AI Image

American Airlines brings fresh food back to NY-Chicago first

CNBC • November 11, 2026 • business

Key Points:

American Airlines is reintroducing small, fresh "bites" in first class on flights between its New York and Chicago hubs starting this month, aiming to attract higher-spending customers.
Passengers can choose from options like prosciutto and melon or apple cinnamon chia pudding for breakfast, and Thai noodle salad or a mezze plate for lunch and dinner.
The airline had last offered fresh food on these routes in 2019 but currently only provides smaller, packaged snacks in first class.
This move comes as American Airlines seeks to catch up with competitors Delta and United, which have outpaced it in profits and premium service investments.
Recent efforts by American include upgrading cabins, lounges, and planning seatback screens on narrow-body aircraft to enhance the premium travel experience.