American Airlines launches 100th anniversary retro menu to revive the golden age.

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 11, 2026 at 02:12 AM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

American Airlines launches 100th anniversary retro menu to revive the golden age.

American Airlines will launch a 100th anniversary retro menu in 2026; the move aims to revive golden age luxury for premium cabin passengers.

Key Takeaways

  • American Airlines introduces 1920s-inspired menus for its 100th anniversary.
  • Featured dishes include beef Wellington, prawn cocktails, and caviar service.
  • Rollout begins March 2026 for Flagship First and Business cabins.
  • The initiative aims to address passenger demands for improved in-flight catering.

American Airlines celebrates its 100th year. The carrier launches a retro menu. This honors the golden age.

It features classic luxury dishes. The menu includes beef Wellington. Prawn cocktails are also served.

These appear on select flights. The rollout starts in March. Preorders begin on February 9.

Menu Rollout Details

Flagship First cabins get them first. Flagship Business also receives them. Domestic First adds them in April.

April brings caviar and blinis. A Waldorf salad is included. Dessert features a pecan tart.

Chicken Florentine is another option. The airline targets premium flyers. Rhonda Crawford shared the news.

She is the SVP of experience. The menu reflects early flavors. It aims to feel very special.

Passenger and Industry Reaction

Travelers have reacted on social media. Some users remember the old days. One flyer recalled 1970s steak.

Others remain skeptical of quality. One person asked for better service. The IATA monitors passenger satisfaction.

Catering is a major focus now. American Airlines plans more events. The centennial lasts all year.

New amenity kits are coming. Limited-edition pajamas are also planned. The industry watches these moves.

The Return of Luxury

Retro trends are very popular now. Airlines want to stand out. Competition for premium flyers is high.

Food quality is a key factor. This menu is a limited offer. It ends after the celebration.

The 1920s were the Roaring Twenties. Aviation was just starting then. American Airlines began in 1926.

Early flights were very expensive. Only the wealthy could fly then. They expected fine dining service.

Beef Wellington is a classic choice. It features beef and pastry. The asparagus has béarnaise sauce.

Key Highlights

  • Centennial celebration starts in 2026.
  • Retro dishes include prawn cocktails.
  • Premium cabins receive exclusive service.
  • Limited-time offerings through the year.

The prawn cocktail uses fresh shrimp. Deviled eggs add a nice touch. Crème fraîche tops the eggs.

Boursin dip serves domestic routes. Long-haul flights get the best. The IATA notes rising costs.

Premium service justifies higher fares. Airlines must prove their value. Nostalgia helps build brand trust.

More surprises arrive in 2026. Check the website for updates. The centennial is a big deal.

Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights. From aircraft production to supply chains, commercial aviation manufacturing news is covered at flying.flights/manufacturing.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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