**American Airlines Meal Pre-Order Program: An In-Depth Overview**
American Airlines provides a meal pre-order service for qualified premium travelers, allowing them to choose their meals between 30 days and 20 hours before their flight. This offering differs from ordering meals based on dietary needs and guarantees that passengers receive their first preference while possibly enjoying a wider variety of options.
**Choose Your Meal Ahead of Time**
American Airlines is at the forefront of meal pre-ordering technology, outpacing Delta and United in this domain. For over ten years, the airline has allowed pre-selection of main dishes on many first and business class routes. Here’s how it functions:
**Eligible Flights for Meal Selection**
Passengers in first and business class can choose their meals on flights with meal service. This facility is applicable on American Airlines flights, excluding codeshare routes operated by other carriers. It does not extend to flights where only light refreshments are offered.
**Timing for Meal Selection**
Travelers can select their meals from 20 hours to 30 days before their flight. It’s vital to complete the selection before the 20-hour deadline, as the pre-order system shuts down at that time.
**Steps to Pre-Select Your Meal**
Choosing a meal in advance is simple. Go to aa.com and use the booking management feature to locate your eligible itinerary. Provide your six-digit record locator or sign into your AAdvantage account. On the itinerary management page, navigate to the “Passengers” section, click the pencil icon next to “Inflight food,” and select from the options provided.
If accessing through the American Airlines app, log into your AAdvantage account, go to the “Trips” tab, click “Manage trip,” and find the same details.
**Available Meal Selections for Pre-Selection**
The pre-selection feature grants access to meals served onboard and often includes extra options unavailable to those who wait until they board. For instance, there may be a healthy greens and grains bowl or a fruit and cheese assortment. The meal pre-order page offers thorough descriptions of each choice, providing more details than flight attendants may share during the flight.
**Difference from Special Meal Orders**
American Airlines also provides special meals for passengers with dietary needs, which can be reserved using the same process. Special meals are offered on long-haul international flights and selected domestic routes for first and business class travelers. When you choose a special meal, it includes the full meal, complete with appetizers and desserts.
**Benefits of Pre-Selecting Your Meal**
American Airlines typically stocks a quantity of meals that matches the number of passengers in premium cabins. Without pre-selection, travelers may not receive their first choice. Pre-ordering guarantees access to preferred options and extra selections not available once onboard.
**FAQs about American Airlines Meal Pre-Order**
1. **Can you pre-order meals on American Airlines?**
Yes, eligible first and business class travelers can pre-select meals on flights offering meal service.
2. **How far in advance can you pre-order a meal?**
Meal pre-selection is possible between 30 days and 20 hours before departure.
3. **How do you pre-order a meal?**
Use the American Airlines website or app, navigate to the booking management section, and locate the “Inflight food” area.
4. **Does pre-ordering provide more meal options?**
Often, yes. Pre-ordering can offer additional selections not found onboard.
5. **Is pre-ordering mandatory?**
No, it is optional but advisable for those concerned about their meal preferences.
6. **Can you pre-order a special meal?**
Yes, special meals for dietary restrictions can be requested via the reservation system.
**Conclusion**
Pre-selecting your meal on American Airlines is highly advisable for first and business class passengers. It guarantees access to preferred and additional food options, enhancing the dining experience in-flight.