American Airlines Food: A Picky Eater‘s In-Depth Guide

As a discerning traveler and food lover, the quality and variety of in-flight dining options can make or break my experience on a long trip. If you‘re considering booking with American Airlines and wondering what kind of food to expect on board, look no further. I‘ve compiled a thorough analysis of American‘s meal service, incorporating data insights, customer reviews, and my own experiences as a frequent flyer and picky eater.

Content Navigation show

American Airlines Food Satisfaction Ratings

Let‘s start with some hard data on how American Airlines stacks up in terms of passenger satisfaction with its food service. According to the 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power, American ranked 4th out of 9 carriers evaluated for food and beverage. It earned a respectable score of 798 out of 1,000, putting it above the industry average of 783. However, American still trails behind Delta Air Lines (809) and JetBlue Airways (803) in this category.

Looking at American‘s own customer surveys, the airline reports that 79.2% of passengers were satisfied with their in-flight food and beverage experience in 2022, up from 76.1% in 2021. While this suggests American is making strides in improving its culinary offerings, there‘s certainly still room for growth.

Meal Service Overview

American Airlines serves over 200 million passengers per year, which translates to a staggering number of in-flight meals and snacks. Here‘s a high-level breakdown of when you can expect to be served food on American flights:

Flight Length Cabin Food Service
< 900 miles, 2 hours Main Cabin Complimentary snacks
< 900 miles First Class Snacks, drinks, alcohol
900-2,200 miles, 2-5 hours Main Cabin Snacks, food for purchase
900-2,200 miles First Class Full drink service, snacks
> 2,200 miles, 5+ hours Main Cabin Complimentary meals
> 2,200 miles Premium Economy Multi-course meals
> 2,200 miles Business/First Full meal service
Premium Transcon Flights All Cabins Enhanced dining
International Flights All Cabins Complimentary meals

On flights offering meal service, food is typically served during set windows:

  • Breakfast: 5:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Lunch/Dinner: 4:01 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Outside of these times, snacks and lighter refreshments are offered instead of full meals. This scheduling aims to align in-flight dining times with passengers‘ regular eating habits on the ground.

Economy and Basic Economy Food Quality

In the Main Cabin, most passengers can expect a small complimentary snack and non-alcoholic drinks on shorter flights. On cross-country treks over 2,200 miles, a free meal is served, usually consisting of a breakfast sandwich or burger/wrap with chips or fruit on the side.

Having sampled American‘s economy food offerings across dozens of flights myself, I‘d rate the quality as hit-or-miss. Meals are rarely spectacular but generally edible, with some shining stars like the fruit and cheese plate. Picky eaters may find the options bland or limited, so packing your own snacks is always wise.

Food for purchase is also available on select flights, with heartier options like salads and sandwiches priced at $8-12. Ordering ahead through American‘s app or website is recommended to guarantee your first choice.

Premium Economy Dining Experience

Splurging on a Premium Economy ticket can significantly upgrade your in-flight dining, with perks like:

  • Full meals served on china with cloth linens and metal cutlery
  • Complimentary spirits, beer, and wine
  • Menu cards with a choice of 2-4 entrées
  • Enhanced snack and fruit basket throughout the flight

I‘ve consistently found American‘s Premium Economy food to be restaurant-quality and comparable to some business class offerings on other carriers. Favorites from recent trips include a tasty grilled chicken with risotto and decadent ice cream sundae cart.

If you‘re a choosy eater, pre-ordering your meal up to 24 hours before departure ensures you‘ll get your ideal choice. With a separate cabin and dedicated flight attendants, special requests are more easily accommodated in Premium Economy compared to the Main Cabin.

Business and Flagship First Dining

For luxury travelers, American Airlines‘ premium cabins offer a world-class dining experience rivaling some Michelin-starred restaurants on the ground. Multi-course meals designed by renowned chefs are plated individually and served at your private seat or suite on request.

Lunch and dinner service typically includes:

  1. Hot or cold appetizer
  2. Fresh salad with artisan bread
  3. Choice of 3-5 gourmet entrees
  4. Decadent dessert
  5. Selection of fine wines, cocktails, and liqueurs

Some standout dishes I‘ve savored in Flagship First include lobster mac and cheese, wagyu beef, and a build-your-own ice cream sundae. Even as a picky eater, I‘ve never struggled to find an appealing option that suited my palate.

What sets American‘s premium dining apart is the ability to pre-order your meals from an expanded online menu up to 30 days before travel. This guarantees you‘ll have your preferred choice waiting for you on board. I also appreciate the option to dine on demand rather than on a set schedule, allowing flexibility to eat when it fits your body‘s rhythm.

Catering and Food Safety Standards

With in-flight food, sourcing and safety are just as important as taste. American Airlines partners with reputable catering companies like LSG Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet to prepare meals in state-of-the-art airport kitchens across its network.

