American Airlines Upgrades First-Class Food And Wine Menus

First- and business- class passengers are in for a treat. American Airlines will add tapas-style fare to their transcontinental flights on July 1 and domestic flights on August 1, according to Barbara DeLollis, a spokesperson for American Airlines.

DeLollis said that American Airlines wanted to take healthy approach by creating light meals with vegetarian options and less use of heavy sauces. "We know we have to compete with all of the products we offer, including our first-class menus," DeLollis said. "Focusing on our food is one way we're working to improve our the customer experience. Food preferences have changed, and we want to keep pace with the latest culinary trends."

Transcontinental flights will have spicy crab with sushi rice, avocado, and wasabi aioli to start; lobster risotto with shaved Brussels sprouts or Wagyu meatloaf with sriracha ketchup for the main course; baby sunburst squash and zucchini for a side of vegetables; and an ice cream sundae for dessert.

Shorter domestic flights in the United States will offer antipasto skewers, kale and romaine salad, beef filet with lobster with mac and cheese, and lentil chili with polenta cakes.

Some of the menu items were inspired by Hawaii-based chef Sam Choy, like the Wagyu meatloaf and a panko crusted mahi mahi with barley fried rice. Menu items vary depending on the time of day and flight destination.

The airline's Flagship Lounges and wine program will also receive an upgrade, which will be offered starting on July 15. All dinners in the first and business class cabins can be paired with a complementing wine.