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From Impressed to Disappointed: American Airlines Meals

September 12, 2021 by Payton Turner Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how impressed I was with American Airline’s recent gluten-free meal I was served on board a flight from Athens to New York. If you have not read that article, in summary, I was given a well-cooked steak in economy as my gluten-free specialty meal. With sky high expectations I boarded my American Airlines flight to Madrid from JFK. After a seat change prior to the flight, I was expecting the meal to go to the wrong seat or having to speak with a flight attendant to get my meal. Luckily, before the primary meal service came around, I received my specialty meal. 

I happily opened the meal but was quickly disappointed. The meal not only looked like slime but did not taste any better. Luckily, I had taken my own advice and eaten before the flight, so when I chose not to eat the main course of the meal, I was not left hungry. I only ate the salad and fruit.

The true disappointment was when I opened the crackers served with the meal, I figured I should read the packaging. The ingredients included wheat flour. I checked the roll, also made with wheat flour.  I was offered a meal marked gluten free, but in fact was not gluten free. What if a passenger had not looked as closely as I had! This was not safe by any means and not just as an airline, but as a business.

Although the pre-landing breakfast was a poor meal, at least it was gluten free. That said I was very confused when I received a Hershey chocolate bar for breakfast in my kit and curious as to why I did not receive the yogurt, without gluten, that other passengers did. I am happy for the chocolate bar, but maybe 5 am is not the best time to enjoy it.

My travel partners who ordered traditional meals, one with chicken and one with pasta, both gave impressed reviews. This included a pickier eater who was not fond of airlines in general, let alone their food. I was surprised this time that the mass-produced meal had actually come out better than the specialty meal, which I normally find to be of higher quality and taste. I am not only disappointed with American Airlines, but I warn any customers with allergy issues to triple check anything that they put in their mouths on board.

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About Payton Turner

Payton Turner is a University of Virginia student whose passion for all things travel has led him and his family to the far corners of the earth. While loving the luxurious life of first class, his AvGeek heart is just as happy in the back of the plane taking off on his next adventure.

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About Payton

Payton Turner is a University of Virginia student whose passion for all things travel has led him and his family to the far corners of the earth. While loving the luxurious life of first class, his AvGeek heart is just as happy in the back of the plane taking off on his next adventure. Read More…

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