American Airlines brings fresh food back to NY-Chicago first class for first time since 2019

Skip Navigation Markets Business Investing Tech Politics & Policy Video Watchlist Investing Club PRO Livestream Menu Key Points American Airlines said it plans to offer fresh food on flights between New York and Chicago. It's the first time in about seven years that the options are available, a spokeswoman said. The additions are part of American's push to win over more premium customers after falling behind United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. In this article AAL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT An American Airlines plane taxis at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois on Jan. 15, 2026. Daniel Slim | AFP | Getty Images American Airlines said Wednesday it's bringing small, fresh "bites" to first class on flights between its hubs in New York and Chicago, the carrier's latest effort to win over higher-spending customers . The changes start this month. Customers will be able to pick between two options, which include prosciutto and melon or apple cinnamon chia pudding for breakfast and a Thai noodle salad or mezze plate for lunch and dinner, American said Wednesday. Read more about airlines' race to win over big spenders Alaska Airlines unveils massive premium cabin overhaul in high-end travel race Budget airline king Bill Franke warms to first-class seats and premium upgrades United ditches more economy seats to make room for bigger premium cabins with new layouts Caviar and privacy: Airlines' business-class wars are here American Airlines is arriving late to the luxury travel boom. Can it catch up? First-class seats are getting so fancy they’re holding up new airplanes Airlines can’t add high-end seats fast enough as travelers treat themselves to first class American last offered fresh food for first class on these routes in 2019, a spokeswoman said. Currently, customers in first class on these flights get a smaller, packaged snack. Airlines largely have limited food options for shorter flights, even in first class. American has fallen behind Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profits and investments in premium options. The airline has been working to step up those premium offerings in recent years with new cabins, lounges and plans for seatback screens on its narrow-body fleets. Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.