More enhanced dining options coming to some airlines

American Airlines has launched an initiative to enhance its dining service across the entire travel experience. Upgraded menu items including pasta dishes and sliders are being trialed at several Admirals Club lounges. A new wine program is expected to be unveiled this summer along with other enhancements, which will be introduced later this year.

American is also upgrading its catering onboard its aircraft. The airline is working with two new celebrated chefs and a wine ambassador who will consult on the premium meal service. American said it will look to refresh its main cabin food for sale menu in the coming months.

American’s new strategy seems to be in line with many of its competitors including Delta, which upgraded its international Main Cabin and Delta One menu offerings. United, however, appears to be bucking the trend as it has dialed back some of its menu options on shorter-haul flights, reduced portion sizes and reduced the number of meals its serves. This strategy may be backfiring though as loyal passengers were unhappy over United’s decision to cut tomato juice from the onboard beverage cart. United has since said it will be bring back the juice this summer. United also said, based on customer feedback, it would reverse some of the other modifications made to its premium cabin menu.