Starting Sept. 1, American Airlines will replace meal service with packaged snacks in first-class cabins on flights shorter than two hours and 45 minutes. The policy change applies to domestic routes and flights between the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
On flights under one hour, flight attendants will offer a single pre-packaged snack to first-class passengers. For flights lasting between one and two hours, first-class travelers will be able to choose from a basket of sweet and savory snack options presented by the crew.
An email to AAdvantage members announcing the change did not specify the exact snack selections for first-class. American’s onboard retail menu for economy does list items available for purchase, which indicate the types of snacks the airline typically stocks. Those offerings have included a Fruit & Nut Mix (priced at $5) featuring almonds, cashews, walnuts, dried tart cranberries and honey-roasted sesame sticks; a Snack Pack ($6.99) with cheddar cheese, crackers, almonds, a mini fig bar, chocolate cookies and a mint; and Wild Garden Hummus & Pita Chips ($4), a hummus dip served with multi-grain pita chips.
This change streamlines short-haul service and aligns first-class snack options more closely with the airline’s existing retail selections. Passengers who prefer more substantial meals on short flights may wish to bring their own food or purchase items before boarding.