American Airlines is giving its premium passengers another reason to look forward to their next flight, especially if they’re traveling between Chicago and New York.
Beginning this month, American is introducing a new selection of light bites for First Class customers traveling between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
The new menu features fresh, flavorful breakfast, lunch and dinner options designed to give passengers something more substantial to eat on these relatively short flights.
This is particularly welcome news for frequent business travelers who are often rushing from one meeting or flight to another and don’t have time to grab something to eat at an airport restaurant or even stop in an airline lounge.
Customers will be able to choose between two light bite options, with menus rotating throughout the year to provide variety for those who frequently fly these routes.
“Our light bites menu provides an elevated experience on one of our most popular routes,” said Raphael Girardoni, American Airlines’ Vice President of Culinary Strategy and Operations. “We want to exceed the expectations of even our most discerning customers, and this new, more substantial menu offering is designed to do just that.”
What’s on the menu?
What’s on the menu?Judging by the photos American Airlines released, these new offerings look considerably more appealing than the typical snack basket that passengers are accustomed to seeing on shorter domestic flights.
Here are some of the options passengers can expect to see:
Breakfast selections may include:
- Smoked salmon
- Tropical chia overnight oats
- Prosciutto and melon
- Fruit and cheese plate
- Prosciutto and brie
- Apple cinnamon chia pudding
Lunch and dinner selections may include:
- Curry chicken salad
- Thai noodle salad
- Turkey and Gouda sandwich
- Whipped burrata
- Poached shrimp with noodle salad
- Mezze plate
- Blackened chicken
- Grilled vegetable wrap
The Thai noodle salad looks particularly good to me.
One important thing to note is that these light bites will only be available on board and won’t be offered through American’s meal preorder service. That means passengers won’t be able to reserve their preferred selection before their flight, something I always recommend doing when it’s available, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are a picky eater.
My take
As an American Airlines frequent flier, I’m happy to see the airline investing in its premium experience, even on shorter domestic flights.
Anyone who regularly travels for business knows how difficult it can be to find time to eat properly on the road. You might have an early morning meeting in Chicago, rush to O’Hare to catch a flight to New York and head straight to another meeting when you land. Having something fresh and substantial to eat on the plane can make a big difference.
It’s also great news for American’s AAdvantage elite members who receive complimentary upgrades to First Class. While a short flight between Chicago and New York might not seem long enough to warrant a meal, it’s certainly long enough to enjoy one, particularly if you’ve been traveling all day.
I also think this is another indication that American is serious about competing with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines for premium travelers. Both airlines have invested heavily in their premium products, from airport lounges and onboard dining to upgraded aircraft interiors.
American has some catching up to do in certain areas, but improvements like this are a step in the right direction. And on a route as competitive as Chicago to New York, where American, Delta and United are all vying for business travelers, the little things can make a difference when deciding which airline to fly.
Hopefully, if the new light bites are well received, American will expand the concept to other short domestic routes. I can think of plenty of flights where I’d welcome a plate of smoked salmon or a turkey and Gouda sandwich instead of a bag of pretzels.
