American Airlines is expanding its Pecan Lodge barbecue partnership across eligible domestic first class flights from Dallas-Fort Worth. That is good news for barbecue lovers. It may also confirm that I have a problem, because I am now deliberately planning to route an upcoming trip through DFW just so I can try it…
American Airlines Expands Pecan Lodge BBQ Across DFW Flights…And Yes, I’m Routing Through Dallas To Try It
American Airlines is expanding its partnership with Dallas barbecue institution Pecan Lodge, bringing its Texas barbecue meals to all eligible domestic First Class flights departing Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) beginning September 9, 2026.
The expanded menu will include:
- Smoked brisket sandwich for lunch
- Barbecue platter for dinner
Both will be available for preorder on eligible flights.
American says the expansion follows strong passenger feedback from its initial rollout earlier this year, when Pecan Lodge barbecue was offered on select flights between DFW and New York.
I wrote about that launch in January and said at the time:
Yum…makes me want to fly via Dallas to New York.
I meant it, though I never got around to it (kind of silly to route via Dallas when you can fly nonstop from LA with a lie-flat bed!)
I’m Actually Going To Route Through Dallas For This
I have an upcoming trip in September where connecting through Dallas is not necessary.
There are easier, faster, and cheaper routings, but I am going to connect in Dallas anyway.
Why?
Because I want to try the brisket.
Does that make me plain crazy, or do I simply love barbecue a little too much?
Maybe both?
When AA first announced the partnership, I was intrigued but also skeptical. Brisket is notoriously easy to ruin when reheated. Dry brisket at 35,000 feet would not exactly be a ringing endorsement for Texas barbecue.
But American says the meat is seasoned and slow-smoked at Pecan Lodge in Dallas, then packaged specifically to preserve its quality before American’s catering partners prepare each preordered meal for onboard service.
That sounds promising. And apparently passengers agreed. American says customer feedback on the initial Pecan Lodge offerings was strong enough to justify rolling the meals out across its DFW domestic network.
American Airlines Has Figured Out One Of My Weaknesses: BBQ
This is not even the first time American has won me over with barbecue.
Earlier this year, I wrote about how much I have enjoyed the improved food in Admirals Clubs, particularly the barbecue pork and beef brisket. At Chicago O’Hare, I found the brisket good enough that I actually preferred eating in the lounge rather than waiting for the onboard meal.
American has made a noticeable effort to improve its food and beverage offering lately, both in the air and on the ground. The Pecan Lodge partnership is exactly the sort of initiative I like because it connects an airline’s hub with something local and it at least increases the likelihood that the food will be good (or else I hope Pecan Lodge would not be willing to sully its respectable name).
Delta has done something similar with Shake Shack and pulled it off very well. American doing Texas barbecue out of Dallas makes a lot of sense. Plus,this one is apparently working well enough that AA is expanding it significantly.
Can this airline meal taste anything like proper Texas barbecue after being reheated in an aircraft oven? I intend to find out!
CONCLUSION
American Airlines will offer Pecan Lodge barbecue on eligible domestic First Class flights departing Dallas-Fort Worth beginning September 9, with a brisket sandwich at lunch and barbecue platter at dinner.
I welcome the expansion. In fact, I welcome it enough that I am deliberately going to route an upcoming trip through DFW when I do not otherwise need to.
Maybe that makes me crazy. Or maybe I just really love BBQ.
Either way, expect a full report…but you’ll have to wait about a month.
images: American Airlines
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About Author
Matthew Klint
Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.
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10 Comments
If you like Dallas BBQ, you should try Dallas nachos too. It’s crispy saltine crackers topped with sliced American cheese. Both item represent the rich heritage of Texas cuisine Dallas is known for. Bon appetit “y’all”
Peter Reply
I thought the platter was legitimately good. Sausage had a kick. Brisket moist and flavorful. Slaw crisp. Assortment of pickles. Had nothing to complain about and I’d order it again.
AA catering is a real bright spot these days!
Alec Reply
If the layover is long enough and the lounges are serving it, you should do a BBQ test across all the credit card lounges at DFW while you’re at it. Although might not be in the mood for more BBQ when finally on the plane…you may be at your burnt ends (alright I’ve hit my internet pun quota for the day haha)
This comes to mind Reply
I love good BBQ. But to my, albeit uncommon, taste, BBQ must be on a bun (excepts ribd, of course). And, it must come with a side of beans. Potato salad? Yuch! Swing and a miss.
Kyle Prescott Reply
More proof the Trump economy is doing just fine for most Americans. When someone can fly just for the food it shows things are great for those who want to work hard and succeed. More power to Matthew.
For those who aren’t, I say look in the mirror to see the person responsible.
As for the BBQ they occasionally have brisket sliders in the Admirals Club at DFW and they are incredible. But not sure if this was the provider.
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Billy Bob Reply
Good for the well off Americans. Not so good for the hundreds of thousands losing jobs under Trump.
But hey, at least the corporations got reimbursed for trumps illegal tariffs, I was worried for them
u600213 Reply
I would prefer more char on the sausage but I like everything burnt so probably fine.
JB Reply
I flew from DFW-LAX last week and tried the platter. Our flight was delayed 3 hours and even after the long delay it was very satisfying and delicious.
Güntürk Üstün Reply
Kudos to AA! BBQ is the king/queen!
Greetings to the legendary Pecan Lodge, founded in 2010 in Dallas, TX!
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