21 May, Dallas — American Airlines has announced its introducing tequila service whilst expanding food offerings across premium and economy cabins, effective 1 June.
The Dallas-based carrier selected local distillery Socorro Tequila for the systemwide rollout by the end of June. The Highland Jalisco-produced spirit will join American’s existing alcohol menu on flights over 250 miles.
Premium Cabin Service Expansion
American is introducing a midday snack service in premium cabins, creating three distinct service occasions throughout longer flights. The morning basket features fresh clementines, B’cuz Cherry Pistachio Granola Bites, Think Jerky turkey sticks, Blake’s protein breakfast bars, Bare organic apple chips, and Wonderful sea salt and pepper pistachios.
The new midday offering includes Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, Garrett white cheddar popcorn, Cooper’s cheese straws, Cooper Street granola bakes, BobbySue’s Everything Goes Nuts mix, and Think Jerky grass-fed beef sticks.
Afternoon service continues with Homefree vanilla mini cookies, Miss Vickie’s sea salt chips, Over Easy almond and raisin oat bars, CauliPuffs white cheddar corn and cauliflower puffs, pistachios, and additional Think Jerky options.
Economy Class Purchase Options Expanded
Main cabin passengers will see new buy-on-board selections launching on 1 June, headlined by a steak and pimento cheese sandwich targeting Southern flavour preferences.
The airline is also introducing “tray table tapas” — a shareable option featuring olives, dried apricots, beef jerky, pistachios, white cheddar dip, pita chips, and brownie brittle.
Brooklyn Biltong steakhouse air-dried beef jerky rounds out the new protein-focused options, marketed as ideal for longer flights requiring substantial snacks.
These additions join existing buy-on-board items, including fruit and cheese trays, Tostitos snack boxes, and Doritos Cool Ranch minis.
Route Threshold Reduced
American is expanding buy-on-board availability to mainline routes starting at 1,100 miles, down from previous restrictions. The change brings purchase options to mid-distance domestic routes, including Dallas-Denver, Miami-New York, and Phoenix-Seattle sectors.
Alcoholic beverage service continues on flights exceeding 250 miles, with the new tequila option joining existing beer, wine, and spirits selections.
Industry Context
American’s menu expansion comes as US carriers increasingly focus on ancillary revenue generation and premium service differentiation.
The timing ahead of peak summer travel season maximises exposure during American’s highest volume period, particularly on leisure routes to Mexico and Caribbean destinations where tequila consumption aligns with passenger destination expectations.
Socorro Tequila’s Dallas-Fort Worth location reinforces American’s hub city partnerships whilst supporting local business initiatives that resonate with corporate customers.
The enhanced service options reflect American’s broader strategy to “reinvigorate the customer experience across all touchpoints of the travel journey,” according to the airline’s announcement.
Images courtesy of AA.
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.
