Despite not necessarily pouring significant resources into catering, airlines enjoy being inventive with their first-class offerings, as it tends to resonate with passengers. A prime example is Delta’s collaboration with Shake Shack, which has garnered a lot of attention. In a similar vein, American has unveiled a new catering partnership that is likely to be a favorite among travelers.
American introducing Pecan Lodge barbecue platters & brisket
In the upcoming weeks, American Airlines is set to introduce Texas barbecue on select flights, thanks to a partnership with Pecan Lodge restaurant. The airline notes that Pecan Lodge was established in 2010 and has earned accolades for its Central Texas-style barbecue, which will be served inflight for the first time. I’m not an expert on barbecue any more than I am on football, so I’ll leave the assessment of their reputation to others.
This catering partnership will launch on routes between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and New York, including service to LaGuardia (LGA) and Kennedy (JFK). It will only be available via pre-order, requiring you to secure it at least 20 hours ahead of your flight, either through the American website or app. The menu will change monthly, and here’s what’s been announced so far:
– In February 2026, travelers can anticipate the Pecan Lodge barbecue platter, featuring smoked brisket and smoked sausage, accompanied by creamy mac and cheese, crunchy coleslaw, and a side of pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.
– In March 2026, travelers can expect a smoked chopped brisket sandwich, with chopped brisket served on a fresh brioche bun, alongside roasted green beans, creamy potato salad, and a side of pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.
It wouldn’t shock me if this partnership is both extended and expanded, so we’ll see what unfolds. Here’s how Rhonda Crawford, American’s SVP of Customer Experience Design and Strategy, outlines the plan:
“As we commemorate American’s centenary in 2026, we’re eager to enchant our customers in new ways that celebrate unique regional flavors, starting right here in our home state with one of Texas’s most cherished barbecue establishments. Our customers deserve nothing short of excellence, and Pecan Lodge certainly fits that bill.”
American will commence serving brisket in first class
I’m confident this will appeal to many, though it’s not quite my taste.
It’s well-known that Texas is celebrated for its barbecue, and it’s a cuisine that many hold dear. I appreciate the idea of airlines featuring local and regional dishes, and I commend American for this initiative, embracing its significant hub.
Some individuals stand in lengthy lines and plan trips solely around it. We all possess our own tastes, and personally, it’s not for me (though American surely does not need to tailor its catering to my likes). I imagine View from the Wing will be as thrilled about this as I was over a signed Shawn Mendes photo in Etihad’s The Residence; everyone has their own hobbies, right?
If we’re honest about airplane food, it realistically shouldn’t rival the quality of ground fare, given that it’s prepared hours in advance, reheated, and so on. This doesn’t even take into account the limited budgets allocated for in-flight meals. Still, the fact is that people gravitate towards comfort food, so anything leaning toward the indulgent side tends to be a crowd favorite on a plane (similar to American’s rather average slider & fries).
People appear to enjoy American’s slider & fries?
Personally (just my opinion!), I would prefer the airline attempt to provide simpler, healthier options. I have an upcoming first-class flight with American that offers a cheese plate, creamy pasta, chicken breast with cheese tortellini, or two varieties of short rib.
Am I alone in wishing to see a reasonably decent salad or sandwich on the menu, instead of these heavy options that likely aren’t genuinely satisfying? For instance, the salads in Air France’s La Premiere first class are outstanding. Admittedly, that’s among the finest international first class offerings worldwide, but it really shouldn’t be overly challenging to recreate something similar.
I would love a salad like this in first class!
As mentioned, I’m likely in the minority on this one, so I’ll step down from my platform.
Bottom line
American Airlines will begin serving Texas barbecue in first class on flights from Dallas to New York, as part of a new collaboration with Pecan Lodge. These dishes will be available for pre-order, and BBQ platters can be expected in February, followed by brisket sandwiches in March. I’m sure many will appreciate this, and it’s great to see American showcasing regional flavors, even if I’m not an enormous fan of this cuisine.
What’s your take on American’s plans to serve Texas barbecue?