Less is more? Why American Airlines’ new policy has travelers fuming!
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If you’ve ever found yourself balancing a precarious pile of snacks on a plate the size of a saucer in an airport lounge, you’re not alone.
At The GrayVine, we know that travel is one of life’s great pleasures—especially for those of us who’ve earned a little extra comfort along the way.
So when a major airline makes a move that seems to shrink the value of those hard-won perks, it’s worth a closer look. Let’s dig into what’s really going on with those tiny plates, how it’s affecting travelers, and what it might mean for the future of airport lounges.
The Great Plate Debate: What’s Happening in Admirals Clubs?
Recently, American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounges have come under fire for a change that’s left frequent flyers scratching their heads—and, in some cases, picking salad off the floor.
The culprit? Downsized dinnerware.
Travel expert Gary Leff, a respected voice in the world of frequent flyers, recently sounded the alarm on his blog, View from the Wing.
According to Leff, American Airlines has swapped out standard-sized plates for much smaller ones in its Admirals Club lounges.
The reason? To encourage guests to eat less—and, ultimately, to save money on food costs.
“They want to make sure that customers eat less, or at least take less, in order to control food costs. And they do this with very small plates,” Leff wrote.
He even shared a photo of a full-sized bratwurst awkwardly perched on a plate barely big enough to hold it, let alone any sides.
The Fallout: Messy Meals and Frustrated Flyers
The reaction from travelers has been swift and, in many cases, less than enthusiastic.
Online threads and travel forums are filled with stories of food tumbling off plates, salads scattered on the floor, and guests making multiple trips to the buffet just to assemble a modest meal.
Source: @11xtdrs / Reddit.
As Leff points out, the small plates don’t just limit portions—they also make eating less enjoyable and more inconvenient.
“Dishes are used to help keep food off surfaces, prevent it from spreading everywhere, and serve as a barrier between food and dirty tables,” Leff explained. “They can also provide a flat, often decorative space to arrange food attractively.”
Also read: Shocking response to passenger’s destroyed $4K luggage claim!
Is This the New Normal for Airport Lounges?
American Airlines isn’t the only carrier with a keen eye on costs. As travel rebounds and lounges fill up, airlines are looking for ways to manage expenses without raising membership fees or cutting access.
Portion control—whether through smaller plates, limited menu options, or “snack towers of sadness” (as Leff jokingly calls them)—is becoming more common.
Source: CNBC / Youtube.
But not all airlines are following the same playbook. Delta’s Sky Clubs and United’s various lounge offerings have been praised for their food quality and presentation, with some locations even rolling out new first-class lounges and revamped menus.
For many travelers, these differences are starting to matter more than ever.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Lounge Visit
- Scope Out the Spread: If you’re faced with tiny plates, consider making multiple trips for smaller portions. It’s not ideal, but it can help you sample more without making a mess.
- Bring Your Own (Discreetly!): Some travelers have been known to tuck a small, collapsible plate or bowl into their carry-on. Just be mindful of lounge rules.
Source: Jackson Jetsetting / Youtube.
- Share Your Feedback: Airlines do pay attention to customer comments—especially from frequent flyers. If you’re unhappy with the changes, let them know (politely, of course).
- Explore Alternatives: If you have access to multiple lounges (through credit cards or elite status), try different options to see which one best meets your needs.
Read next: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
Have you noticed changes in your favorite airport lounge? Do you have a funny (or frustrating) story about balancing food on a tiny plate? Or maybe you’ve found a hidden gem among the airport lounges that still delivers the VIP treatment. Share your experiences in the comments below!
At The GrayVine, we know that travel is one of life’s great pleasures—especially for those of us who’ve earned a little extra comfort along the way.
So when a major airline makes a move that seems to shrink the value of those hard-won perks, it’s worth a closer look. Let’s dig into what’s really going on with those tiny plates, how it’s affecting travelers, and what it might mean for the future of airport lounges.
The Great Plate Debate: What’s Happening in Admirals Clubs?
Recently, American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounges have come under fire for a change that’s left frequent flyers scratching their heads—and, in some cases, picking salad off the floor.
The culprit? Downsized dinnerware.
Travel expert Gary Leff, a respected voice in the world of frequent flyers, recently sounded the alarm on his blog, View from the Wing.
According to Leff, American Airlines has swapped out standard-sized plates for much smaller ones in its Admirals Club lounges.
American Airlines has come under fire for offering only small plates in its Admirals Club lounges, a move experts say is designed to make customers eat less and control food costs. Image source: The Wall Street Journal / Youtube.
The reason? To encourage guests to eat less—and, ultimately, to save money on food costs.
“They want to make sure that customers eat less, or at least take less, in order to control food costs. And they do this with very small plates,” Leff wrote.
He even shared a photo of a full-sized bratwurst awkwardly perched on a plate barely big enough to hold it, let alone any sides.
Travel expert Gary Leff criticised the small plate size, arguing it causes messes, makes serving food awkward (such as bratwurst not fitting), and diminishes the overall lounge experience compared to competitors like Delta and United. Image source: Frequent Flyer Insights / Youtube.
The Fallout: Messy Meals and Frustrated Flyers
The reaction from travelers has been swift and, in many cases, less than enthusiastic.
Online threads and travel forums are filled with stories of food tumbling off plates, salads scattered on the floor, and guests making multiple trips to the buffet just to assemble a modest meal.
Source: @11xtdrs / Reddit.
As Leff points out, the small plates don’t just limit portions—they also make eating less enjoyable and more inconvenient.
“Dishes are used to help keep food off surfaces, prevent it from spreading everywhere, and serve as a barrier between food and dirty tables,” Leff explained. “They can also provide a flat, often decorative space to arrange food attractively.”
Also read: Shocking response to passenger’s destroyed $4K luggage claim!
Is This the New Normal for Airport Lounges?
American Airlines isn’t the only carrier with a keen eye on costs. As travel rebounds and lounges fill up, airlines are looking for ways to manage expenses without raising membership fees or cutting access.
Portion control—whether through smaller plates, limited menu options, or “snack towers of sadness” (as Leff jokingly calls them)—is becoming more common.
Source: CNBC / Youtube.
But not all airlines are following the same playbook. Delta’s Sky Clubs and United’s various lounge offerings have been praised for their food quality and presentation, with some locations even rolling out new first-class lounges and revamped menus.
For many travelers, these differences are starting to matter more than ever.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Lounge Visit
- Scope Out the Spread: If you’re faced with tiny plates, consider making multiple trips for smaller portions. It’s not ideal, but it can help you sample more without making a mess.
- Bring Your Own (Discreetly!): Some travelers have been known to tuck a small, collapsible plate or bowl into their carry-on. Just be mindful of lounge rules.
Source: Jackson Jetsetting / Youtube.
- Share Your Feedback: Airlines do pay attention to customer comments—especially from frequent flyers. If you’re unhappy with the changes, let them know (politely, of course).
- Explore Alternatives: If you have access to multiple lounges (through credit cards or elite status), try different options to see which one best meets your needs.
Read next: The sneaky flight trick an airline is banning—travelers, take note!
Have you noticed changes in your favorite airport lounge? Do you have a funny (or frustrating) story about balancing food on a tiny plate? Or maybe you’ve found a hidden gem among the airport lounges that still delivers the VIP treatment. Share your experiences in the comments below!
