American Airlines brings fresh food back to New York-Chicago first

American airlines said Wednesday it will bring small, fresh “bites” in first class on flights between its New York and Chicago hubs, the carrier’s latest effort to win over high-spending customers.

The changes begin this month. Customers will be able to choose from two options, which include prosciutto-melon or apple-cinnamon pudding for breakfast and a Thai noodle salad or mezze plate for lunch and dinner, American said Wednesday.

Americans last offered fresh food in first class on these routes in 2019, a spokeswoman said. Currently, first class customers on these flights receive a smaller, packaged snack. Airlines generally have limited dining options on shorter flights, even in first class.

The American fell behind Delta Airlines And United Airlines in profits and investments in premium options. The airline has been working to ramp up these premium offerings in recent years with new cabins, lounges and seatback screen plans on its narrow-body fleets.