Let’s talk airplane food.
Starting today, June 11, American Airlines passengers on Flagship Business, Flagship Suite, and Flagship Suite Preferred can enjoy a curated dining menu inspired by European destinations.
Customers will have an entrée option that varies based on the European destination airport, in addition to the other options that are typically offered.
Here’s an overview of each option for all of the available destinations:
France (Paris, Nice)
- Rustic yet refined ratatouille or a decadent porcini short rib paired with creamy polenta, blue cheese, walnuts, and a medley of roasted beets and zucchini.
- Available on flights to Paris (CDG) and Nice (NCE).
Italy (Milan, Rome, Naples, Venice)
- Herbed short rib set against a colorful butternut squash medley and pea risotto, finished with a thyme demi-glace or a pan-seared halibut with fingerling potatoes and olive-caper relish.
- Available on flights to Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO), Naples (NAP), and Venice (VCE).
Germany (Frankfurt, Munich)
- Spaetzle tossed with grilled zucchini, cremini mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes or a crisp schnitzel accompanied by potatoes and blistered tomatoes.
- Available on flights to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).
Spain (Barcelona, Madrid)
- Mar y mar paella — a seafood lover’s dream — or seared paprika sea bass served with squid ink rice and piquillo pepper sauce.
- Available on flights to Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid (MAD).
United Kingdom & Ireland (Edinburgh, London, Dublin)
- Mustard-crusted lamb served with tender turnips, peas and baby carrots in a rich lamb reduction or a peppercorn short rib dish with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables finished in a velvety demi sauce.
- Available on flights to Edinburgh (EDI), London (LHR), and Dublin (DUB).
I Like What I’m Seeing From American Lately
On top of all of these new menu options, American is also adjusting its preorder window to 20 hours from the previous 24 hours. This isn’t just for these European flights, but for all international flights with meal options.
I like the idea of these destination-inspired menus. I think it’s creative on American’s end, and it’s a good way to engage the customer with the upcoming destination. I’m also seeing this as another small customer experience focus for the airline, on top of the other small changes we’ve seen from the airline. Little things like this menu or giving passengers more time for their preorder window do make a difference.
Remember, American is still testing the afternoon tea service in all cabins on flights from London and Paris. The creativity and willingness to do new things are there, and I’m all for it. That said, feel free to call me out in the comments if I have been sounding too optimistic with American lately; I’m just an AA flyer who’s been long envying some of the “cool” stuff that Delta and United have been getting. 😉
But they do seem to be going in the right direction, and I hope they keep this up. These meals look fantastic.
All photos by American Airlines.
