American Airlines Elevates Fall Travel with Seasonal Menus Across Flagship® and Admirals Club® Lounges Nationwide
This fall, American Airlines is inviting travelers to savor the flavors of the season with an exciting lineup of refreshed menus at its Flagship® lounges and Admirals Club® locations across the United States. Highlighting the creativity of award-winning chefs affiliated with the prestigious James Beard Foundation®, the new offerings combine seasonal ingredients, bold flavor profiles, and culinary craftsmanship to enhance the lounge experience for every traveler.
Chef-Crafted, Seasonally Inspired Fall Dishes
As part of American Airlines’ ongoing collaboration with the James Beard Foundation®, this season’s Flagship® lounge menu celebrates regional influences and culinary artistry. Each dish reflects a careful balance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and elevated flavor combinations designed to delight the palate and complement travelers’ journeys.
Featured Chef Creations by Location
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) – Chef Tiffany Derry
- Puffed Millet Granola with Yogurt: A crunchy granola infused with warm fall spices and puffed millet, paired with creamy yogurt to provide a wholesome and satisfying start to the day.
- Roasted Swordfish with Asparagus Coin Vinaigrette: Tender, flaky swordfish oven-roasted to perfection and accompanied by a savory, seasonal asparagus vinaigrette.
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Chef Brandon Kida
- Chicken Pineapple Yakitori with Microgreen Salad: Skewered, grilled chicken glazed with sweet soy and pineapple, finished with a fresh microgreen salad that adds brightness and texture.
- Miami (MIA) – Chef Timon Balloo
- Jerk-Roasted Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs marinated in vibrant Caribbean spices and slow-roasted for deep, rich flavors.
- Grilled Broccolini Agrodolce: Charred broccolini drizzled with a tangy-sweet agrodolce glaze, offering a harmonious balance of smoky and bright flavors.
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Chef Randy Rucker
- Heirloom Corn Grits with Beech Mushrooms, Creamed Corn, and Basil: Creamy, stone-ground grits crafted from heirloom corn, complemented by earthy mushrooms, creamed corn, and a hint of fresh basil for a comforting, rustic dish.
New Fall Plates in Flagship® Lounges
Flagship® lounges are also introducing a broader selection of seasonal plates designed to highlight the textures, aromas, and flavors of fall produce. These chef-crafted offerings cater to a range of tastes, from sweet indulgences to savory comforts:
- Cider Mustard Chicken (DFW): Tender chicken paired with cipollini onions, sautéed kale, and apples, all coated in a tangy apple cider and whole-grain mustard sauce.
- Braised Beef Tips with Wild Mushrooms (Chicago – ORD): Melt-in-your-mouth beef slow-braised to perfection, served with earthy wild mushrooms and crispy fried leeks for added texture.
- Seared Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce, Fennel, and Tomato (LAX): Pan-seared salmon with a bright lemon caper sauce, complemented by sweet roasted fennel and tomato.
- Pumpkin Bread French Toast with Honey-Maple Syrup (PHL): Decadent pumpkin-spice bread slices soaked and griddled, finished with sweet honey-maple syrup for a classic fall breakfast treat.
- Warm Gala Apple Crisp with Whipped Cream (PHL): Baked apples with a cinnamon-oat topping, served warm with a side of whipped cream.
- Roasted Amish Chicken Pottage (PHL): A creamy, hearty stew featuring tender chicken, garden peas, and roasted carrots.
- Roasted Acorn Squash Bisque (PHL): Smooth, velvety soup highlighting the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash, finished with warming fall spices and a drizzle of cream.
- Pumpkin Spice Banana Cafecito Cake (MIA): Moist banana cake infused with espresso and pumpkin spice, perfect for a seasonal dessert.
- Harvest Salad (MIA): Crisp romaine and kale tossed in a honey-parmesan vinaigrette, topped with creamy avocado, shaved parmesan, and citrus breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Globally Inspired Comfort in Admirals Club® Lounges
For travelers seeking a more casual experience, Admirals Club® lounges across the country are serving up hearty, globally inspired comfort foods designed to satisfy both hunger and wanderlust. From smoky BBQ and spicy marinades to sweet and savory treats, these new offerings reflect the diversity of fall flavors and international influences:
Hearty and Savory Options
- Argentinian Crispy BBQ Beef (LAX, Orange County John Wayne – SNA, San Francisco – SFO): Slow-cooked beef, shredded and crisped, tossed in a smoky Argentinian-style BBQ sauce with hints of paprika and garlic.
- Korean BBQ Pork Loin (DFW, Austin – AUS): Tender pork loin slices marinated in a sweet-spicy gochujang glaze, offering bold, layered flavors.
- Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs (ORD, St. Louis – STL, Toronto – YYZ): Juicy meatballs tossed in a tangy-sweet Cantonese sauce, accented with ginger and garlic.
- Beef Pot Roast with Root Vegetables and Potatoes (Boston – BOS, Pittsburgh – PIT, Philadelphia – PHL): Slow-roasted beef with hearty root vegetables in a rich, savory gravy — a modern take on a classic comfort meal.
- Cheddar Polenta (BOS, PIT, PHL): Creamy, stone-ground polenta blended with sharp cheddar, providing a warm, velvety side dish perfect for the season.
Global-Inspired Comfort Foods
- Butter Curry Chicken (New York – JFK, LGA; Newark – EWR): Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-butter sauce inspired by traditional Indian flavors.
- Mint Basmati Rice with Chickpeas (JFK, LGA, EWR): Fragrant basmati rice infused with fresh mint and tender chickpeas — light, herbal, and a perfect complement to curry dishes.
- Samosas Chaat (DFW): Golden, crisp samosas paired with spiced chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, refreshing yogurt, and fresh herbs, customizable to taste.
These fall menus are only the beginning. Starting in November, Admirals Club® lounges will begin transitioning to a fresh winter lineup, followed by Flagship® lounges in December. Travelers can look forward to new flavors, innovative dishes, and seasonal specialties that continue American Airlines’ commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences in its lounges.
Whether visiting a Flagship® lounge for a curated chef-driven experience or relaxing in an Admirals Club® lounge with globally inspired comfort foods, travelers can expect bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful hospitality with every bite. This season, American Airlines is not just serving meals — it’s creating memorable moments that enhance the travel experience from takeoff to touchdown.
Stay tuned as American Airlines continues to innovate its lounge menus through the winter, delivering culinary delights that make every journey an opportunity to taste the season.