American Airlines is facing widespread catering problems on its London Heathrow departures, forcing the carrier to improvise and leaving many premium travelers disappointed.
American Airlines Catering Meltdown at London Heathrow
American Airlines flights out of London Heathrow (LHR) are currently experiencing significant catering disruptions, with passengers reporting bare-bones meal service and unusual onboard conditions.
According to JonNYC, who first pinpointed the issue, the problems may stem from a catering provider transition at Heathrow that has not gone smoothly. As a result, AA has been “double catering” flights departing London, meaning that all food for both the westbound flight and the return journey is being loaded at the U.S. origin rather than catering being re-stocked in London.
This practice is highly unusual for transatlantic services as it places severe space constraints on aircraft galleys and reduces the variety and quantity of food available onboard. Passengers have noted that menus are abbreviated, premium cabins are seeing minimal service, and some typical items such as ice cream have been omitted entirely.
AA flight attendant Heather Poole offered a first-hand report suggesting that perhaps not everything is double-catered:
Are meals are being flown in with dry ice and then being transported up to the galleys?
American Airlines has not explained what is going on here, but it is allegedly due to a (botched) change in caterers in London, something United Airlines experienced last year in San Francisco that led to several days of catering problems for SFO passengers.
While this problem is present, passengers can expect limited choices, no special meals, and a meager pre-arrival service. For example, in business class some passengers have reported a choice between a vegetarian and beef entree, not the usual four choices. Service is also reportedly on one-tray rather than multi-course, just like during the pandemic:
Ice cream sundaes have also reportedly been cut…
CONCLUSION
There’s no doubt that switching catering companies is a complex undertaking for an airline. Even so, there’s reason to question why things are going so poorly for American Airlines in London Heathrow right now and that gets to the heart of the leadership crisis AA is experiencing now.
For passengers flying transatlantic routes with expectations of full meal service, the current situation is disappointing and confusing, especially in premium cabins. Until AA resolves its Heathrow catering transition, passengers should plan accordingly…bring your own snacks.
Have you experienced the catering issues at LHR on American Airlines?
Hat Tip: View From The Wing
‘Meltdown’? Meh, more like just 3.6 roentgen… light chest x-ray…
They’re in a freaking JV with BA, and Heathrow is surely their most profitable TATL station. Is it too much for AA to just use Do & Co. out of LHR?