American Airlines Introduces Fresh Lounge and In-Flight Dining Options

As spring travel takes off, so do new flavors aboard American Airlines flights and in its Admirals Club lounges. Starting this March, passengers will be treated to a fresh array of dishes and beverages, including all-American sliders and fries, regionally inspired lounge spreads, and a selection of premium spirits.

Additionally, the airline is rolling out a new way for customers to pay, allowing AAdvantage miles to be used for food and drinks.

“As spring travel heats up, our customers are eager to see new food and drinks across our menus,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer.

“Whereas warm comfort foods like soups rule the skies in the fall and winter, the spring season has people craving fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as tried-and-true summer dishes like our new sliders and fries.”

Expanded Dining Options

The updated menu will debut in Admirals Club lounges on March 4 and will be available on flights beginning March 12.

Passengers flying in premium cabins on short-haul domestic routes over 900 miles will have the option to preorder sliders and fries, a menu item that was previously tested at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

The addition of burger sliders to the airline’s inflight menu likely aims to compete with Delta’s expanding Shake Shack partnership on more U.S. flights.

Breakfast choices will also expand, with new options such as a white cheddar and Monterey Jack omelet and a smothered veggie and cheese frittata.

In Admirals Club lounges, the menu will reflect regional flavors with various breakfast and all-day dishes. In Miami, travelers can customize their meals with build-your-own tacos, while in Dallas-Fort Worth, an Argentina beef empanada with roasted red pepper chimichurri will be available.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

At the Nashville lounge, edamame shrimp teriyaki will be served, adding a fresh and flavorful choice to the menu. Other locations will offer selections such as a Mediterranean breakfast egg scramble in Chicago and orange peel tempura chicken in Los Angeles.

For those seeking quick snacks, grab-and-go options will include oatmeal bars, peanut butter dates, dark chocolate sea salt granola snack packs, and caramel and cheese popcorn.

Regional Lounge Spreads

American Airlines is also improving its lounge experience with a selection of regionally inspired dishes, ensuring that travelers get a taste of local flavors before even stepping onto their flights. Each Admirals Club lounge will offer a thoughtfully curated breakfast and all-day menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and culinary traditions from across the country.

In Austin, early risers can start their day with maple strawberry chia overnight oats, a creamy and nutritious blend of oats, fresh fruit, and maple syrup. Later in the day, the lounge will serve roasted jalapeño hummus, bringing a touch of Texas heat to a smooth and flavorful dip.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Boston travelers will find comfort in a warm banana caramel bread pudding in the morning, while the afternoon menu features honey miso shrimp with vegetable yakisoba, crispy onions, hoisin sauce, and scallions, delivering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Those passing through Charlotte can enjoy mixed berry French toast at breakfast, a dish that combines the richness of custard-soaked bread with the tart sweetness of fresh berries. As the day progresses, the lounge will offer sweet and sour pork with pineapple, brown rice, quinoa, toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and chili crisp—a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Chicago travelers will wake up to a Mediterranean breakfast egg scramble infused with fresh herbs and vegetables, while later in the day, a green goddess cabbage feta salad provides a light and refreshing meal option.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

In Dallas/Fort Worth, a cheddar omelet fold with chipotle chimichurri sauce starts the morning with a smoky and slightly spicy kick. For the afternoon, travelers can enjoy a hearty Argentina beef empanada with roasted red pepper chimichurri, a nod to South American cuisine.

Denver’s lounge will offer maple strawberry chia overnight oats for breakfast, a nourishing start to the day. The all-day menu features honey mustard pork loin with spring onion and sage, a dish that balances sweetness with savory depth.

Los Angeles travelers will find a roasted tomato feta breakfast wrap with salsa verde, combining Mediterranean and Latin flavors in a single dish. For an all-day option, orange peel tempura chicken with roasted red pepper and onion delivers a zesty, crispy, and flavorful meal.

In Miami, scrambled eggs with parmesan and tomato make for a simple yet satisfying breakfast, while later in the day, guests can build their own tacos with spicy chicken, roasted veggies, soft tortillas, and shredded cheddar—an option that reflects the city’s vibrant food scene.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth Inter-national Airport / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Nashville offers a Southwest salsa verde breakfast wrap in the morning, bringing together bold flavors with eggs, salsa, and cheese. The all-day menu highlights edamame shrimp teriyaki with carrots and water chestnuts, a dish that combines Asian-inspired flavors with a touch of Southern hospitality.

New York’s LaGuardia lounge will feature a build-your-own breakfast slider with egg patty and cheddar cheese, allowing travelers to customize their meal to their liking. For lunch and dinner, fig and balsamic chicken with caponata brown rice will be available, offering a fusion of Mediterranean flavors with mozzarella, walnuts, lemon wedges, garlic chips, and crumbled blue cheese.

Philadelphia guests can start the day with raspberry chia pudding, a refreshing and nutrient-packed option. The all-day menu features a chickpea edamame salad with mint and lemon, a light yet protein-rich dish perfect for a quick bite.

Phoenix rounds out the lineup with a turmeric blueberry quinoa salad with cashews for breakfast, offering a bright and antioxidant-packed start to the day. Later, a Southwest bean salad will be available, highlighting bold spices and fresh ingredients.

Beverages and Spirits

Admirals Club lounges will also introduce new beverage selections. According to the airline, its bartenders poured more than 420,000 glasses of complimentary sparkling wine last year, and this spring, travelers will have a wider range of premium spirits to choose from.

The lounge has arched windows that overlook the terminal walkway / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

The updated selection includes gin, bourbon whiskey, tequila, elderflower liqueur, and coffee liqueur, catering to a variety of preferences.

For those looking for non-alcoholic choices, the airline will have a rotating mocktail available, with the March selection featuring a peach-infused option. Additional beverages, such as Irish cream and espresso martini mix, will also be offered.

Pay with Miles Option

American Airlines is introducing a new payment option that allows customers to use AAdvantage miles for food and beverages. This change provides passengers with additional flexibility when purchasing meals and drinks, whether in the air or at an Admirals Club lounge.

American Airlines AAdvantage / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

With these updates, American Airlines is adapting its onboard and lounge experience to reflect seasonal tastes and traveler preferences. The introduction of regional dishes, expanded beverage offerings, and more payment flexibility ensures that passengers have a wider variety of options when flying with the airline.