American Airlines Will Now Automatically Send Meal Vouchers to All AAdvantage Members During Long Delays

American Airlines has expanded its automatic meal voucher system to cover all AAdvantage members — not just elites — during long controllable delays.

Previously, American only automatically sent these vouchers to elite members. Now, any AAdvantage member on a delayed flight can receive a voucher automatically, since the loyalty program is how the airline has contact information to reach you.

American hasn't announced the change publicly — the detail comes from an internal document obtained by View from the Wing. If you're not an AAdvantage member, you still need to ask at the gate.

Andrew's Take

$12 doesn't go far at an airport — but it's better than nothing when you're hungry. Likewise, having the voucher sent automatically beats waiting to speak to a gate agent. If you can't use the voucher, load it to your Starbucks app.