Taking a family trip on American Airlines? Wonderful! While flying with kids can be an adventure in itself, ensuring they have a suitable meal can make the journey much smoother. American Airlines offers "Child Meals" designed to appeal to younger passengers. Let's dive into exactly how you can request one for your little traveler.
Flying High with Happy Eaters: Your Guide to American Airlines Kids' Meals
Imagine this: you've settled into your seats, the cabin doors are closing, and your child's eyes light up with anticipation... for their very own special meal! Requesting a kids' meal on American Airlines isn't just about food; it's about making their flight experience as comfortable and enjoyable as yours. This detailed guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your child's culinary needs are met high above the clouds.
 |
| How To Request Kids Meal On American Airlines |
Step 1: Is Your Flight Eligible? The First Check-in!
Before you even think about chicken nuggets or mac and cheese, let's confirm if your flight actually offers special meals. This is crucial because not all flights do.
Sub-heading: Understanding American Airlines' Meal Service Policy
American Airlines provides special meals, including Child Meals, on select flights. Generally, this means:
International flights: Most international flights, especially those long-haul journeys to Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and certain South American destinations, will offer special meal options.
Domestic flights: For domestic flights within the U.S., special meals are typically available only in First Class and Business Class on meal-eligible routes (generally flights over 900 miles during traditional meal times).
If your flight is a short hop with only snack or refreshment service, a full special meal won't be available. It's always a good idea to double-check your specific itinerary on the American Airlines website or app.
Engage the User: So, before we go any further, take a moment to pull up your flight details. Is it an international adventure or a longer domestic journey in a premium cabin? If yes, great! If not, don't worry, we'll cover bringing your own snacks too. But for now, let's assume you're on a meal-eligible flight!
Step 2: Timing is Everything: The Golden Window for Requests
Once you've confirmed your flight's eligibility, the next critical factor is when to make your request. American Airlines has a specific window for special meal orders.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Sub-heading: Adhering to the Special Meal Deadline
You can request a special meal, including a Child Meal, starting 30 days before your flight and no later than 20-24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Why this window? Airlines need time to coordinate with catering services at various airports to ensure your specific meal is loaded onto the aircraft. Last-minute requests are often impossible to fulfill.
Our advice: Don't procrastinate! The sooner you request it within the 30-day window, the more peace of mind you'll have.
Step 3: How to Place Your Request: Your Options Await!
Now that you know when and if you can request, let's get to the how. American Airlines offers a few convenient ways to make your Child Meal request.
Option 3.1: Online Through "Manage Your Trip" (Recommended!)
This is often the easiest and most preferred method.
Log in to your American Airlines account: Go to aa.com and log in with your AAdvantage number or simply retrieve your reservation using your confirmation code and last name.
Find Your Trip: Navigate to the "My Trips" or "Manage Trip" section.
Locate Passenger Details/Meals: Within your reservation details, look for a section related to "Passengers" or "Meals." There should be an option to "Reserve a meal" or a "Meals box" with a pencil icon for editing.
Select "Child Meal": Click on the special meals tab or option. You should see a list of available special meals. Look for "Child's Meal" (often abbreviated as CHML).
Confirm and Save: Select "Child's Meal" for the relevant child passenger(s) and don't forget to click save or confirm to finalize your selection. You should receive a confirmation that your meal request has been added to your reservation.
Option 3.2: Calling American Airlines Reservations (For Personalized Assistance)
If you prefer to speak with someone or encounter any issues online, calling American Airlines is a reliable alternative.
Gather Your Information: Have your flight details (date, flight number, passenger names, and confirmation code) readily available.
Dial the Reservations Line: Call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300 (for calls within the U.S. and Canada). If you're calling from outside these regions, check the American Airlines website for international contact numbers.
State Your Request Clearly: Inform the agent that you wish to request a "Child's Meal" for your child(ren) on your specific flight. They will guide you through the process and confirm the request.
Be prepared to provide your child's age as the "Child Meal" is typically designed for children aged 2-5, although it can be ordered for any age.
Option 3.3: Through a Travel Agent (If Applicable)
If you booked your flight through a travel agent, they can typically handle special meal requests on your behalf. Contact your travel agent directly and provide them with the necessary details.
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Step 4: Confirmation and Reconfirmation: Peace of Mind!
You've made the request – fantastic! But your job isn't quite done. A quick follow-up ensures everything is in order.
Sub-heading: Verifying Your Child Meal Request
Check Your Itinerary: After making the request, check your updated itinerary (either online or a new email confirmation, if applicable) to ensure the "Child Meal" is noted.
Reconfirm Closer to Departure: It's highly recommended to reconfirm your special meal request about 48-24 hours before your flight. You can do this by:
Logging into your reservation online again.
Calling American Airlines Reservations.
This step helps catch any potential system glitches or miscommunications.
Step 5: At the Airport and Onboard: A Gentle Reminder
Even with all the pre-planning, a friendly reminder never hurts!
Sub-heading: Informing the Crew
Gate Agent: When checking in or at the gate, you can briefly mention to the gate agent that you have a Child Meal requested. This isn't strictly necessary but can be a good proactive measure.
Flight Attendant: Once you are onboard and settled, politely inform a flight attendant that your child has a special meal request. They will have a manifest of special meals and will usually serve them first. This helps them ensure your child gets their meal, especially if there are any last-minute changes or if the manifest isn't perfectly updated.
Important Considerations: Beyond the Meal Request
What's in a "Child Meal"? American Airlines' "Child Meal" is generally designed with less spicy, plainer foods that appeal to younger palates, typically for children aged 2-5. Common items might include pasta, chicken fingers, fruit, or simple sandwiches. Specific contents can vary by flight and catering.
Baby Meals (BBML): For infants under 2 years old, American Airlines offers a "Baby Meal" (BBML), which usually consists of pre-packaged baby food. This also needs to be requested in advance. However, many parents prefer to bring their own baby food and formula, which is generally permitted through security.
Bringing Your Own Snacks: Even if you've ordered a kids' meal, it's always a good idea to pack some familiar snacks and drinks for your child. Delays can happen, meal service times might not align perfectly with your child's hunger, or they might simply not like the provided meal. Pack non-perishable favorites like crackers, fruit snacks, small sandwiches, or granola bars.
Allergies: If your child has severe food allergies, requesting a special meal is a good starting point, but it's crucial to take additional precautions. Always carry an EpiPen if prescribed, inform the airline (both at booking and again at the gate/onboard), and consider packing most of your child's food to avoid cross-contamination risks. While airlines try their best, they cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.
Hydration: Don't forget water! Keeping children hydrated is essential, especially on flights. While beverages are offered, having their preferred sippy cup or water bottle ready is helpful.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Here are some quick answers to common questions about kids' meals and flying with children on American Airlines:
How to check if my American Airlines flight offers special meals?
You can check by logging into your reservation on aa.com under "Manage Trip" and looking for the "Reserve a meal" option, or by calling American Airlines Reservations. Special meals are typically offered on international flights and domestic flights in premium cabins.
How to request a baby meal (BBML) for an infant on American Airlines?
Similar to a Child Meal (CHML), you can request a Baby Meal (BBML) through your online reservation via "Manage Trip" or by calling American Airlines Reservations. This meal is for infants under 2 and usually consists of pureed baby food.
How to change or cancel a kids' meal request on American Airlines?
You can change or cancel a kids' meal request by logging back into your reservation on aa.com or by calling American Airlines Reservations, typically up to 20-24 hours before departure.
How to know what's included in an American Airlines kids' meal?
The exact contents can vary, but American Airlines Child Meals generally include plain, appealing foods like pasta, chicken nuggets, or simple sandwiches, along with fruit or a dessert, designed for children aged 2-5.
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
How to handle my child's food allergies when requesting a meal on American Airlines?
While you can request a special meal for allergies (e.g., Gluten Intolerant, Vegan), it's essential to also carry your child's necessary medications, inform the gate agent and flight attendants, and consider bringing your own allergen-free snacks to supplement or replace the airline meal for safety.
How to confirm my American Airlines kids' meal request closer to departure?
You can reconfirm your request by checking your reservation details online via aa.com or by calling American Airlines Reservations within 24-48 hours of your flight.
How to ensure my child gets their special meal if there's a flight delay or change on American Airlines?
If there's a significant delay or flight change, it's best to reconfirm your meal request with American Airlines customer service or a gate agent to ensure the new flight caters for it.
How to bring my own food for my child on an American Airlines flight?
You are generally allowed to bring your own non-liquid food items for your child on board. For liquids like formula or breast milk, TSA regulations allow for quantities greater than 3.4 ounces as long as they are declared for inspection.
How to find American Airlines contact information for special meal requests?
You can find American Airlines contact information, including their main reservations line (1-800-433-7300), on their official website under the "Contact American" or "Customer Service" sections.
How to board early with children on American Airlines if I've requested a special meal?
Requesting a special meal does not automatically grant early boarding. American Airlines typically allows families with children under 2 (lap infants) to ask to board early at the gate. Check with the gate agent upon arrival for family boarding options.
 |
