Good airline food?

Are you ready to have your mind blown? I genuinely enjoyed my in-flight meal on American Airlines last week and I would happily eat it again.

After booking my ticket I attempted to add a gluten-free special meal to my reservation, but American’s website hindered that procedure. After failing the first time, I tried for a second. I called the AAdvantage desk to add the change of food to my reservation. The agent added my gluten-free meal and I was set for my flight. Not sure why the website (mobile and desktop) did not let me add the meal as it had in the past, possibly due to COVID modifications, but I would recommend just calling if you are traveling in the near future.

Still skeptical that my gluten-free meal would be loaded onto the plane, I boarded the flight hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I had a backpack full of snacks and had eaten in the airport lounge (due to priority pass, free from my Amex Platinum card) so even if my meal had not been loaded I would not have starved. It is good to note that no one should ever rely on airlines to keep them fed, especially on long flights and even more importantly during COVID. Always be prepared to be served nothing at all, so eat in the airport or before you even arrive. 

When the meal service finally began, I was surprised that no one had come around before with a specialty meal because normally airlines bring the specialty meals around beforehand. Then I remembered that thanks to a kind crew member, I was not actually sitting in my assigned seat, rather an empty row in the back of the plane to be COVID safe. I waited until the meal service had concluded and I walked to the back of the plane to look into what happened to my gluten- free meal. I was quickly asked if I had requested the meal. I eagerly responded yes and the flight attendant motioned he would soon bring it to me. 

Back at my seat it was only a few minutes before my meal arrived but to my surprise the gluten- free meal was actually a properly cooked cut of steak with potatoes and vegetables. This was in addition to the small gluten-free roll, fruit and a salad. I was extremely happy with the meal. It was definitely better than chicken or pasta.

Later in the flight, during the pre-landing snack, the attendant brought me yet another steak, this time without the sides. Astounded that I had received two steaks during an economy flight, I felt this event deserved a written article. I could critique the fact that two steaks were likely not the healthiest option or that both trays had a puddle of grease and oil after dining, but I was too happy with the experience to complain. Without a doubt one of the best meals I have ever had on a flight and in economy nonetheless.

Although I find it highly unlikely that this occurrence will ever happen again, I must give credit where it is due and thank American Airlines for one of the best in-flight meals. I am guessing this occurred because the Athens caterer figured that a steak, normally for business class, would be gluten free and there were no other options available. No matter the case, I was given two steaks in the second to last row of the plane. Let that sink in for a moment!