American Airlines to launch free meals on coast-to-coast flights

What are the world's best airlines?
What are the world's best airlines?

American Airlines is dishing out more free perks.

The company said Tuesday that it will offer free in-flight meals to all fliers on trips between Los Angeles and New York and San Francisco and New York beginning May 1.

"Some of our best customers fly our trans-continental routes, and we want to give them a top-notch onboard experience," Fernand Fernandez, American's vice president of global marketing, said in a statement.

The menu will differ depending on the time of day, American Airlines said. Continental breakfast will be served in the mornings, and lunch and dinner options include a boxed meal with a sandwich wrap, chips and dessert.

Related: It's a golden age for affordable flying. No, really

The meals will be served on American's A321T fleet, which is used to fly the airline's trans-continental routes. The luxurious planes offer fully reclining seats in first and business class.

Airlines have been in a free-perks arms race as of late.

American's announcement Tuesday comes just days after competitor Delta began serving free meals to passengers on some coast-to-coast flights.

Related: Why airplanes still have ashtrays. No, you can't smoke

American Airlines announced in August that travelers on Wifi-enabled planes can watch free entertainment, including premium channels. Delta announced a similar move in June last year.

Personal Finance

CNNMoney Sponsors