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PLEASE: DO NOT POST OVERSIZED IMAGES; PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE AND REPEAT IMAGES IN YOUR QUOTED POST.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)
#91
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: PHX
Programs: WN Companion Pass/AA Plat Admirals Club/SQ Solitaire
Posts: 136
Aloha, I have the same options out of PHX. I am a bit bored with Short Rib. Which did you pick? Mahalo!
- Fried ChickenFried Chicken selected for Boyd Alan Rietz for PHX to HNL
mashed potatoes, haricot vert, sweet Thai chili sauce - Fresh Mozzarella RavioliFresh Mozzarella Ravioli selected for Boyd Alan Rietz for PHX to HNL
with basil cream sauce and cherry tomatoes - Beef Short Rib and Wine SauceBeef Short Rib and Wine Sauce selected for Boyd Alan Rietz for PHX to HNL
with twice baked potato and grilled asparagus

#92
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 1,972
AA6092 LAX-DEN
2/2/20 19:33
Choice of Turkey BLT Sandwich or [Greek?] Chicken Salad, unfortunately didn't have an option and was presented with a pretty sad sandwich, with processed turkey slices, a cherry tomato, aioli or mustard, and cheese on a rather sad ciabatta. Ended up consolidating the filler onto two quarters of bread, which did not hold up. Side of Mexican corn salad with jalapenos and tomato was too heavy with some sort of additional dairy added that made it more firm. No Woodford on my two Compass flights in 3 days. FA was great topping up in the cabin though. Kicker (literally), was my seat mate invading my personal space the whole flight, he didn't even wake up as we were deplaning, so had to be on something.

2/2/20 19:33
Choice of Turkey BLT Sandwich or [Greek?] Chicken Salad, unfortunately didn't have an option and was presented with a pretty sad sandwich, with processed turkey slices, a cherry tomato, aioli or mustard, and cheese on a rather sad ciabatta. Ended up consolidating the filler onto two quarters of bread, which did not hold up. Side of Mexican corn salad with jalapenos and tomato was too heavy with some sort of additional dairy added that made it more firm. No Woodford on my two Compass flights in 3 days. FA was great topping up in the cabin though. Kicker (literally), was my seat mate invading my personal space the whole flight, he didn't even wake up as we were deplaning, so had to be on something.



#93
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,581
I did not order that and instead got the "spinach ravoli" which was more like spinach/ricotta ravoli in a spicy arabiata sauce with a side of mini tomatoes in balsamic with buffo mozzeralla, and a side green salad with red peppers and chick peas.
My meal was quite good actually. The passengers eating the salad were spending a lot of time eating their salads as the portion size was quite ample.

#94
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 157
Pleased to report that the cheese enchiladas were pretty decent. Even had some kick to them. The choice to pair them with two different salads was a little bewildering. The caprese-ish salad was tasty, the wilted arugula and dessicated radish number less so.


#95
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Programs: AS MVP 100K, UA PremEx-MM
Posts: 3,319
AA76 JFK-SFO
7:00 a.m. - 10:52 a.m.
Business Class - Breakfast
I was quite satisfied with this breakfast - the amount of food and its quality were good. This is the "American Breakfast" from the menu.
Menus were distributed.

Prosecco (Scarpetta read the menu) before departure.

Bloody Mary and biscoff after takeoff.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, grilled tomato and homestyle potatoes. Served with fruit (melon, strawberries, blueberries, all nicely ripe) and a pass of the bread basket. I chose a croissant; biscuits and cinnamon rolls were on offer as well.

A little bit later a cheese plate was offered, with Kindred Creamery sharp cheddar, mezzaluna fontina and cave aged cheddar, along with dried apricot and fig, red grapes and crackers.

After watching "Downton Abbey" (utter piffle but fun anyway) I napped for a while. The snack basket came around a couple of times.

Warm chocolate-chip cookies appeared about an hour outside SFO. A nice flight!
7:00 a.m. - 10:52 a.m.
Business Class - Breakfast
I was quite satisfied with this breakfast - the amount of food and its quality were good. This is the "American Breakfast" from the menu.
Menus were distributed.

Prosecco (Scarpetta read the menu) before departure.

