American Airlines Passengers Have More Options With DFW Airport's New 'Buy-At-The-Gate' Food Program

FORT WORTH, Texas, October 15 (DFW International Airport)-- Some of the nation's most popular restaurants are sprouting wings at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport as the airport launches food sales at American Airlines gates. DFW's buy-at-the-gate program, launched October 7, allows airport customers to buy conveniently packaged food items from Au Bon Pain, Corner Bakery Cafe and T.G.I. Friday's, at three gate locations in American Airlines Terminals A and C.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport becomes the latest to sell food at the gate, a concept that has already received favorable passenger response in two other airports. At San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, American, in conjunction with the Port Authority, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Empresas Santana, is testing a buy at the gate food program. At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, American and LSG Sky Chefs are testing the buy- at-the-gate concept with the "In-flight Cafe" brand.

"We believe the buy-at-the-gate concept is the best option for American's customers, and we're committed to supporting programs that give customers what they value," said Dan Garton, American's executive vice president-Marketing. " Available in the gate areas, these popular restaurant brands provide even more convenience."

Conveniently packaged items are available from $6 - $10, and a la carte items can be purchased for less. These fresh menu selections will be easy to carry when boarding the plane and will not count against passenger carry-on limits. Food kiosks will be located near DFW boarding gates A18, C19 and C27-35 and Corner Bakery Cafe will provide mobile cart service.

"American is offering a great service to its passengers, and we're thrilled that DFW's concessionaires can play a key role by further improving the travel experience at DFW Airport," said Joe Lopano, executive vice president - Revenue Management and Marketing at DFW Airport. "This innovation is another positive step in providing travelers even greater convenience and choices while at the airport."

The food service providers agreed. "We believe our mobile food cart approach will prove very convenient to airline passengers at multiple gates looking for quality food on the go," said Jean Birch, president of Corner Bakery Cafe. "We're excited to be serving DFW's customers, including passengers of American Airlines, especially when this type of service hasn't really been tried before and is unique to DFW Airport."

Jim Fisher, vice president - Marketing for Au Bon Pain, is optimistic about the new service: "Providing our customers with a last chance to grab a distinctive Au Bon Pain menu item is consistent with our goal of complete hospitality. It is an opportunity to improve the in-flight experience." 

"We are pleased to partner with DFW Airport in this test," said Tom Koenigsberg, vice president - Marketing for T.G.I. Friday's U.S.A. "It's a terrific way to offer the flying public an opportunity to have a great tasting meal in flight."

American Airlines is the world's largest carrier. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) regional carriers serve nearly 275 cities in 50 countries and territories with approximately 4,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award- winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld Alliance.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the "MediaSite" section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com