American Airlines Rings in the New Year With Non-Alcoholic IPA, New Cocktails and Refreshed Menus In Flight

American Airlines is starting the new year with bold updates designed to make every journey more enjoyable. From innovative beverage options to refreshed menus, American is setting the tone for an elevated inflight experience in 2026.

Beginning Feb. 1, customers can enjoy Athletic Brewing Company’s award‑winning Free Wave Hazy IPA on board — American’s first inflight non‑alcoholic beer option. This expansion builds on the strong customer response to Athletic’s non‑alcoholic offerings already available in Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges, bringing another popular brew from America’s largest dedicated non‑alcoholic brewer to the inflight experience.

In addition to the new non‑alcoholic option, American is expanding its inflight beverage lineup with even more customer‑favorite choices. Q MARGARITA MIX — especially when paired with Socorro Tequila — offers a bright, refreshing cocktail experience that’s already popular with travelers. Q TONIC WATER and Q CLUB SODA will join the menu in addition to the brand’s margarita mix, along with Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix. Starting in February, and in response to customer demand, we’ll introduce two LaCroix Sparkling Water flavors for the first time — Lime and Berry, two of the brand’s most popular varieties.

These refreshed offerings underscore American’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience at every stage of the travel journey.

New year, new refreshed meals on board

Starting Feb. 1, Main Cabin customers on select flights within the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico will be able to enjoy some refreshed onboard menu items, including a chicken salad and Boursin cheese wrap, served with coleslaw and a lemon shortbread cookie for a sweet finish. Customers can purchase this new offering on mainline routes for $13 or for 1,300 AAdvantage^® miles.

American is also introducing new Premium Economy and Main Cabin entree selections designed to elevate dining at 30,000 feet and cater to every taste. Customers on U.S. to international routes can look forward to flavorful choices such as:

Barbecue chicken with grits
Beef fajita bowl
Hoisin chicken
Chimichurri chicken
Vegetable yakiniku noodles
Honey mustard chicken

New options for customers traveling from the U.S. to destinations in China, Japan and Korea in Premium Economy and Main Cabin include:

Orange chicken
Korean barbecue noodles with shiitake mushrooms
Beef bibimbap
Beef noodles
Egg fried rice
Scrambled egg, tomato compote, spinach and cheese
Dakdoritang braised chicken
Vegetable yakiniku noodles

Convenient ways to pay

American makes it easy to enjoy new buy on board offerings with tap-to-pay technology and the option to redeem AAdvantage^® miles for inflight food and beverages. Not an AAdvantage^® member? Joining is easy and free online. Plus, AAdvantage^® members have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, on more aircraft than any other domestic carrier.

Whether customers are sipping Athletic Brewing’s great-tasting Free Wave Hazy IPA, mixing up a margarita or enjoying a fresh new meal, American is delivering an elevated inflight experience that blends local flair, culinary creativity and customer-focused innovation.

Because when it comes to flying, it’s not just about where you’re going, it’s also about how you get there.