I swear I have really low standards when it comes to inflight catering. But American Airlines’ current first class meal choices really take it a step too far.
In this post:
American Airlines’ first class sandwiches
While I fly American Airlines frequently, I’m a morning person, so I usually like to take morning flights. I hadn’t had the pleasure of enjoying American’s most recent lunch and dinner meals up until yesterday, when I flew from Dallas to Tampa.
What’s funny is the number of people who have specifically reached out to me about American’s current turkey sandwich being served in first class. We were in San Miguel de Allende over the weekend, and someone who isn’t in the miles & points world probably spent 10 minutes ranting about how she couldn’t believe how bad the sandwich was (without me mentioning anything about the airline).
Well, yesterday evening I was excited (in a masochistic) way when it was finally my turn to try American’s first class sandwiches. The flight attendant offered us the choice of a turkey or pimento cheese sandwich. We took one of each, and they didn’t disappoint (from an entertainment standpoint).
American Airlines turkey mustard aioli sandwich
Let’s start with the “turkey mustard aioli sandwich.”
It was served with a salad with cheese and ranch, a potato salad, and a brownie bar. Let’s just focus on the sandwich. I consider myself to be a huge pretzel roll enthusiast, but the bread was hard as could be. I’m kind of surprised it’s even allowed past security, because it could most definitely double as a weapon.
Even that shouldn’t matter, because it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? Well, let’s take a look at what’s on the inside…
I’ve gotta be honest — I was a vegetarian for many years, and this sandwich made me want to be a vegetarian again. Or maybe it made me never want to eat again. I don’t know which one.
American Airlines pimento cheese sandwich
Next up is the “pimento cheese sandwich.”
In fairness, I thought the tray setup here was a little more thoughtful, with some hummus and veggies, flatbread crackers, a salad, and a brownie bar. The sandwich was on the same hard-as-a-rock pretzel roll.
How was the sandwich itself?
The cheese was more of a “patty” than anything else. I could quite literally lift the cheese “patty” off the bread with a fork.
And while I wouldn’t eat this, I’m not going to lie, it was kind of fun to play with… it was like Play-Doh.
Bottom line
There have been a lot of highs and lows of American Airlines catering over the past decade, but I’d argue American’s current first class sandwiches might just be the absolute low when it comes to premium cabin catering. Yes, even worse than the “lobster roll” I had several years back. I’ve never seen as much uneaten food be returned on a plane.
I fly first class for the extra space and the ability to work comfortably, and not for the food. However, I can’t wrap my head around why the airline has to serve something this bad. It’s not even about the amount of money the airline is willing to invest in food I miss the buy on board turkey sandwiches that used to be served in first class, which were at least edible.
This all makes me wonder what exactly the process is for meals like this getting approved. This wasn’t a fluke, but rather this is the standard first class catering. When they create these meals in the test kitchen and approve the concept, does it taste this bad? And if it’s better in the test kitchen, does no one bother checking on the quality when this comes out of the catering facility? Am I the only one who finds this sandwich to be so bad?
Has anyone else had the pleasure of enjoying American Airlines’ first class sandwiches?
Flew red eye out of Maui- economy. Weird turkey sandwich was made on old white bread - the kind that you have when you forget about a few slices in the bottom of the bag, but have the sense to throw it out. The tomato slices were fresh.
Now I know why the crews are so happy to get the chocolates I bring on board for them. They can't eat the food.
My favorite first class meal was an early morning flight from kansas city to Atlanta and they gave us frozen bananas. It was just insulting, the fact that a flight attendant didn’t have the sense to recognize the fruit was rock solid blew me away. I just threw the sack of food into the seat well and huffed myself to sleep.
Ive since quit flying American Airlines because of how they handled everything during...
My favorite first class meal was an early morning flight from kansas city to Atlanta and they gave us frozen bananas. It was just insulting, the fact that a flight attendant didn’t have the sense to recognize the fruit was rock solid blew me away. I just threw the sack of food into the seat well and huffed myself to sleep.
Ive since quit flying American Airlines because of how they handled everything during covid, the numerous times ive been stranded by Americans network partners not maintaining their planes and causing delays, playing games with passengers to avoid canceling the flight. Sick of their antics and I think they have been poisoned by wokeness in training new flight attendants, because they are rude and bullish towards passengers. Not worth the trouble.
The decision maker who approved those sandwiches should be forced to eat them exclusively while in prison.
I definitely saw these vile sandwiches on my flights in 2021, but I believe the have been banished sometime in Q1 2022. At least I can say I've had a few domestic flights in first class in the last few months and have happily seen AA have started to serve better food up front.
Just had one of each, each way SEA PHX. Pimento was like cat food. Unbelievably stale bread. Rest of meal fine.
Way back had the turkey and it was totally fine. Regular lunch meat turkey, bread ok, salad good. So not the weird grey pink nasty stuff in photo.
Spot on absolutely lowest class airline! Current mgmt needs to go!
Idk about the pilots who said they don’t eat the meals. I’d say less that less than 10% of the pilots don’t eat their crew meals.
I do believe that since food came back on the aircraft after Covid, it looks & tastes much less appealing than pre Covid.
Did AA change their Chefs?
I had that "turkey" sandwich on a 4.5 hour flight yesterday from LAX-ORD in First Class.
The sandwich was ice cold, the roll was so hard I was afraid if I dropped it, it would go right
through the flooring of the aircraft. That also was the strangest turkey meat I have ever seen, and in reality it should be called a cheese sandwich as there was more cheese on mine than turkey.
I had that "turkey" sandwich on a 4.5 hour flight yesterday from LAX-ORD in First Class.
The sandwich was ice cold, the roll was so hard I was afraid if I dropped it, it would go right
through the flooring of the aircraft. That also was the strangest turkey meat I have ever seen, and in reality it should be called a cheese sandwich as there was more cheese on mine than turkey.
I have had some bad sandwiches on an airplane but this one wins the best place for bad.
Does it really cost that much more to serve a good sandwich??
The rest of the food on the tray was good. Very nice salad. American has got to get the hot nuts and a good dessert (like their chocolate chip cookies) badk also. A coach bag of nut tossed at you just does not cut it in First Class. Thank heavens the glassware is finally back.
American you used to be so good....what the hell is happening to you as a premier airline??
I had two back to back turkey sandwiches on 2 different legs of a recent trip. The first was actually acceptable - same toppings and theme but different bun and some effort was put into assembling it. The second was a worse version of yours (they literally just folded a stack of meat and stuck it in the centre). They were almost certainly both catered out of DFW (based on the insanely quick turnaround on...
I had two back to back turkey sandwiches on 2 different legs of a recent trip. The first was actually acceptable - same toppings and theme but different bun and some effort was put into assembling it. The second was a worse version of yours (they literally just folded a stack of meat and stuck it in the centre). They were almost certainly both catered out of DFW (based on the insanely quick turnaround on a late inbound at my origin).
