Smoked Salmon, Burrata and Chia Pudding: US Airline Introduces Mini-Meals in First Class

American Airlines is introducing new dining options for First Class passengers on flights between Chicago and New York, adding a selection of lighter meals for customers traveling on two of its busiest domestic routes.

The new menu, launching this month, will be available on flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

The offering includes a rotating selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options designed to give premium passengers more variety without the need for a full meal service. American says the menus will change regularly throughout the year, with two light bite options available at a time.

Tropical chia overnight oats. Photo: American Airlines

Breakfast selections may include smoked salmon, tropical chia overnight oats, prosciutto and melon, fruit and cheese plates, prosciutto and brie, and apple cinnamon chia pudding.

Prosciutto and melon. Photo: American Airlines

For lunch and dinner, passengers may find curry chicken salad, Thai noodle salad, turkey and Gouda sandwiches, whipped burrata, poached shrimp with noodle salad, mezze plates, blackened chicken and grilled vegetable wraps.

The new options will be served exclusively on board. Passengers will not be able to select them in advance through the airline's meal preorder service.

Whipped burrata. Photo: American Airlines

"Our light bites menu provides an elevated experience on one of our most popular routes," said Raphael Girardoni, American Airlines' vice president of Culinary Strategy and Operations. He added that the expanded offering is intended to meet the expectations of premium customers looking for more substantial and varied dining choices.

Poached shrimp with noodle salad. Photo: American Airlines

American Continues to Invest in Premium Dining

The new menu is part of a broader effort by American Airlines to improve its food and beverage offering both in the air and on the ground.

In recent months, the airline has introduced a refreshed selection of complimentary snacks in Main Cabin and expanded its partnership with Dallas barbecue restaurant Pecan Lodge. The partnership now covers all eligible First Class flights departing from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

American has also reopened its redesigned Flagship Dining facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and made changes to food and beverage options across its Flagship and Admirals Club lounges.

The latest changes come as the airline marks its centennial year in 2026. Founded in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to over 350 destinations in more than 60 countries, serving more than 200 million passengers annually.

For First Class customers traveling between Chicago and New York, the new light bites provide another dining option on routes where passengers may prefer something lighter than a traditional full meal.