American Improves Economy Buy On Board Food, Adds Tequila

American Airlines has been making a lot of small improvements lately, which add up. For a long time, many of us have been saying that American’s buy on board food selection in economy is just terrible. Not only has the selection been super limited, but it has only been available on flights of over 1,300 miles. Well, there’s an exciting update on that front.

American expands buy on board food selection

As of June 1, 2025, American is greatly improving its buy on board food selection, for those traveling in economy. The first positive development is that American will start selling food on flights of over 1,100 miles, compared to the current minimum of 1,300 miles. So that means several more markets will be getting food for purchase.

Those traveling in economy will start to see the following new food options available for purchase:

• A steak and pimento cheese sandwich
• Tapas, with olives, dried apricots, beef jerky, pistachio, white cheddar dip, pita chips, and brownie brittle
• Brooklyn Biltong Steakhouse Air Dried Beef Jerky

This is in addition to American’s existing selection, which includes the fruit and cheese tray, the Tostitos Snack Box, and Doritos Cool Ranch Minis.

These are all nice new options to have. American’s buy on board selection still pales in comparison to that of some other airlines, but hey, at least it’s an improvement. As a reminder, AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive a free alcoholic drink and food item on eligible flights.

Totally minor point, but I would be delighted if “American Airlines” and “pimento cheese” never went in the same sentence again, because I still have PTSD from that coronavirus-era pimento sandwich the airline was serving. Pimento cheese is to American as elderflower is to Lufthansa — enough already!

American adds tequila to onboard drink selection

Starting June 1, 2025 (though it’ll progressively be rolled out the entire year), American will add tequila to its inflight alcoholic beverage options. That means it’ll be complimentary in premium cabins, and available for purchase in economy (on flights of at least 250 miles).

The company is partnering with Socorro Tequila, a Dallas-Fort Worth brand. Here’s how the airline describes this tequila:

Socorro Tequila is crafted in the highlands of Jalisco using traditional methods and 100% Blue Weber agave. Known for its clean, additive-free profile, Socorro Tequila delivers a premium flavor that will elevate any journey at 35,000 feet.

Since American is emphasizing that it’s listening to customer feedback and wants to “reinvigorate” every aspect of the passenger experience, personally I’d just like to express my interest in cold brew, like United serves on domestic flights. If I say it often enough, maybe it’ll become a reality? 😉

American refreshes first class snack basket

As of June 11, 2025, American will refresh its snack basket in premium cabins. Specifically, the airline will add a new midday snack basket, in addition to the morning and afternoon snack basket already offered. New offerings will include:

• The morning snack basket will have fresh clementine, B’cuz Cherry Pistachio Granola Bites, Think Jerky Free-Range Turkey Stick, Blake’s Seed-Based Breakfast Bar +Protein, Bare Organic Apple Chips, and Wonderful Sea Salt & Pepper Pistachios
• The midday snack basket will have Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, Garrett White Cheddar Popcorn, Cooper’s Cheese Straws, Cooper Street Granola Bakes, BobbySue’s Nuts Everything Goes Nuts, and Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Stick
• The afternoon snack basket will have Homefree Vanilla Mini Cookies, Miss Vickie’s Sea Salt Chips, Over Easy Almond & Raisins Oat Bar, CauliPuffs White Cheddar Corn, Rice and Cauliflower Puffed Snack, Wonderful Sea Salt & Pepper Pistachios, and Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Stick

Bottom line

American is improving its onboard food and drink selection. In economy, we’ll see buy on board food options expanded, with three new items. Furthermore, they’ll be available for purchase on flights of at least 1,100 miles, compared to the current minimum of 1,300 miles. On top of that, we’ll see the airline introduce tequila across cabins, plus refresh the first class snack basket.

These are all positive changes, so well done, American!

What do you make of these American food & drink updates?