American Airlines brings fresh food back to NY-Chicago first class for first time since 2019

American Airlines said Wednesday it is adding small, fresh "bites" to first class on flights between its New York and Chicago hubs, the carrier's latest effort to win over higher-spending customers. The change begins this month, and American last offered fresh food in first class on these routes in 2019, a spokeswoman said.

Customers will be able to choose between two options. For breakfast, the choices are prosciutto and melon or apple cinnamon chia pudding. For lunch and dinner, the choices are a Thai noodle salad or a mezze plate, American said Wednesday.

Until now, first class customers on these flights have received a smaller, packaged snack. CNBC noted that airlines largely have limited food options for shorter flights, even in first class.

The move comes as American has fallen behind Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profits and investments in premium options. The airline has been working to step up its premium offerings in recent years with new cabins, lounges and plans for seatback screens on its narrow-body fleets.

The New York–Chicago routes are the starting point for the return of first class mini-meals on shorter flights, according to the coverage from Live and Let's Fly, View from the Wing and American Airlines, which also described the offering as light bites and first class favorites.