Bon appétit: American's improving domestic first class meals
Air travel is slowly returning to normal. Aside from growing passenger numbers, airlines are reopening their lounges and restoring pre-pandemic levels of in-flight service.
In April, American Airlines slowly began introducing new fresh offerings for domestic first-class passengers on cross-country flights. Soon, it will expand these offerings to most domestic flights and improve its selection on longer flights.
Stay up-to-date on airline and aviation news by signing up for our aviation newsletter.
American Airlines has confirmed that as of next week, July 14, it will be expanding its "Fresh Bites" offering for first-class passengers to domestic flights over 900 miles. These cold meal boxes include items like yogurt and breakfast sandwiches in the morning and sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner. There's always a protein option and a vegetarian option. Plus, there are usually some sweet and savory accompaniments, such as fruit salads and cheese and crackers.
An AA spokeswoman told TPG, "The Fresh Bites offerings are part of the larger strategy to carefully return service to domestic first class passengers, in a way that helps care for the well-being of customers and flight attendants."
Previously, these meal boxes were only available on flights over 2,200 miles. First class passengers on shorter flights got lighter snacks like yogurt parfaits and sandwiches with no accompaniments.
Then, on flights over 1,500 miles, first class passengers will receive more substantial "Fresh Bites" boxes. Think bigger entrees and additional accompaniments.
Related: American Airlines' CEO talks bringing back buy-on-board service, including alcohol
First and business class passengers on premium transcontinental flights (New York-JFK to/from Los Angeles and San Francisco), long haul Hawaii flights (to/from Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago), and long-haul international flights will continue to receive hot meals.
Breakfast is offered on flights departing between 5:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., while lunch/dinner is offered from 9:46 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Aside from flights from Anchorage (ANC) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago (ORD), all other departures just receive packaged snacks. Also note that the offerings may be different for American Eagle flights.
Related: Here's what food and drinks you can expect on your next flight
Bottom line
American Airlines' latest catering update is a big step up over what it's been serving over the last few months. That said, unlike United, it won't be bringing back hot meals on short and medium-haul domestic flights yet. Last month, the Chicago-based carrier restored hot meals on domestic routes over 1,500 miles and on hub-to-hub flights over 800 miles or two hours or longer.
As of now, there are no changes for those sitting in the back of the plane. The airline is offering full non-alcoholic beverage service on flights over 900 miles, but won't be bringing back onboard alcohol or food sales until at least mid-September.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.