Someone, probably with 'MBA' after their name, decided low-bid to an insufficiently detailed spec could be applied to airline meals as well. It's all about short term cost savings ya' know.
Definitely, AA must have purchased the sandwiches in bulk at a discount price. Since October, I have flown the following routes: RDU-DFW, DFW-CUN, CUN-RDU, RDU-LAX, ONT-DFW, DFW-RDU. In every route, the meal choice was turkey-pastrami or cheese sandwich. In all instances, they all look the same and tasted the same. Bread can be used as a weapon. It is quite disappointing that they cannot do better.
Any food is a blessing and it is not revolting, my mother used to say.
Also, it’s biz class not first class on dfw tpa.
You are famous for being super entitled and rude to airline personnel, why do you act like that?
You like to trash American left and right. What’s your personal vendetta against them?
Are you still w that guy that got fired for sending you AA inside company comm?
You’re such an idiot please never reproduce. Please go help all the less fortunate in the world so we don’t gotta see your trash comments
United has a series of equally revolting sandwiches, which are mostly bread with types of processed cheese goo. New lows for U.S. airline food.
When passengers are paying 60 dollars for a ticket and getting upgraded to first class because of status or using mileage, what do you expect, the Four Seasons?
C'mon man. There are people starving around the world. Eat your vegetables.
Oh shut up lol, look at those pics and tell me you would honestly eat that crap? After paying a premium for decent food and space ? My god you must live in a trash dumpster next to Oscar the grouch
These sandwiches are actually an improvement over the versions AA served a couple of months ago. Those lacked any greenery at all.
I echo the sentiments here. Recently traveled from PHX-HNL. The FC experience was awful.. food & and service. Pre-departure beverages and ice cream sundaes are no longer. I don’t think AA’s executive management has flown recently. Otherwise they’d know how bad it is. Save your money.
Quite literally billions who would kill for any of these, but here you are finding it fun to play with.
First world country means first world problems? Are you helping those billions by sending them your leftover foods ? No? Stfu
Meanwhile I'm just reading this while sitting on my JetBlue Mint flight and not even being able to decide on what to order because everything looks so delicious hah! There is ZERO excuse for serving this sandwich crap.
I have flown over 130k actual miles since May and mostly first class…you are correct. These sandwiches are terrible. The bread is always cold and hard as a rock. I have touched them and explored the inside with hopes there will be changes….I can not eat them….I have been eating the crackers with hopes that one day we will have real food, warm nuts, biscuits and ice cream sundaes again.
How did you get lucky enough to get crackers? None on any first class trays today. Just terrible flavorless pretend sandwiches and some crunchy undercooked potatoes slathered with mayo pretending to be potato salad. Even Flagship First dining at MIA was pretty tasteless and disappointing, though one dish I tried apparently had dirty dishwater seasoning.
"Disgusting" - is the word.
WHAT your meal on a first-class flight was poo? Who TF cares, never had basic bs before? Welcome to world of the plebs
Quelle horreur! You were given something that looks like... pleb food!!!! Definitely have a gigantically public tantrum about it. You've been seriously wronged.
I just flew LAX to JFK on AA, coach, and had a really quite good curried chicken sandwich.
Unbelievable! Why a first class name and price yet a turkey on a poor boy roll!
The bagged turkey pastrami on rye sandwiches this product replaced were much better...
I didn't have time to read through all of the comments as this might be redundant but during a recent AA town hall a senior executive pointed out that there is an active RFP for new catering for their domestic flights (non-flagship). This suggests that there is some kind of an interim caterer to fill the void so there is "something" being served upfront for the time being. Hopefully they secure the new contract(s) soon...
I didn't have time to read through all of the comments as this might be redundant but during a recent AA town hall a senior executive pointed out that there is an active RFP for new catering for their domestic flights (non-flagship). This suggests that there is some kind of an interim caterer to fill the void so there is "something" being served upfront for the time being. Hopefully they secure the new contract(s) soon so we can have something decent to eat in both cabins.
Side note/recent experience- I had the quinoa steak salad a few days ago from CLT to PHX and it was ok. Not terrible like what Ben had but not great either.
AA doesn’t care about anything except you using your AA branded credit card. Speaking of which, I have this exclusive offer to tell you about!
I had a breakfast bagel yesterday, and it was just as bad. It was a large dry bread bomb ( I had the vegetarian variety which was filled with that cheese glob) because I had already gotten to try the turkey bomb which is equally bad. What happened to heated rolls and hot nuts?? And then with the lounges all shutting down early I’m the airports, it’s getting harder and harder to get anything to...
I had a breakfast bagel yesterday, and it was just as bad. It was a large dry bread bomb ( I had the vegetarian variety which was filled with that cheese glob) because I had already gotten to try the turkey bomb which is equally bad. What happened to heated rolls and hot nuts?? And then with the lounges all shutting down early I’m the airports, it’s getting harder and harder to get anything to eat, with the exception of junk food in the airports.
I went to the airport early to make sure and get dinner one evening before a flight, and the Amex lounge was weight listed, and american is now charging for food in its lounge. It has a very limited selection of food available with virtually no healthy options. I remember chicken nuggets being one option…. I mean what adult eats that crap?
Anyways thanks for the opportunity to vent.
Wait, whoa; what's happening at the lounges? Is clt admiral's club still good?
I could not eat my Turkey sandwich. I just gave it back and asked for more bags of the.. .6oz way too salty nuts was worst first class meal ever!
I have to serve these sandwiches.
Turkey Pastrami......neither turkey nor pastrami.
Completely agree.....some of the food they give us to serve in first class I almost would rather say we didn't get the meals.......they are embarrassing.
First class food used to be really good.
Who actually approved this food. AA has the worst food in first class.
If you can't get past the sight and smell test, you're not going to put it in your mouth. That turkey looks like tongue. Carry on for me from now on. The worst I ever had in first class was on SAS transatlantic, both ways.
That looked pretty bad. Why was it pressed turkey?
I like the food on Jetblue's Mint flights. The selection, presentation and taste beat all other domestic carriers by a long shot. It really is that good. Too bad its only offered on their routes with "Mint" service.
Recently, few AA first class to Ft.Lauderdale and then to LAX with the same unhealthy gut wrenching sandwiches.
Obviously, the lowest bidder provided this crap.
As a former AA Managing Director in the 80's and 90's I can say this in NOT the AA I remember but a mismatch of all the former airlines that Mr.Parker acquired .
Wonder if he eats this crap?
Bet he doesn't.
Don't be fooled,...
Recently, few AA first class to Ft.Lauderdale and then to LAX with the same unhealthy gut wrenching sandwiches.
Obviously, the lowest bidder provided this crap.
As a former AA Managing Director in the 80's and 90's I can say this in NOT the AA I remember but a mismatch of all the former airlines that Mr.Parker acquired .
Wonder if he eats this crap?
Bet he doesn't.
Don't be fooled, this carries over to other departments as well.
Flight scheduling for example.
The outsourcing to third party vendors by Mr.Parker has destroyed the check in process as well.
Wish Delta would re-instate the hub in DFW they operated in the 80's and 90's to give us a choice.
I recently traveled and had this exact "turkey" sandwich. The photo of the potato salad in this article was significantly more than what I received. I thought I had gotten 2 salads because there was only about a tablespoon of potato salad on a bed of greens. The meat looked and smelled like it was something that is found in a back alley of abandoned restaurant. This meal was also a part of the wonderful...
I recently traveled and had this exact "turkey" sandwich. The photo of the potato salad in this article was significantly more than what I received. I thought I had gotten 2 salads because there was only about a tablespoon of potato salad on a bed of greens. The meat looked and smelled like it was something that is found in a back alley of abandoned restaurant. This meal was also a part of the wonderful flight where my friend had a connection and because our first flight was delayed enough to make getting to her next flight impossible (with the assumption that the connection would actually be on time), AA actually cancelled her entire itinerary and secretly rebooked her for 2 days later. They failed to tell her until after she was out of the rental house, was standing in front of them at the airport trying to check in her bags for the original flight. That was the treatment she got for being a first class passenger too.
The cheese and sun-dried tomato is even worse... Yea, hard to believe you have to bring your own even in first nowadays. At least the brownie is good but ... that's about it.
The turkey is pink! At least you had the chicken or potato salad or whatever it was.
This was served on the BWI-DFW flight tonight. The guy seated next to me had the pimento cheese and ate everything on his tray. He also had 3 bourbon and gingers so maybe he was too drunk to know what he was eating. I got the “turkey” “pastrami.” My Jewish ancestors are rolling in their graves at what was supposed to pass for pastrami, and all I could think when I opened the so-called pretzel...
This was served on the BWI-DFW flight tonight. The guy seated next to me had the pimento cheese and ate everything on his tray. He also had 3 bourbon and gingers so maybe he was too drunk to know what he was eating. I got the “turkey” “pastrami.” My Jewish ancestors are rolling in their graves at what was supposed to pass for pastrami, and all I could think when I opened the so-called pretzel roll was that Oscar Meyer lost their way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A. The only positive was that a meal was served. Going in the opposite direction last week on United, I had a choice 2 hours into the flight of a small package of pretzels or a package of 2 Biscoff cookies (they won the coin toss). I was offered a bottle of water upon boarding which I stupidly declined because I assumed there would be beverage service (silly me ).
Yep — me — tonight flying from BWI to DFW. The guy next to me had 3 bourbon & gingers and the pimento cheese, and he ate everything on his tray. Maybe he was too drunk to notice. I made the mistake of ordering the “turkey” “pastrami.” My entire cadre of Jewish ancestors are collectively rolling over in their graves at the “pastrami” part, and all I could think of is that Oscar Meyer clearly...
Yep — me — tonight flying from BWI to DFW. The guy next to me had 3 bourbon & gingers and the pimento cheese, and he ate everything on his tray. Maybe he was too drunk to notice. I made the mistake of ordering the “turkey” “pastrami.” My entire cadre of Jewish ancestors are collectively rolling over in their graves at the “pastrami” part, and all I could think of is that Oscar Meyer clearly forgot the way to B-O-L-O-G-N-A. The brownie was edible. The only positive was that on the same route on United, I was offered a small pretzels or Biscoff cookies 2 hours into the flight (the cookies won) and a bottle of water upon boarding which I stupidly declined because I thought there at least would be beverage service.
Both of those were offered on our flight from Cancun. I suspected that something like this would happen, so I took some sandwiches to go. Even growing up in Soviet Union with rationed food, I couldn’t imagine sandwiches so repulsive. We didn’t eat them and I’m sure my dog would get sick if she had AA First class meal.
I’m a Flight Attendant and I stay clear of those disgusting sandwiches. I always wondered why some people pay for first class when the food is so pitiful. I must say that COVID has affected us adversely on one hand so hopefully it gets better and more options are being returned.
I had the turkey sandwich on a recent flight and it was terrible. Luckily they provided free bottled water to wash it down!
I agree , American Airlines good is not to standard. That's why Delta's food is much better. Thanks for the article, great job.
I don't know why they can't serve a simple hot dish - like a pasts instead of the sandwich - which is a big roll with little on it.
Get some TV dinner pasta dish and heat it up - but that might be more expensive I guess than a roll.
I had the turkey sandwich!!!! I agree it was quite a shock. Beats 3 salads though! Had a good laugh with my friends later. What can you do? Just folded up the meat/cheese and ate it. Had another whiskey.
OK…fly first class non stop between Dallas and Tampa on someone else … what? No one else does that route. Stop you complaining…was the flight on time? Did it crash? Did your bags arrive with you?
Gross. I don't know which one looks worse from the photos. Come on, AA!
It was offered both on my flight tonight. I passed. But I saw everyone else around in the F cabin shoveling this garbage down in the middle of the afternoon as if it was the second coming of a Thomas Keller meal. That in itself is the problem. The dumbing down of consumers. AA recognizes that in the end no one besides us care...the majority just gobble away at it and think it's wonderful.
I’m not a dumbed down customer. I fly first often paying full pop because I want the extra legroom, and often I don’t have a choice of carriers. For the most part the food on American is revolting. But when your hungry anything is good. What I don’t like though is the presumption by american that it’s okay or serve such crap. For me the only way out is to fly private.
Have flown regularly since the pandemic started, was excited to finally be offered a meal. What a terrible excuse for food the Turkey sandwich was! 1.8 million miles and this is the best you can do? Really AA…
I wish I didn't have to say this, but in a moment of extreme hunger I actually downed several bites of this garbage on a shingle. It was so revolting that I immediately lost my appetite, put it down and pushed it away. I refused the food offering on the next few flights I took. I wouldn't feed this wilted ugly garbage to animals I didn't like, but it does speak volumes about how AA...
I wish I didn't have to say this, but in a moment of extreme hunger I actually downed several bites of this garbage on a shingle. It was so revolting that I immediately lost my appetite, put it down and pushed it away. I refused the food offering on the next few flights I took. I wouldn't feed this wilted ugly garbage to animals I didn't like, but it does speak volumes about how AA views its highest revenue passengers.
If they can't manage to provide moderately edible food for a group paying $1000 or more for a ticket, then what else are they scrimping on? As a result, and in addition to 1000 other cuts, I've decided that my many year intense relationship with AA has now been converted to what's in my best interests rather than supporting an airline that values me in dollars and cents rather than actual reciprocal loyalty. Where I would once fly an extra leg or spend hundreds more to fly on AA, at this point AA can stick it until they get rid of current management. As for said management, I sentence Doug Parker to eating the crap he thinks is appropriate for FC passengers 3 meals a day for a solid month. Just thinking about it is nauseating, so it's a perfect punishment for the most incompetent head of an airline in modern times.
I'm actually flying SPIRIT to Florida next month instead of AA. For 3 tickets with a couple of checked bags, seats and boarding priority, the total was about $1000 less, so we decided to risk it.
Oh my the food is insulting. Could they maybe splurge and partner with Wendy's for a $5 biggie bag on my $900 fare??
The Turkey doesn’t look like Turkey because it is TURKEY PASTRAMI. The tag should say that and on mine it did.
You criticize the “approval in the test kitchen” but what you don’t seem to realize (whether by choice or not) is that these meals are made hours ahead of time and then refrigerated. They are refrigerated all the way to the planes and then still refrigerated on the plane. They should be eaten...
The Turkey doesn’t look like Turkey because it is TURKEY PASTRAMI. The tag should say that and on mine it did.
You criticize the “approval in the test kitchen” but what you don’t seem to realize (whether by choice or not) is that these meals are made hours ahead of time and then refrigerated. They are refrigerated all the way to the planes and then still refrigerated on the plane. They should be eaten (at least) at room temperature but time really doesn’t allow for that. That chill also affects the bread. I have had them heated up and that was a vast improvement.
The airlines expected passengers to be slower in their return to flying, so some of this is coming back up to speed very slowly. They are moving back towards hot entrees. A little patience would be nice.
This article sounds like it was written by a spoiled child who didn’t get the exact color popsicle he wanted. If all you want to do is badmouth the things around you without considering all aspects of their journey, you will always be disappointed. And stop saying you have low expectations and low standards because the bitchiness that you displayed here betrays that as a lie.
Airplane food, especially on domestic routes, has long been disappointing but let’s be realistic… people want the cheapest possible fare to take them from A to B, some amenities will be reduced or eliminated. Also, let’s remember, you are eating on a ‘bus in the sky’. You’re not flying in Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant.
Paul... Have you ever actually flown on an airline? Believe it or not, virtually every US carrier served decent, edible warm meals in coach and quite tasty food in FC not that many years ago. Ben was describing a meal that was disgusting and tasted like crap. I can attest to that personally. This was not a economy class meal, but a meal served in FC. How the food is prepared or served is not...
Paul... Have you ever actually flown on an airline? Believe it or not, virtually every US carrier served decent, edible warm meals in coach and quite tasty food in FC not that many years ago. Ben was describing a meal that was disgusting and tasted like crap. I can attest to that personally. This was not a economy class meal, but a meal served in FC. How the food is prepared or served is not the the passengers problem, its the airlines. I am not blaming the crew. I am blaming incompetent management for allowing this garbage to be served to paying passengers, especially to FC passengers. Warming would not have helped and if it did, the crew should have been instructed in proper preparation. Make all the excuses you like for AA, but the airline is in a tailspin where customer service blew out the window years back.
This food is served to people who pay premium rates to sit in first class, not to folks flying on the lowest-cost tickets. American's pre-"merger" standards before the former America West/US Airways folks took over were much higher to delight first class passengers because that is often where the profit margins are.
The alternative meal choice is even worse...a weird grain "salad" with soggy apples and strangely, a weird dollop of goat cheese. No greens included. It's like oatmeal with dressing, canned apples, and goat cheese.
I did flagship first LAX BOS Saturday night midnight departure expecting a cheese plate if lucky. Champagne in a flute. Full meal AND AN ICE CREAM SUNDAE. I'd flown PHL LAX Saturday morning on the 789 and just got the vegetarian bird seed salad. I reckon Doug is yelling all those upgraders that economy is better on short flights.
That's a great sign, Rich! Thanks for sharing that at least on one route, AA is meeting its prior high first-class standards. Miss those ice cream sundaes. They were terrific.
I had the misfortune of having that crappy sandwich option on two flights earlier this month (they said it’s turkey pastrami) and that pimento cheese was nasty too… both were disgusting! In October on four flights, had the same choice of turkey sandwich or some crappy nut salad. I get AA is still in pandemic mode. But Delta and United are back with first class meal options. Would be nice if AA would give you...
I had the misfortune of having that crappy sandwich option on two flights earlier this month (they said it’s turkey pastrami) and that pimento cheese was nasty too… both were disgusting! In October on four flights, had the same choice of turkey sandwich or some crappy nut salad. I get AA is still in pandemic mode. But Delta and United are back with first class meal options. Would be nice if AA would give you at least a cheese tray option or bring back the charcuterie… these sandwiches are absolutely disgusting and say nothing “first class” at all.
Delta doesn't serve any meals in first class. Snack box it is. Except in certain transcontinental routes. Which AA does too.
Ummm is that mold on the turkey patty? :puke:
I normally fly first w/ AAL also and have definitely noticed a HUGE downfall in their service. I try to avoid this airline now... especially after what happened with all the cancelations a couple weeks ago.
Ermm what in earth is that? Turkey is a white (or brown mean on the legs), why is it that weird red colour? Looks absolutely disgusting!
I just can’t believe that the term “First class” is used on any Domestic American carrier
And they wonder why they can’t sell their premium cabins. Combine this with the greeting on TATL flights in biz: “you preordered the chicken, is that what you want?” No surprises…
They are actually selling premium cabins just fine. As an exec plat I have pretty much given up on upgrades as very few ever clear anymore and so just pay up to F. Welcome to the new reality. Airlines are finding that reasonable pay ups to F are more than enough for the space. Anything else is just a little carb load to say, "see, we gave you something."
You got lunch? I flew earlier this month expecting at least a small lunch snack and I got a pack of potato chips. Drinks still served in plastic cups.
Has anyone tried the “Caprese” sandwich? Mozzarella and supposedly “tomatoes” (dried tomatoes). This is also in the abominable category of menu options.
Only thing I actually like are the grapes.
Delta's are not that bad but they are FAR below what anyone would call "first class" - definitely NOT first class....EXCEPT of course the fares - they definitely are first class.
Yes your re absolutely right it’s disgusting
But the catering on First LHR MIA is even worse and came with a “ present “ a long hair in the crab salad
AA has never been so low
I fly weekly on AA in first class. I cannot really say I get excited because the taste is just "not there". I got these dried green beans crisps to mix with the sandwich, and I watched how many of the trays went back with the sandwich half or hardly touched.
I took the turkey off the bun and ate it, but the taste with the pimento and other toppings, the sandwich wasn't appetizing.
I fly weekly on AA in first class. I cannot really say I get excited because the taste is just "not there". I got these dried green beans crisps to mix with the sandwich, and I watched how many of the trays went back with the sandwich half or hardly touched.
I took the turkey off the bun and ate it, but the taste with the pimento and other toppings, the sandwich wasn't appetizing.
The dessert which is typically a brownie type cookie is the best thing on the tray.
AA is spending money on a product that isn't appealing. CHANGE IT... get the value and praise out of a satisfying tray that goes back to the galley empty.
Imagine a post on OMAAT that says, "AA has the best 1st class lunch sandwich of ANY airline"
Once you realize you are (in reality) flying USAir all expectations have been met.
Eat before your flight and have lots of snacks in your bag, nuts, choclate bars, and healthy snacks. I got to be honest with you, never have I seen anything so disgusting in my life, not even at the carnivals I’ve been to.
I still prefer AA domestic 1st Class meals than the CRAP they are serving in biz Class in those Intra Europe flights.....
I fly first class on AA pretty much every week. Yes these are as terrible tasting as they look- I won’t even order a meal anymore. The breakfast sandwiches (vegetarian or egg salad choices) are just as bad.. although at least at breakfast they include more edible food along with the meal. We all have choices, mine is to not eat these.
Lol! FA here, maybe even worse than being served these meals is having to serve them! I cringe inside whenever delivering these to a passenger. It’s so embarrassing! Countless times I have taken the tray back with the entire sandwich or a single bite missing and have to act like it’s normal. Most people are polite and I so want to acknowledge how awful the sandwiches are!
I save my serve from that embarrassment and avoid flying domestic first class where this prison food is served.
I fly between Miami and O’Hare regularly and it is the same disgusting garbage on every flight. Apparently that’s what American dictates to their caterers at both stations.
The only way one could re-create this “meal” at home is by shopping at the Dollar Store and spending exactly one dollar.
It’s ALWAYS inedible and they would be better off returning to their box of salt & sugar snacks. This is likely the cheaper option.
Agree , travel for transportation!! The food is simply awful , I have to say a lit of business have had their struggles and are working through them , American is not even trying
Been on a lot of flights this year. Mostly AA. And honestly, as an Executive Platinum member... The food is ridiculous. Basically I just say no now. It should be unacceptable to anyone regardless of status. It's simply bad food. I asked for pretzels. From the main cabin.
I’m certain at this point the food AA serves is intentionally unappealing in an effort to encourage passengers to bring their own. And then a year from now they can stop serving food altogether and tell us “Customers told us they prefer to bring their own meals.” Watch.
The pimento cheese “sandwich” was the worst first class meal ever! The only thing I ate on the tray was the brownie.
Notice how they call it “turkey” and not “turkey breast”. They are probably using the cheapest cut of turkey to make the loaf that was sliced and served to you.
I'm a loyal UA patron so terrible first class food is the norm for me.
Yes and it was awful
When I was offered this sandwich they called it turkey pastrami. I was expecting it to have both Turkey and pastrami and I was planning to take out the pastrami. After receiving the sandwich I asked where the Turkey was and they explained that it was Turkey pastrami. It looked and smelled awful. I have has some of the Salad/bowls recently and they were not as awful.
Unfortunately, this is not turkey. It is turkey pastrami. Hence it does not look like the turkey and cheese morning croissant sandwich. Knowing it is turkey pastrami, which in itself is just cheaper than real pastrami, might help when you take a bite. But lets be clear, both the turkey and turkey pastrami are seriously at the bottom of the food chain regarding cost. This is what motivates American Airlines. There motto should be, "We...
Unfortunately, this is not turkey. It is turkey pastrami. Hence it does not look like the turkey and cheese morning croissant sandwich. Knowing it is turkey pastrami, which in itself is just cheaper than real pastrami, might help when you take a bite. But lets be clear, both the turkey and turkey pastrami are seriously at the bottom of the food chain regarding cost. This is what motivates American Airlines. There motto should be, "We can save a lot of money by giving out customers the least expensive of everything!" They never understood how small impressions make for big results in compliments and maybe loyalty.
I feel like airlines should face out first class in domestic , short international flights and start branding it as premium economy. That would lower expectations , and of course the should price accordingly.
Keep business class on transcontinental routes, and long haul international. Where it makes sense.
My husband works for AA, we have flight benefits through them...therefore one would think I would be happy to fly with them. Nope! Absolutely not! They have lost my luggage 90% of the time (I kid you not), their food is utterly horrible, and they have added more seats to their aircrafts (I also work in the airline industry, I know of where I speak)...so that the passengers are crammed in like sardines. Those seats...
My husband works for AA, we have flight benefits through them...therefore one would think I would be happy to fly with them. Nope! Absolutely not! They have lost my luggage 90% of the time (I kid you not), their food is utterly horrible, and they have added more seats to their aircrafts (I also work in the airline industry, I know of where I speak)...so that the passengers are crammed in like sardines. Those seats that have you questioning whether you have gained weight aren't in your imagination...they have truly put in smaller than standard seats and lessened the leg-room between rows.
Truthfully, just based on those pictures I wouldn't have tasted that food. The cheese was so old it was beginning to harden in spots and the lettuce so wilted, it was no longer edible lettuce. Those were just disgusting...but not surprising.
No airline is perfect, but I'll fly Delta any day over American!
I was served this same garbage on LAX-OGG in FC on Sunday evening. I did taste it and it was disgusting. While I'm glad that glassware has returned, this meal is an abomination for a premium $$ domestic F route.
This of course was after an hour+ of delays with no realistic updates (rolling delays). Once again, I'm reminded of why I'm happy I took my business to UA (1K > EXP).
We took AA first-class to OGG in July, outbound from DFW non-stop and returning with a 3-hour layover stop in PHX. The outbound was fine, with a nice duvet, lay-flat seating, fine flip-up entertainment screens, quiet Bang + Olafson headsets, okay food.
The return flights were - as my son said - "Not First Class." No seatback entertainment screens or devices to FC customers. No blankets outbound from PHX. Couldn't even recline the seats,...
We took AA first-class to OGG in July, outbound from DFW non-stop and returning with a 3-hour layover stop in PHX. The outbound was fine, with a nice duvet, lay-flat seating, fine flip-up entertainment screens, quiet Bang + Olafson headsets, okay food.
The return flights were - as my son said - "Not First Class." No seatback entertainment screens or devices to FC customers. No blankets outbound from PHX. Couldn't even recline the seats, for a night flight back from Maui!! I don't remember any food except terrible "healthy" snack basket from OGG to PHX with rotten things like kale chips and one sneaky potato chip bag in the back that the flight attendant helped me find. On top of that, none of the PHX restaurants except Starbucks (40 people in line) were open when we landed right before 7 a.m. We departed from PHX hungry and wanted our FC money back for the 2-leg return.
I agree with this article 100%!!! The food is horrible, barely edible. Shame on you American Airlines !
every christmas i take american first class from charlotte nc to tacoma wa. i too have been very, very disappointed by american's fare (the edible kind).
what's worse is the fact that when i took a night flight back to the east, they did not even offer a cup of coffee in the morning. i have been true to american, but will have to look at a different airline in the future. i hope someone from american reads all the comments.
My AA domestic flights all exceed 1500 miles and the food offerings in F are better than the infamous Turkey sandwich which I’ve never had. My eight international AA Business Class flights have had decent food this year, on a par with 2019. My advice is don’t get on an AA short haul domestic flight hungry. As for the pilots, there is no shortage of them eating at restaurants in terminals, especially at DFW, probably a clue that the food isn’t good.
Not to mention, while you are trying to eat that nasty meal.....they are losing your bag and take 48 hours to finally get it to you!!
Happened to me last week on a business trip. Had to extend my trip by two days because my suitcase contained my tools and test gear. No offer of compensation or apology from American Airlines. never flying them again
Just returned yesterday from Rome via LHR and DFW to San Diego on a combined AA and BA routes. I regularly decline the food offered in the "short haul" flights (both domestic AA and European BA) and rather have my choices at one of the lounges at the airport (which are, admittedly, somewhat limited nowadays). Unfortunately, I would state that the food selection is only one (and perhaps the smallest) problem associated with air travel these days.
I always wish they would serve those meals at a corporate board meeting. Used to be I'd pick up something at the airport and bring it on board when flying economy. Now I have to do it when flying "First "
The breakfast is no better. They call it a bagel with everything seasoning and it is more like a hoagie bun with seasoning and is very cold. They could do everyone a favor and put a food cart at the boarding gate and let us buy our own food before boarding.
Unfortunately I've found their long haul int'l meals to be nearly as bad. The state of AA's soft product, which was never phenomenal, has really taken an extreme turn for the worse.
Flew AA both ways DFW/LHR in premium economy in the last month.
Outbound flight food was marginally tolerable, the return flight was horrendous and inedible.
In 50 plus years of flying AA the worst experience.
If it makes you feel better, DL long haul premium economy meals are just as disgusting. On the return flight we at least knew better and ate before the flight as the food was inedible. Think a mush that resembles rice paired with another mush that is supposed to be chicken chunks in a soup that should be a sauce. Oh, let’s not forget the side mush they called veggie pâté that made people gag.
Flew with AA yesterday. They had the Turkey sandwich or a “grain salad,” which literally looked like bird food. Disgusting. At least my flight had flat seats, so it was worth paying for first class.
I don't know how it tasted (and I'm not sure if the reported ever tasted it!), but from the photos it looks better than anything I've been served on British Airways in first or business class. But I agree that it is likely the test kitchen and the assembly line are not connected and the original concept does not materialize on tray table.
Not sure what is going on with FC meals. I would rather have the Dollar Tree Frozen meal or a cup of Noodle than these meals. It’s just as bad over at United. They need to get back to basics and fire these crazy chefs.
I fly AA first class from Phoenix to Atlanta in June 2021. For the 20 first class passengers, they had 10 sandwiches and 10 yogurts. They ran out of sandwiches before getting to me. One yogurt. That's all the food for that flight. I'll never fly first class on AA again.
Out of those 10 passengers who got the sandwiches before you, I presume 9 of them would have been left almost uneaten. You probably got a good deal getting your Yogurt lol
OMG, I flew from Puerto Vallarta to Dallas yesterday and this is what we got. The only thing edible on the plate was the lettuce salad and the brookie. It didn't even look like turkey. The potato salad was terrible. Only ate the sandwich because we were really hungry. It was better if you hid the flavor with the leftover ranch dressing.
Can airline service get any worse than this? Have we reach the bottom yet?
I just had that same meal this past week, DFW to SJC, and was appalled. I was hungry so I ate it but it was grotesque. I don’t want to know what that “meat” was. AA, you must be kidding. FC? Seriously? Doug Parker has no shame. Another point, note in Lucky’s photo that the “meat” and cheese are a different shape from the bread, so the passenger gets a bite of bread (only) at the corners. Utterly dumb.
While I'm grateful that there is a vegetarian option, I have to agree it is awful. The potato salad is the highlight (and the brownie). In comparison, United at least offers a hot Cheese and tomato baguette!
Bring back the cheese and fruit platter AA!
Had. Same meal on our flight lax to maui on oct 22 and return nov 3 subway turkey is. Gourmet food compared to what aa serves
My turkey wsdnt red. But only one thin slice. Still revolting. Nothingg shoes if revolting.
Short of revolting I meant to type
Whatever you do, DON’T take out your issues with the food on the flight attendants. They have zero control over the food, nor are they responsible for your complaints. Be nice to them. They’re dealing with a lot right now.
@Sarah
Yes. Just wait until all the flight cancellations and people not getting home for thanksgiving or Christmas. In the grand scheme of things does crappy food matter ?
My guess is the test kitchen QA team all have or had COVID and cannot taste anything at all now. Apparently it has affected eyesight, too, as that is the only explanation for the wilted lettuce.
We'll have low or no expectations next week for MIA-BON...
Why was the turkey red? Like salami red...
I'll have to find out tomorrow when I fly. I've had their First Class Meals in the past (before the pandemic) and while they varied based on type and length of flight, they weren't very bad. I think that when food service resumed after the height of the pandemic they were relegated to items that were simple and prepackaged and I'm sure that meals will get better after the pandemic has subsided. With that said, I can report on taste after my flight.
EP here as well, and it's like AA can't make up their mind if they really want to cater meals in 1st or not. Not only are the sandwiches terrible, it's also apparently the only two options they have..I've been offered those sandwiches on early morning flights as breakfast options. Personally, I'd rather AA not bother until they're ready to bring back real catering again.
@Doug
How much better do you think buying a $13 ready to go sandwich from an airport terminal kiosk is ?
I've witnessed the sandwich. Trust me, the ready to go is better at TGI Friday's for example is better. Much better.
That’s exactly the place I was thinking of. Haha. But crappy meals aside this hit piece is so Unnecessary right now. Anyone complaining about food on their complementary AA upgrade is either out of touch with reality or jet lagged.
This tells me they aren’t concerned about catering to First Class passengers. If they were you would see a true first class meal. When you are purchasing a first class ticket, you are doing it for the comfort of the seat but not for the food.
EP here and didn't know how bad things were until I tried Alaska recently. I started PAYING for AK first after that whenever routes align and price is right. AA JFK-LAX recent dinner was fine, but so much inconsistency. Can we have decent coffee in a proper mug/cup?? Portions hit or miss, so much plastic wraps everywhere! Let's not forget the cold dinner roll.
Catering is purely based on how much an airline is willing to spend on it. There are two parts to the: The set up (sides, etc) and the main. Both have specific “per item” charges (the entire set up being “one item”). If you pay $10.00 for the main, you will get a decent meal if it is prepared properly (in the kitchen then once again on the aircraft). If you pay $1.00 for the...
Catering is purely based on how much an airline is willing to spend on it. There are two parts to the: The set up (sides, etc) and the main. Both have specific “per item” charges (the entire set up being “one item”). If you pay $10.00 for the main, you will get a decent meal if it is prepared properly (in the kitchen then once again on the aircraft). If you pay $1.00 for the meal, well, you get what you get.
Two things we cannot know: 1) Exactly how much per meal AA pays. We can assume from the overall quality of the meal, not a lot. I suspect this has much to do with the high number of upgrades to F (and not many $$ pax). 2) Inconsistent quality of the catering. The latter for cold meals is resolved by boarding the meal on the outbound flight and serving it on the return. If you have a bad meal going out, it will be worse on the return, especially if this is a sandwich which is not vacuum sealed (most aren’t).