All of American‘s caterers must adhere to strict FDA guidelines for food safety, including:

  • HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans
  • Regular facility inspections and audits
  • Employee training on safe food handling practices
  • Precise temperature controls from kitchen to plane

While no mass food production system is flawless, American has a solid track record of food safety. In the most recent FDA airline food safety inspections, American‘s major catering facilities received satisfactory ratings with no significant violations.

Special Diets and Food Sensitivities

One area where American Airlines excels is accommodating passengers with dietary restrictions and food allergies. Special meals available for pre-order include:

  • Diabetic
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher
  • Muslim
  • Asian Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Low sodium
  • Low fat

Meals are prepared in segregated kitchens to avoid cross-contamination, and all dishes are labeled for allergens. Flight attendants can also provide ingredient cards for any food served on board.

As someone with multiple food sensitivities myself, I‘ve had universally positive experiences pre-ordering special meals with American. They‘ve always been clearly marked, tasty, and compliant with my dietary needs. However, it‘s still important to travel with your own snacks and medications as a precaution.

Chef Partnerships and Local Flair

To keep its in-flight menus fresh and appealing to discerning palates, American Airlines regularly partners with acclaimed chefs to design elevated dining options. Some recent collaborations have included:

These limited-time offerings infuse American‘s premium dining with regional flavors and specialties crafted by culinary experts. As a foodie, seeking out flights featuring chef-designed menus is a treat that elevates my travel experience.

On a more local level, American sources some ingredients and products from the communities it serves, such as craft beers and popular snack brands. It‘s a small touch that helps support independent businesses and connect passengers to their destination.

Comparisons to International Carriers

While American Airlines offers competitive premium dining compared to other U.S. airlines, some international carriers are still considered the gold standard for in-flight cuisine. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and ANA are renowned for their onboard food and beverage programs, particularly in First and Business class.

What sets these airlines apart is often their use of fresh ingredients, culturally-influenced recipes, and an extensive selection of complimentary beverages. Some even allow premium passengers to "book the chef" before their flight, guaranteeing their preferred gourmet meal.

That being said, American holds its own and continues to make investments in its culinary offerings. In 2019, the airline opened a new 25,000 square-foot catering facility at its Dallas hub dedicated solely to Flagship First and Business dining. This state-of-the-art kitchen allows American to provide restaurant-grade meals and an expanded menu for premium passengers on a larger scale.

Tips for Picky Eaters

As a selective eater myself, I‘ve learned a few strategies for ensuring an enjoyable dining experience on American Airlines:

  1. Choose flights with meal service: When possible, aim to book flights that depart during American‘s designated meal times to have the most food options. Avoid red-eyes or late-night departures if fresh food is a priority.

  2. Pre-order special meals: If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to guarantee your preferred dish, always pre-order your meal online as early as possible. This also reduces waste and helps American predict demand.

  3. Pack your own snacks: While American offers complimentary snacks in all cabins, they may not be to your liking. I always carry a few of my favorite non-perishable treats like granola bars or trail mix to tide me over between meals.

  4. Splurge on premium tickets: If budget allows, upgrading to Premium Economy, Business, or Flagship First will give you access to higher-quality dining and more personalized service. Using miles or upgrade certificates can make this more affordable.

  5. Leverage status benefits: For frequent flyers, holding AAdvantage elite status comes with valuable perks like complimentary snacks and drinks in Main Cabin Extra. Top-tier Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members also enjoy free upgrades and lounge access with enhanced food spreads.

  6. Make your preferences known: If you have a special request or food sensitivity, don‘t hesitate to inform your flight attendant early in the service. They may be able to offer alternatives or make accommodations if given enough notice.

  7. Provide feedback: After your flight, take a moment to fill out American‘s survey or contact customer relations with any praise or constructive criticism about your food experience. The airline values this feedback and uses it to continuously improve its offerings.

The Final Verdict

So, does American Airlines serve food worth savoring? The answer depends on your cabin, route, and personal tastes. In economy, complimentary meals are limited but can be satisfying with tempered expectations. Picky eaters will fare better by pre-ordering a special meal or carrying backup snacks.

For Premium Economy and above, American delivers a dining experience on par with upscale restaurants, featuring chef-driven menus and premium ingredients. Ample customization options and attentive service cater well to discerning palates.

Overall, American Airlines has made significant strides in elevating its in-flight food and beverage program to meet the evolving needs of today‘s travelers. With a focus on fresh flavors, locally-sourced products, and accommodating dietary preferences, the airline aims to make food a memorable part of the journey.

As a frequent flyer and food lover myself, I appreciate American‘s efforts to continuously improve its culinary offerings while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and satisfaction. While there‘s always room for refinement, American ranks among the best U.S. carriers for in-flight dining in my experience.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information on American Airlines‘ food and beverage service, consult the following resources:

With some smart strategies and a spirit of culinary adventure, even picky eaters can find delicious delights on their next American Airlines flight. Fasten your seatbelt and bon appétit!