Bloody Mary and biscoff after takeoff.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon, grilled tomato and homestyle potatoes. Served with fruit (melon, strawberries, blueberries, all nicely ripe) and a pass of the bread basket. I chose a croissant; biscuits and cinnamon rolls were on offer as well.

A little bit later a cheese plate was offered, with Kindred Creamery sharp cheddar, mezzaluna fontina and cave aged cheddar, along with dried apricot and fig, red grapes and crackers.

After watching "Downton Abbey" (utter piffle but fun anyway) I napped for a while. The snack basket came around a couple of times.

Warm chocolate-chip cookies appeared about an hour outside SFO. A nice flight!


#96
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Programs: AS MVP 100K, UA PremEx-MM
Posts: 3,319
AA6092 LAX-DEN
7:37 p.m. - 10:56 p.m.
First Class - Dinner
I also had the sandwich like post 92 and agree that it was far too "bready." Being warmed up would help immensely, but that's obviously not going to happen. My friend had the other choice, a "Southwestern" salad that he picked at. I ate half his chicken, which was flavorful but dry.
7:37 p.m. - 10:56 p.m.
First Class - Dinner
I also had the sandwich like post 92 and agree that it was far too "bready." Being warmed up would help immensely, but that's obviously not going to happen. My friend had the other choice, a "Southwestern" salad that he picked at. I ate half his chicken, which was flavorful but dry.


#97
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
Programs: AS MVP 100K, UA PremEx-MM
Posts: 3,319

#98
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 1,972

#99
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: PNS
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA
Posts: 696


#100
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Sorry to be off topic but were you the one with the laminated FT bag tags on GIG-MIA a few weeks ago?

#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,390
As a One World (BA) Emerald, the perfect AA food experience. Don't eat on the plane and only connect via ORD, DFW or JFK.
Breakfast in the LAX Flagship Lounge...

Lunch in the ORD Flagship Lounge...


And thank you to a great LAX gate agent who proactively moved me to avoid this adorable but very large seat mate. LOL.
Breakfast in the LAX Flagship Lounge...

Lunch in the ORD Flagship Lounge...


And thank you to a great LAX gate agent who proactively moved me to avoid this adorable but very large seat mate. LOL.


#103
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
JFK-MIA
LAA 763
Lunch
PDB of water/OJ. My request for sparkling wine was happily granted.
Amazing MIA based crew!
JFK catering really needs some supervision. While I appreciate that the salads are now on bigger, flat plates...the lettuce was brown and wilted. Another time my Zoes dish had hummus that looked like it had been sitting out for hours as it was all dried up.
This is the chopped salad with penne pasta:
LAA 763
Lunch
PDB of water/OJ. My request for sparkling wine was happily granted.
Amazing MIA based crew!
JFK catering really needs some supervision. While I appreciate that the salads are now on bigger, flat plates...the lettuce was brown and wilted. Another time my Zoes dish had hummus that looked like it had been sitting out for hours as it was all dried up.
This is the chopped salad with penne pasta:


#104
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
MIA-LGA
LAA 738 with drop down screens
Dinner
Full PDB with refills granted while we waited out a delay post pushback.
Chicken with white wine risotto and broccolini. Chicken looks weird and undercooked but tasted fine and not sick yet thankfully 😉
LAA 738 with drop down screens
Dinner
Full PDB with refills granted while we waited out a delay post pushback.
Chicken with white wine risotto and broccolini. Chicken looks weird and undercooked but tasted fine and not sick yet thankfully 😉


#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
JFK-MIA
LAA 763
Lunch
PDB of water/OJ. My request for sparkling wine was happily granted.
Amazing MIA based crew!
JFK catering really needs some supervision. While I appreciate that the salads are now on bigger, flat plates...the lettuce was brown and wilted. Another time my Zoes dish had hummus that looked like it had been sitting out for hours as it was all dried up.
This is the chopped salad with penne pasta:

LAA 763
Lunch
PDB of water/OJ. My request for sparkling wine was happily granted.
Amazing MIA based crew!
JFK catering really needs some supervision. While I appreciate that the salads are now on bigger, flat plates...the lettuce was brown and wilted. Another time my Zoes dish had hummus that looked like it had been sitting out for hours as it was all dried up.
This is the chopped salad with penne pasta:

