American Airlines Upgrades In-Flight Menu In Time For Summer Travels

Industry watchers are predicting a bumper summer 2023 travel season with consumers returning to the skies in record numbers following an extended Covid pause. That's good news, but it also means travelers are in for a challenge, facing crowded airports and full flights — which makes the quality of in-flight creature comforts, like onboard food service, even more important. American Airlines is taking that message to heart, debuting a new summer menu that's chock-full of fresh options.

American Airlines premium-cabin menus feature a chef-curated assortment of dishes with some options created especially with health-conscious travelers in mind. According to an American Airlines press release, passengers on Flagship Service flights who are seated in both Flagship and business-class cabins on the transcontinental flights can opt for the airline's Plant-Based Bulgogi Noodle Bowl, while those who are participating in the Buy on Board program can enjoy a Fruit and Cheese Plate and Breakfast Bag. Passengers flying in premium cabins from Chicago to Europe can purchase various dishes from Michelin-honored Greek restaurant, Avli on the Park, starting in July.

The Plant-Based Bulgogi Noodle Bowl is a savory combination of yakisoba noodles, stir-fry vegetables, and plant-based pieces of beef. Developed by American Airlines' in-house culinary team, this dish is available through June and will return as a regular item later this year. The Greek-inspired meals include Kagiana egg scramble, which is a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs, tomato, and feta, and beef orzo stew, a main course entrée full of veggies and meat cooked together with the rice-shaped pasta. Other menu items developed in partnership with Avli on the Park include Ouzo Shrimp and Greek Cabbage Salad, Orange Poached Salmon, and Mushroom Penne.

For Buy on Board passengers flying in the airline's main cabin on flights of 1,300 miles or more, the Fruit and Cheese Plate consists of cheese, grapes, and chocolate, while the breakfast bag includes yogurt, granola, and a fig bar. The Fruit and Cheese Plate is available on flights departing between 9:46 a.m and 9 p.m., and the Breakfast Bag is offered on flights departing between 5 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. The new main-cabin snacks are part of a customer-driven rotation adjusted according to sales of specific items.