The Secret to Getting Better Food in First Class

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When you pay for first class — whether you do it with cash, miles, or an upgrade — you naturally expect a little something extra. That typically includes more space, better service… and a decent meal.

But here’s the catch: you usually get at least one meal with your flight. And if you don’t preorder your meal(s) in advance, you might not get what you want. You might not even get something you like.

Because when it comes time to serve, and the flight attendant asks “Chicken or pasta?”, they might follow it with, “Oh… we’re out of the chicken.”

Preordering Is Just Smart

Ordering your meals in advance is smart. In fact, it’s a win-win for everyone. Airlines benefit by loading only the meals that are needed, rather than carrying extra options. And they’re in favor of anything that helps them save weight on the plane.

And passengers who preorder typically get access to more (and often better) choices.

We’re not only talking about international flights with five or six options — this applies to domestic first class, too.

American Airlines Calls It Premium Dining

On domestic flights, American Airlines lets domestic first-class passengers preorder meals through Premium Dining. If you don’t choose in advance, you’ll probably get one of two basic options — and risk your first choice being gone. But if you preorder? The menu expands to multiple options, some of which aren’t even available onboard unless specifically requested.

Here’s a sample of preorder-only choices from a recent American flight:

Selections included:

• Grilled Chicken with Mojo Sauce – with rice, black beans, and plantains
• Short Rib with Espagnole Sauce – served with mac n’ cheese
• Salmon Greens and Grain Bowl – lemon bulgur and quinoa salad with grilled salmon
• Classic American Sliders & Fries
• Fruit and Cheese Plate (vegetarian)
• Bistro Grain Salad – with red rice, cucumbers, hard-boiled egg, and blue cheese

Religious and Dietary Meals Are Separate

It’s worth noting that special meal requests — such as vegetarian/vegan, medically-based, Kosher, Halal, or Hindu meals — are handled on a separate page and are designed for dietary needs, not for variety or upgrades.

These selections include:

• Diabetic – suitable when people are trying to control their intake of carbohydrates for medical reasons
• Hindu – may include dairy, curries, and spicy flavors
• Kosher – prepared to comply with Jewish dietary laws
• Muslim – excludes pork and alcohol
• Vegetarian/Vegan – excludes meat, fish, eggs, and dairy

What’s Your Favorite First Class Meal?

Have you flown American and tried one of their preordered meals? Are you team short ribs, sliders, or something else entirely?

And when it comes to in-flight food, which U.S. airline do you think does it best? According to this list of the world’s best airline food, only one domestic carrier made the cut — and it was JetBlue.

So tell us:

• What’s the best domestic first-class meal you’ve ever had?
• What about the best meal you’ve had on an international flight?

Drop your answers in the comments — and whatever you do, remember to pick your meal before your next flight.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary