American Airlines Brings Back 1920s Luxury for 100th Birthday

American Airlines is turning 100 by bringing back the kind of meals that made flying feel like a special occasion.

Starting in March, passengers in premium cabins can enjoy dishes straight from the Roaring Twenties. Think beef Wellington with béarnaise sauce, prawn cocktails, Waldorf salad, and even caviar on blinis. The airline is tapping into nostalgia for an era when air travel meant getting dressed up and eating with real cutlery.

The throwback menu addresses a growing complaint among travelers. Many have noticed that in-flight dining has become less impressive over the years, especially compared to stories their parents and grandparents tell about the early days of commercial aviation.

"Old guy here," one Reddit user shared recently. "Went on my first flight at 6 years old in 1970 from Chicago to Florida. Each ticket cost $500 (equivalent of maybe $2,500 now). We went out and bought special 'airplane clothes,' the equivalent of church attire. I remember eating steak on the plane."

The new offerings will debut on select international and transcontinental flights in February for preorder, appearing on planes in March. Appetizers include the prawn cocktail and Waldorf salad, with caviar and deviled eggs topped with crème fraîche added in April.

For main courses, passengers can choose between the beef Wellington with roasted vegetables or chicken Florentine roulade with mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. Dessert includes pecan tart, rounding out the vintage experience.

The Bright Side

While premium cabin tickets still cost significantly more than economy, this move shows airlines listening to customer feedback. American Airlines is proving that special occasions in the sky don't have to be completely lost to cost-cutting measures.

The celebration extends beyond food. Throughout 2026, passengers will spot limited-edition amenity kits, pajamas, and other centennial touches as the airline marks its milestone.

"Our centennial year is a chance to reflect on how far we've come," said Rhonda Crawford, American's Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design and Strategy. "These menus celebrate the flavors that defined the early days of American Airlines in a way that feels special and memorable for today's travelers."

Sometimes looking backward helps us move forward with a little more style.