ingredients like "sriracha pineapple chicken sausage".
Jan 20, 20, 11:31 pm
#53
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: PNS
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA
Posts: 696
Oh boy. That breakfast enchilada is a menu option on one of my future flights - not as worried with your input, but it still looks like an omelette covered in cheez whiz.
You know how sometimes at the grocery store they have the clearance section, and it's all the "edgy" and new offerings/flavors that didn't pan out for 50% off? I feel like that's where PAR/D and associates source half of the meal ingredients like "sriracha pineapple chicken sausage".
You know how sometimes at the grocery store they have the clearance section, and it's all the "edgy" and new offerings/flavors that didn't pan out for 50% off? I feel like that's where PAR/D and associates source half of the meal ingredients like "sriracha pineapple chicken sausage".
Jan 21, 20, 9:46 am
#54
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro, DL Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 627
I have had the enchilada as well and it tastes much better than it looks in the photos.
Jan 21, 20, 11:59 am
#55
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
MIA-LGA
Oasis 738
Dinner
PDB - nothing not even water.....rung my call bell to ask for something and was declined.
Chicken with risotto was decent
Oasis 738
Dinner
PDB - nothing not even water.....rung my call bell to ask for something and was declined.
Chicken with risotto was decent
Jan 21, 20, 8:23 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2005
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 518
Jan 21, 20, 8:32 pm
#57
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 1015 DCA-ORD 1937-2106 737-800
No PDB. My first miss of the year in fact.
Choice of herbed chicken breast with risotto, brocolini and shittake mushrooms or porcini truffle tortellini. This was actually a good entree. Sizable and tasty.
No PDB. My first miss of the year in fact.
Choice of herbed chicken breast with risotto, brocolini and shittake mushrooms or porcini truffle tortellini. This was actually a good entree. Sizable and tasty.
Jan 21, 20, 9:54 pm
#58
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, UA 1K, accidental DL FO, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,979
He claimed, "We need to make sure we get out of here on time, and I don't have time to serve drinks." I briefly mentioned that it should only take a few minutes to serve 8 people, but I turned around and saw my companion giving me a look, so to prevent confrontation, I planned to just call it quits and sit down. However, the FA then escalated things further and started to speak loudly (in front of the entire cabin), saying "Oh, I always provide excellent service, etc." I told him flatly... "Well, not so far tonight." Left it at that.
He later made a stupid joke when I ordered a Glenlivet and said, "It's Glenlivet 12, right?" I told him that, yes, I assume that's what AA has, as they always do, and he said, "Oh, I think I have Glenlivet 24 tonight" and placed two minis in front of me. I really don't understand the cold treatment pre-departure, followed by the bad comedy act in the air.
There's a time and a place for jokes. He should have just done the PDB service, which he had 25-30 minutes to do, and left his stand-up routine at home. I had just worked 10 days straight and simply wanted to relax. I wasn't in the mood for joking around with the FA and would have simply preferred that the proper service be offered, particularly with such a small cabin for him to serve.
Didn't bother writing to Customer relations about this one, by the way.
Last edited by metallo; Jan 21, 20 at 9:59 pm
Jan 22, 20, 2:58 am
#59
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 254
I was in 1F recently on an A319. Boarded with Business, flight was already fully catered prior to boarding, and I watched as the purser simply stood around in the galley, chit-chatted with passengers, other FAs, pilots, etc. While I was tempted to ring the call bell, I finally just stood up about halfway through boarding and quietly/politely asked for a PDB in the galley, out of earshot of everyone else, and was quite plainly denied.
He claimed, "We need to make sure we get out of here on time, and I don't have time to serve drinks." I briefly mentioned that it should only take a few minutes to serve 8 people, but I turned around and saw my companion giving me a look, so to prevent confrontation, I planned to just call it quits and sit down. However, the FA then escalated things further and started to speak loudly (in front of the entire cabin), saying "Oh, I always provide excellent service, etc." I told him flatly... "Well, not so far tonight." Left it at that.
He later made a stupid joke when I ordered a Glenlivet and said, "It's Glenlivet 12, right?" I told him that, yes, I assume that's what AA has, as they always do, and he said, "Oh, I think I have Glenlivet 24 tonight" and placed two minis in front of me. I really don't understand the cold treatment pre-departure, followed by the bad comedy act in the air.
There's a time and a place for jokes. He should have just done the PDB service, which he had 25-30 minutes to do, and left his stand-up routine at home. I had just worked 10 days straight and simply wanted to relax. I wasn't in the mood for joking around with the FA and would have simply preferred that the proper service be offered, particularly with such a small cabin for him to serve.
Didn't bother writing to Customer relations about this one, by the way.
He claimed, "We need to make sure we get out of here on time, and I don't have time to serve drinks." I briefly mentioned that it should only take a few minutes to serve 8 people, but I turned around and saw my companion giving me a look, so to prevent confrontation, I planned to just call it quits and sit down. However, the FA then escalated things further and started to speak loudly (in front of the entire cabin), saying "Oh, I always provide excellent service, etc." I told him flatly... "Well, not so far tonight." Left it at that.
He later made a stupid joke when I ordered a Glenlivet and said, "It's Glenlivet 12, right?" I told him that, yes, I assume that's what AA has, as they always do, and he said, "Oh, I think I have Glenlivet 24 tonight" and placed two minis in front of me. I really don't understand the cold treatment pre-departure, followed by the bad comedy act in the air.
There's a time and a place for jokes. He should have just done the PDB service, which he had 25-30 minutes to do, and left his stand-up routine at home. I had just worked 10 days straight and simply wanted to relax. I wasn't in the mood for joking around with the FA and would have simply preferred that the proper service be offered, particularly with such a small cabin for him to serve.
Didn't bother writing to Customer relations about this one, by the way.
Jan 22, 20, 3:04 am
#60
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, UA 1K, accidental DL FO, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,979
I had a much bigger issue recently, which required a phone discussion with the Executive desk, and this one was, believe it or not, very minor in comparison. I didnt want them to think Im a chronic complainer (which Im really not) to ensure the other issue received proper attention (and it has... so far).
