American Airlines Brings Pecan Lodge BBQ to First Class on Every DFW Meal Flight

American Airlines is expanding its Pecan Lodge barbecue preorder option to first class on every domestic flight with meal service departing Dallas-Fort Worth. The rollout starts September 9, with preorders opening August 9.

Travelers will be able to choose between a barbecue platter — smoked brisket and sausage with mac and cheese, coleslaw, and pickles — or a chopped brisket sandwich on a brioche bun with roasted green beans and potato salad.

View From The Wing notes that American first tested the Pecan Lodge preorder on DFW-New York flights earlier this year, then expanded it to Boston and Los Angeles a couple of months ago. American's SVP of Customer Experience Design and Strategy, Rhonda Crawford, said customer feedback on the offering has been strong enough to justify the expansion.

Andrew's Take

I love barbecue, so it looks like it's time for me to get on an American flight from DFW. I like what American's doing here — leaning into what makes its hub distinctive instead of running the same chicken-or-pasta rotation on every route. However, Barbecue's a tough thing to pull off at 35,000 feet. Reheated brisket and a soggy bun are real risks. But American tested this the right way, on a handful of routes before committing to its whole home hub, and partnered with an actual restaurant that knows BBQ to bring it to market.