Right now, we are seeing a slow return to pre-pandemic levels and each carrier is slowly reintroducing meal service based on their own criteria. What we cannot know is how AA is approaching this. We can guess, but I’d rather not speculate on what AA is doing.
The only thing to be done is tell them about this problem and if that doesn’t work, then fly someone else. A drop in premium passengers combined with feedback will make them change their behavior.
The "turkey" sandwich was actually Turkey Pastrami, one of the cycle 2 lunch choices on domestic first class means for flights 900-1499 miles.
https://onemileatatime.com/american-airlines-first-class-meal-service/
It's like these sandwiches could use a little bit of heat in the ovens...If the aircraft is equipped with them
I thought turkey is a white meat (well it is in the UK) that looks more like mortadella, either way looks awful.
It's actually Turkey Pastrami according to the AA web site - one of the choices on 900-1499 mile domestic flights (about 3 hrs).
I have had the same "turkey" ('cause that isn't real turkey) sandwich 15 times. It's exactly the same as you described every stinking time.
I just had to keep loling at the low expectations AA gives.. I’ll be doing a 3 segment first class flight from DFW-PHX-LA on a A321 wish me luck
The concession workers at Sky Harbor are on strike, don't expect to eat anything during your layover.
I had the pleasure of having a hot meal onboard UA Business Class EWR-CUN a few days ago, which consisted of chicken with rice (bland and unbelievably dry), some fruit, an inedible chocolate pie thing (served on a plate - basically pie crust with some cheap chocolate flavoured cream stuff) and a very moist (read: soggy) pretzel roll with butter. The roll was the only edible item. Paired with the 90s seating (seat cushions really...
I had the pleasure of having a hot meal onboard UA Business Class EWR-CUN a few days ago, which consisted of chicken with rice (bland and unbelievably dry), some fruit, an inedible chocolate pie thing (served on a plate - basically pie crust with some cheap chocolate flavoured cream stuff) and a very moist (read: soggy) pretzel roll with butter. The roll was the only edible item. Paired with the 90s seating (seat cushions really beyond their end of life) and subpar inseat entertainment onboard their 738, easily one of the worst flights I've had. Most Y hot meals have been better both from a pure nutritional standpoint as well as presentation and taste wise.
I'm curious what the flight back will look like, both in terms of hard product as well as catering wise. Looking forward to "breakfast", and hope that the lunch offers at UAs equally dated Club in EWR are at least somewhat more edible - though I keep my expectations low as I've sampled their breakfast offerings recently.
Disgrace for 1st class on American especially what you pay for a ticket. But our flight home didn't have anything except a tiny bag of mixed nuts. No coffee, water or wine.
I actually liked the turkey sandwich, yea not great on looks but it was actually really tasty. Put me in the disagree with you column on this one.
If you liked it, then you're a fan of Turkey Pastrami!
Add enough MSG to most any "meat" or other foodstuff and it will taste great! Good luck with your stomach my friend!
I eat the cheese sandwich on a recent flight to Dallas. It was edible but disappointing. Like a child could make a better sandwich.
Hmm I wonder whats worse, this or the lobster roll Lucky had not too long ago.
I was on OAX to DFW yesterday. I actually like this sandwich. The hummus and crackers that come with the pimento sandwich are good, too.
Absolutely disgusting. I had a similar experience with the "turkey pastrami sandwich". The only edible thing is the wrapped brownie. Oh American. But UA and DL are not really better, unfortunately. Not much of a choice, other that eating before boarding
OMG, that is so disgusting! Is this even allowed to be called "food"? AA should be AAshamed of even having the nerves to serve something that looks like puke!
Pilots get served the same meals. We don’t eat them either. Just make sure they’re boarded as they’re a contractual obligation. Even the head pilot managers tell us they wouldn’t eat them, and if there is something wrong with them or they’re missing to go into the terminal and get proper nourishment.
This is how little the executives at American think of you.
It's considered bad form to trash the company you work for - union member or not.
It’s also considered bad form to have a company show equal disdain for their employees. This is by no means a one-way street…the company has thrown employee groups and employees under the bus multiple times, in words and in practice.
AA pilots have an industry-lagging contract that the company STILL chooses to violate. The union is speaking up for pilots, but the company has no interest in coming to the table. Please forgive a...
It’s also considered bad form to have a company show equal disdain for their employees. This is by no means a one-way street…the company has thrown employee groups and employees under the bus multiple times, in words and in practice.
AA pilots have an industry-lagging contract that the company STILL chooses to violate. The union is speaking up for pilots, but the company has no interest in coming to the table. Please forgive a pilot for venting online. He can’t strike (thanks RLA!) and the frustrations behind the daily beatings the company dolls out are hard to keep bottled up. Other pilot groups at other airlines enjoy much better quality of life, better pay, better schedule flexibility, trip ownership, better food when on the plane, better accommodations while on the road, etc.
Looks a little better honestly than what United serving in Polaris out of GRU this month - TV dinner bad, all plastic including one drink all on one tray placed/thrown at you by surly/almost absent crew - inedible doesn’t do it justice….. meanwhile delta doing cart service and crew visible…..This pandemic excuse for truncated abysmal service is going to last how long??? Planes now full, time to up the shaming game or just avoid if possible
Now imagine being forced to eat that same “meal” for months on end because you’re stuck in a plane for work. That’s what us pilots get to put up with since we are served the same food that you get.
Yes, flight from Dallas to NY got the famed turkey sandwich ... I called it flying circa 1974 Belarussian airways TERRIBLE! white paddy looking salad looked like puke ... gross ... I'd rather they give nothing than embarrass themselves
I received the turkey once. It was every bit as dreadful as yours. I also wonder what the disgusting looking second salad was (the non mixed green one) - do they expect people to eat that???
Not even took a bite of each？Just for scientific purposes？
That's what I was wondering. It says something about things tasting bad, but they didnt taste anything?
I have had the same "turkey" ('cause that isn't real turkey) sandwich 15 times. It's exactly the same as you described every stinking time.
Calling that "turkey" is fraud at best. I'll avoid AA until I see writeups on catering improvements.
AA used to have their own actual employees embedded at that major catering kitchens. Working at the facility full-time, performing audits and making sure all of AA’s specs were followed. During all the Covid layoffs “voluntary” early outs, these positions were eliminated.
Not sure what is worst. My United flight was delayed by almost 2 hours because they forgot to cater the plane. Based on my low expectations I thought that not having food on board was a blessing. Well, United insisted to cater the plane for a 1 hour and 30 minutes flight. Yes, it took them 2 hours to cater a plane that was going to fly for 90 minutes. Anyway, I was seated in...
