American Airlines Adds Tequila, Afternoon Tea, and New Menus in Summer Inflight Overhaul
The airline updated its inflight service with tequila, new snack options, afternoon tea, and expanded entertainment across select routes
Photo: Airbus A321XLR, Main Cabin. Courtesy of American Airlines
American Airlines is introducing a wide range of updates to its inflight service this summer, focusing on more diverse food and beverage options and expanded inflight entertainment content.
The airline’s latest adjustments reflect broader trends in premium cabin expectations, loyalty program integration, and increased regional menu variety across both domestic and international routes.
Tequila Now Boarding
For the first time, American is adding tequila to its inflight alcoholic beverage menu. The carrier has selected Socorro Tequila, a brand based in Dallas/Fort Worth and produced in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Known for using 100 percent Blue Weber agave and traditional production methods, Socorro’s additive-free tequila will be available on select flights starting June 1, with a systemwide rollout expected by the end of the month.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
The decision to feature a locally connected, premium tequila brand coincides with growing passenger demand for higher-quality spirits at cruising altitude, according to the airline.
This marks a notable expansion of American’s inflight beverage program, particularly compared to other U.S. carriers that have been slower to introduce tequila in economy and domestic cabins.
New Buy-on-Board Options
American is also expanding its buy-on-board menu, specifically for domestic flights over 1,100 miles. Beginning June 1, new offerings will include heartier and more varied selections, such as a Steak and Pimento Cheese Sandwich—a Southern-inspired option featuring bold flavors that stand apart from typical airline fare.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Also debuting is a Tray-Table Tapas selection, which includes olives, dried apricots, pita chips, beef jerky, pistachios, white cheddar dip, and brownie brittle.
In addition, the menu will feature Brooklyn Biltong Steakhouse Jerky, a high-protein, air-dried beef snack geared toward travelers seeking a more substantial alternative to standard snacks.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
These additions will complement existing options such as the fruit and cheese plate and the Tostitos Snack Box, which includes bite-sized chips and salsa.
Snack Basket Overhaul in Premium Cabins
Starting June 11, American is introducing a third snack basket rotation for premium cabin passengers on select routes. The new midday snack basket complements the existing morning and afternoon rotations and includes items such as Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, Garrett White Cheddar Popcorn, Cooper’s Cheese Straws, and BobbySue’s Everything Goes Nuts.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Here’s a breakdown of the revised lineup:
- Morning: Clementine, granola bites, turkey jerky stick, seed-based breakfast bar, apple chips, pistachios.
- Midday: Cookies, cheese straws, granola bakes, beef jerky.
- Afternoon: Mini vanilla cookies, sea salt chips, oat bars, cauliflower puffs, pistachios, jerky.
These baskets are offered in addition to plated meals on longer flights and form part of the airline’s broader strategy to provide more flexible and diverse food options throughout the day.
Teatime on Transatlantic Routes
In a service trial aimed at enhancing the long-haul inflight experience, American has begun testing a new afternoon tea service on inbound flights from London and Paris. Available in all cabins, the offering includes finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, and hot tea.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
The initiative brings American closer in line with legacy European and Asian carriers that emphasize regional culinary experiences, particularly in premium cabins.
Entertainment Updates
American’s inflight beverage and entertainment offerings are also receiving seasonal updates. On the non-alcoholic side, LaCroix Lime has been replaced with LaCroix Limoncello—a lemon-vanilla sparkling water flavor chosen through internal customer and employee voting.
The airline is also expanding its streaming content library, adding lifestyle and culinary programs from QVC+ and HSN+, including “Getting Grilled with Curtis Stone” and “Busy This Week” hosted by Busy Philipps. These new additions focus on home, wellness, and food, offering lighter entertainment options for leisure and business travelers alike.
American Airlines Premium Economy. Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Furthermore, First and Business Class customers on Flagship transcontinental routes, Hawaii flights, and U.S.-inbound international flights will no longer be required to return their Bang & Olufsen headsets to flight attendants. Instead, headsets may now be left at the seat at the end of the flight, simplifying deplaning and reducing wear on the premium audio equipment.
Aiming for More Flexibility and Choice
These enhancements represent the latest in a series of incremental inflight service updates American has implemented in 2024. While they do not amount to a full overhaul of the airline’s onboard product, they aim to offer travelers more choice, regional diversity, and payment flexibility—particularly through the integration of AAdvantage miles and contactless payments.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
In the first week of June, American will also launch its inaugural flight on the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with the highly anticipated Flagship Suite. Business Traveler will be onboard for this milestone and will report live from the flight—follow our website and social feeds for updates.
