American Airlines is expanding its Pecan Lodge barbecue partnership across eligible domestic first class flights from Dallas-Fort Worth. That is good news for barbecue lovers. It may also confirm that I have a problem, because I am now deliberately planning to route an upcoming trip through DFW just so I can try it…
American Airlines Expands Pecan Lodge BBQ Across DFW Flights…And Yes, I’m Routing Through Dallas To Try It
American Airlines is expanding its partnership with Dallas barbecue institution Pecan Lodge, bringing its Texas barbecue meals to all eligible domestic First Class flights departing Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) beginning September 9, 2026.
The expanded menu will include:
- Smoked brisket sandwich for lunch
- Barbecue platter for dinner
Both will be available for preorder on eligible flights.
American says the expansion follows strong passenger feedback from its initial rollout earlier this year, when Pecan Lodge barbecue was offered on select flights between DFW and New York.
I wrote about that launch in January and said at the time:
Yum…makes me want to fly via Dallas to New York.
I meant it, though I never got around to it (kind of silly to route via Dallas when you can fly nonstop from LA with a lie-flat bed!)
I’m Actually Going To Route Through Dallas For This
I have an upcoming trip in September where connecting through Dallas is not necessary.
There are easier, faster, and cheaper routings, but I am going to connect in Dallas anyway.
Why?
Because I want to try the brisket.
Does that make me plain crazy, or do I simply love barbecue a little too much?
Maybe both?
When AA first announced the partnership, I was intrigued but also skeptical. Brisket is notoriously easy to ruin when reheated. Dry brisket at 35,000 feet would not exactly be a ringing endorsement for Texas barbecue.
But American says the meat is seasoned and slow-smoked at Pecan Lodge in Dallas, then packaged specifically to preserve its quality before American’s catering partners prepare each preordered meal for onboard service.
That sounds promising. And apparently passengers agreed. American says customer feedback on the initial Pecan Lodge offerings was strong enough to justify rolling the meals out across its DFW domestic network.
American Airlines Has Figured Out One Of My Weaknesses: BBQ
This is not even the first time American has won me over with barbecue.
Earlier this year, I wrote about how much I have enjoyed the improved food in Admirals Clubs, particularly the barbecue pork and beef brisket. At Chicago O’Hare, I found the brisket good enough that I actually preferred eating in the lounge rather than waiting for the onboard meal.
American has made a noticeable effort to improve its food and beverage offering lately, both in the air and on the ground. The Pecan Lodge partnership is exactly the sort of initiative I like because it connects an airline’s hub with something local and it at least increases the likelihood that the food will be good (or else I hope Pecan Lodge would not be willing to sully its respectable name).
Delta has done something similar with Shake Shack and pulled it off very well. American doing Texas barbecue out of Dallas makes a lot of sense. Plus,this one is apparently working well enough that AA is expanding it significantly.
Can this airline meal taste anything like proper Texas barbecue after being reheated in an aircraft oven? I intend to find out!
CONCLUSION
American Airlines will offer Pecan Lodge barbecue on eligible domestic First Class flights departing Dallas-Fort Worth beginning September 9, with a brisket sandwich at lunch and barbecue platter at dinner.
I welcome the expansion. In fact, I welcome it enough that I am deliberately going to route an upcoming trip through DFW when I do not otherwise need to.
Maybe that makes me crazy. Or maybe I just really love BBQ.
Either way, expect a full report…but you’ll have to wait about a month.
images: American Airlines
If you like Dallas BBQ, you should try Dallas nachos too. It’s crispy saltine crackers topped with sliced American cheese. Both item represent the rich heritage of Texas cuisine Dallas is known for. Bon appetit “y’all”
I thought the platter was legitimately good. Sausage had a kick. Brisket moist and flavorful. Slaw crisp. Assortment of pickles. Had nothing to complain about and I’d order it again.
AA catering is a real bright spot these days!
If the layover is long enough and the lounges are serving it, you should do a BBQ test across all the credit card lounges at DFW while you’re at it. Although might not be in the mood for more BBQ when finally on the plane…you may be at your burnt ends (alright I’ve hit my internet pun quota for the day haha)