Not sure what is worst. My United flight was delayed by almost 2 hours because they forgot to cater the plane. Based on my low expectations I thought that not having food on board was a blessing. Well, United insisted to cater the plane for a 1 hour and 30 minutes flight. Yes, it took them 2 hours to cater a plane that was going to fly for 90 minutes. Anyway, I was seated in first class so thought something good would be served. However, I got a small bottle of tap, I mean Dasani, water and a Biscoff. Yes, that was the first class meal so I can only imagine what they served in coach. What a disgrace.
I just flew on Alaska this past Saturday and I had the Korean BBQ …..I must say it was the best BBQ/ steak I had on a plane and I’ve flown over2 million miles …..So happy I switched to Alaska 4 or 5 years ago
Alaska is a small airline. It is easier to manage their catering. Can't compare. Samemgoes for jetblue. Very few of their planes have a mint cabin. Quality control is much easier.
@Ben - any particular recommendations for SMA? I’ll be there in two days and would love to hear your favorites!
Somebody at AA must love pimentos. Just had a turkey & cheese sandwich which was smothered in pimentos. Yuck. Don’t forget their “everything bagels” that are not bagels in either the dough or the shape (square). Or, the “classic yoghurt” which is really a sugar & fruit jelly mixture with some fake yoghurt along for the ride. These are not first class meals. Somebody in their catering dept needs to try and eat a full...
Somebody at AA must love pimentos. Just had a turkey & cheese sandwich which was smothered in pimentos. Yuck. Don’t forget their “everything bagels” that are not bagels in either the dough or the shape (square). Or, the “classic yoghurt” which is really a sugar & fruit jelly mixture with some fake yoghurt along for the ride. These are not first class meals. Somebody in their catering dept needs to try and eat a full meal of what they are serving on an airplane. I’ll bet that they couldn’t finish their meal.
At least the turkey on AA First Class breakfast looks like actual Turkey. I agree...I would love to know who approves this meals outright.
They have a Turkey croissant sandwich and a Turkey Pastrami meal that was shown in this article. The writer obviously didn't care to do enough research to write about it correctly.
I also had the turkey pastrami sandwich earlier this month. It was flat out disgusting. I only ate the salad. I thought it would be sliced turkey with sliced pastrami that I could just take off the sandwich. I've seen canned spam that looked more appetizing.
A classic example of why American airlines do and cannot compare with the major international airlines, i.e Emirates, Qatar, Singapore and the list could go on forever. It is like their service. We are talking about 1st class. Would you get that on Emirates in 1st ??
There is a simple solution stay away from any airline that is US owned, operated they are TERRIBLE
Yes I’ve had this slop before but am just grateful the pilots and crew even show up these days. Everyone is exhausted. Good luck this thanksgiving. Lima-Golf-Bravo.
Wrong airline - that was Southwest.
I do not understand how/why this is so difficult. A nice salad would be better than this slop.
I had the turkey/pastrami thing in first class recently. It tastes as bad as it looks. It had the flavor of expired hot dog casings and dirt. It’s where tastebuds go to die. A fight broke out over the leftover fries from some kid’s happy meal.
Lol, I had the turkey pastrami sandwich on AA twice in the past week. Definitely looks horrible but it wasn't bad. Bread was not hard and the "pastrami" wasn't bad. Now that accompanying potato salad? Really bad. AA def needs to stop their catering game up. Would give it a 4 out of 10 currently. 3 points for the champagne lmao.
Very entertaining, Lucky! Keep up the humor while telling it like it is.
I had the turkey one on a flight recently, and it was described by the FA as “turkey pastrami” which I thought was more accurate. I didn’t hate it with that expectation going in.
This definitely does not look appealing. Question though.
You say in your closing remarks "When they create these meals in the test kitchen and approve the concept, does it taste this bad?"
I didnt see anywhere (or maybe I missed it) you mention anything about the taste of these food items. Did you actually taste them? If not, how do you know how bad they may or may not have tasted? They certainly *look* bad,...
This definitely does not look appealing. Question though.
You say in your closing remarks "When they create these meals in the test kitchen and approve the concept, does it taste this bad?"
I didnt see anywhere (or maybe I missed it) you mention anything about the taste of these food items. Did you actually taste them? If not, how do you know how bad they may or may not have tasted? They certainly *look* bad, but I dont see any comments on the taste.
That "meat" doesnt look like any turkey I've ever seen. Very strange. Will avoid. Thanks for the morning entertainment.
I'm ok with Lucky being Lucky enough to live another day and review another flight rather than eat that crap.
I feel that the US airlines food is inspired by MacDonalds. Warmed up s&$t at best. I had the ‘pleasure’ of an International J class breakfast with UA. Air Canada’s break domestic on a 90 min flight is way better!
I refer to Y class meals as an ‘inflight insult’. UA breakfast is the same. Crew were embarrassed !
Why the unwarranted attack on McDonalds? They're no gourmet dining experience, but I find McDonalds to be moderately tasty, appetizing in appearance, and most importantly, consistent anywhere in the world you eat it. Nothing like the garbage in these pictures.
I would be very happy to be served a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets on any airline.
You mean those McNuggets that have no shred of chicken in them? Yeah sure... *slaps forehead*
As I mentioned earlier, we Americans give zero value for food, and have no food culture. Thank goodness those immigrants arrived with their food, or else we'd be chewing bison innards and still be happy about it.
Because we Americans don't care about food, and food is never part of our culture.
Have you wondered what you consume while eating those humongous chicken breasts, or red colored beef?
I have stopped buying meats ate grocery stores - they gross me out. Luckily, I am surrounded by farms where I live in Florida and get eggs, chicken, lamb, goat, beef and pork from them.
We would rather whine about our...
Because we Americans don't care about food, and food is never part of our culture.
Have you wondered what you consume while eating those humongous chicken breasts, or red colored beef?
I have stopped buying meats ate grocery stores - they gross me out. Luckily, I am surrounded by farms where I live in Florida and get eggs, chicken, lamb, goat, beef and pork from them.
We would rather whine about our health insurance, medical bills and plans, doctors etc. and still eat crappy food! Name me a country where 50% of the ads are aired about pills and how they might kill you if you're not careful.
In all honesty, what food we can claim American that is presentable? Fries? Pizza? Grilled meats? None of them belong to us.
Totally agree. I’ve flown FC a lot this past month and the food is the worst I’ve ever seen. I said so on my recent “how was your trip survey.” The turkey pastrami may be the worst airline meal I’ve had on any airline. So over AA.
On our last American flight, we had a salad which was described as a taco salad with steak. It looked awful. The flight attendant whispered in our ear, please submit a complaint, they might listen to you, that looks like dog sh*t.
Me too - I had that meal. The “salad” part of the meal was dreadful and nothing like anything that I’ve seen in a taco. One bight was too much. Meat portion was bland, but not awful. There was a scoop of hummus on the side - how does that relate to a taco? Hummus was edible, after scraping off the pimento. As a fellow EP, I was on a complimentary upgrade, so I have nothing (else) to complain about.