American Airlines adds summer salads and European-inspired dishes to inflight menus

There is no official word on how long the summer salads will remain on the menu; they may be replaced by different offerings in the winter season.

Prior to this update, American Airlines served other salad dishes in first class that included ingredients like eggs, avocado, cucumber, onions, nuts, pumpkin or squash, olives, peppers, and bundt cake as a side item. Feedback from travelers noted the freshness of these meals.

In addition to the new salads for domestic routes, American Airlines launched European-inspired menu items starting June 11. These dishes are available in Flagship Business and premium cabins on select transatlantic flights connecting U.S. cities with destinations such as Paris (CDG), Nice (NCE), Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE), Naples (NAP), Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), London (LHR), Edinburgh (EDI), and Dublin (DUB). The European menu features entrees like ratatouille inspired by Provence in France; herbed short rib referencing Italy’s Amalfi Coast; spaetzle from Germany; seafood paella representing Spain; and mustard-crusted lamb reflecting cuisine from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

American Airlines also updated its economy class buy-on-board menu as of June 1. Passengers now have access to new snack baskets in premium cabins depending on time of day—morning selections include clementines and granola bites while midday offers cookies and cheese straws—and can purchase items such as steak sliders or tapas boxes containing olives and dried apricots. On some flights departing London or Paris for Europe-bound travelers in premium cabins, afternoon tea service is being tested.

To improve flexibility for passengers who receive upgrades close to departure time or wish to change their meal choices late in the process, American Airlines extended its preorder window: meals can now be selected up to 20 hours before departure rather than 16 hours previously.

Meal selection processes differ by cabin class. Premium cabin customers can choose their meals up to 30 days ahead but not later than 20 hours before departure. Main cabin travelers receive complimentary non-alcoholic drinks on flights over 250 miles but must purchase alcoholic beverages separately; snacks are offered on select longer routes.

Other airlines have also begun offering healthier inflight options in response to changing customer preferences toward fresh ingredients during summer months.

"Is that a salad with a side salad? They both look fresh- and a welcome variation on the usual meat and three!!"

"Looks like a normal home made salad….but this one is from AA"