American Airlines, currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is not sitting still in its effort to introduce new programs. On Oct. 15 it announced a new meal entree reservations program, claiming to be the first domestic airline to offer premium class customers the opportunity to review menu options and pre-select their desired meal prior to their flight’s departure.

“Our entree reservations program is another example of our desire to personalize the travel experience for our customers in our premium cabin,” said Rob Friedman, American’s vice president of marketing. “We are sharply focused on investing in innovative products and new technologies as part of our continued effort to provide industry leading experiences as we build the new American.”

The entree reservations program gives First and Business Class customers traveling on flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and flights between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) the option to select their onboard meal in advance of travel, ensuring customers receive their preferred entree choice.

On Nov. 15, the entree reservations program will also be available on all flights between JFK and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), as well as flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and LAX; ORD and LGA; and DFW and LAX.  In addition, American plans to expand the program to all domestic flights by the first quarter of 2013 and to all international flights by the second quarter of 2013.

Once a flight is ticketed, premium class customers can go to AA.com between 30 days and 24 hours prior to the flight’s departure to make their selection via the “View Reservation” page. Customers can click on “Entree Reservations” to enter the “Entree Reservations” portal. On this portal, the customer first chooses their eligible flight segment and then selects the desired entree for that segment. To provide added flexibility, customers have the option to select, change or view their entree reservations within the 30 days to 24 hours prior to departure.