American scales back inflight catering as part of ongoing coronavirus response
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
If you must travel domestically on American Airlines in the coming weeks, you might want to pack a lunch.
(Also, consider postponing your trip if it’s not related to essential work.)
Starting Friday (May 1), AA will implement a significant reduction in its inflight food and beverage service in an effort to reduce the risk of onboard COVID-19 transmission.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news.
On flights of less than 900 miles — typically less than 2.5 hours, according to the airline — the carrier will serve water, canned beverages and juice by request.
On flights between 900 and 2,200 miles, which American said are typically shorter than 4.5 hours, customers will be offered snack bags, including a bottle of water as they board. However, there will be no snacks or food for purchase during the flight. Snacks will only be distributed on mainline flights, so American Eagle passengers will need to bring their own provisions. Meals won’t be available in first class, either. Water, canned beverages and juice will be provided to economy passengers on request. Alcohol will be available only in first class, also by request.
Related: American Eagle fleet adjustments will mean fewer cramped regional jets.
American also is even scaling back on its longest flights, those over 2,000 miles. This includes transcons, flights between the mainland and Hawaii and on the few international long-haul flights American is still flying. Snacks and food for purchase will still not be available in the main cabin. Non-alcoholic beverages will be served as usual, as will snacks like Biscoff cookies or pretzels. Complimentary meals will be provided to economy passengers on international long-haul flights. Alcohol will also be available, by request, on flights with meal service.
In first and business class on the longer flights, alcohol will be served, as will meals. But service will be pared back to a single tray, rather than a multi-course meal.
Related: American Airlines’ Boeing 767s, 757s among 80 planes that won’t fly again after the pandemic.
The changes come as airlines continue to field test best practices for inflight service and protocols during the coronavirus pandemic. This week, most major U.S. carriers announced that they would soon require passengers to wear masks while onboard. American has also recently modified its boarding procedures, closed a number of Admirals Clubs, and temporarily ended checked pet service.
Featured photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.