Taste Revolution at 30,000 Feet: World's Largest Airline Refreshes In-Flight Menu

American Airlines is kicking off the new year with new in-flight dishes and beverages, looking to further upgrade the passenger experience at every stage of the journey.

Starting February 1, 2026, the airline will offer Athletic Brewing Company’s Free Wave Hazy IPA non-alcoholic beer on its flights for the first time. This is the first non-alcoholic IPA to be served on American flights, after it has already gained popularity in the Flagship and Admirals Club lounges. The move brings another product from the major American brewer specializing in non-alcoholic beers to the aircraft.

New non-alcoholic IPA beer. Photo: American Airlines

At the same time, American is expanding its in-flight beverage offerings. Among the innovations are Q Margarita Mix, considered especially popular when combined with Socorro tequila, as well as Q Tonic Water and Q Club Soda, which will be added to the beverage menu. In addition, passengers can also serve Zing Zang's Bloody Mary mix. In response to passenger demand, the company will also offer two flavors of LaCroix soda for the first time: lime and berry.

In the food department, the company will offer Economy Class passengers on select flights within the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico the chance to purchase a new meal that includes a chicken-filled tortilla with Boursin cheese, coleslaw and a key lime pie for dessert for $13 or 1,300 AAdvantage miles.

Chicken with Boursin cheese in a tortilla, coleslaw salad and a lemon cookie for dessert. Photo: American Airlines

On international flights, American is introducing new dishes in Premium Economy and Economy classes, including barbecue chicken with grits, beef strips, hoisin-style chicken, chicken in chimichurri, vegetarian yakiniku noodles, and chicken in honey mustard sauce.

In addition, the airline will serve new dishes on flights from the United States to destinations in China, Japan, and Korea. The list includes chicken in sweet and sour sauce, noodles in Korean barbecue sauce with shiitake mushrooms, beef bibimbap, beef noodles, stir-fried rice with eggs, Korean chicken stew Dakdoritang, and other vegetarian dishes.

The chicken dishes in barbecue sauce, beef strips and hoisin-style chicken. Photo: American Airlines

Chicken in chimichurri, vegetarian noodles and chicken in honey mustard sauce. Photo: American Airlines