HEATHROW- American Airlines (AA) flight attendants who worked services to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will receive additional compensation of up to $169 per flight sequence under a settlement resolving a dispute over the airline’s prolonged catering disruption. The agreement covers services operated between February 28 and October 27, 2026, following operational changes that increased cabin crew responsibilities.
The settlement between American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) recognizes the extra work required after the carrier abruptly ended its catering contract at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on February 28. American had to introduce temporary catering arrangements for its transatlantic services while working to restore normal food provisioning at one of its largest international hubs.
American Airlines Catering Crisis
American Airlines ended its long-running catering arrangement with Dnata at Heathrow in late February, leaving the carrier without a replacement provider capable of immediately handling its extensive operation.
Reports at the time raised concerns about food safety standards at Dnata’s facility, although American did not publicly explain its decision to terminate the contract.
The disruption presented a significant logistical challenge because American operates as many as 19 daily flights between Heathrow and nine US cities.
With existing catering providers unable to accommodate the additional demand overnight, the airline began loading food, beverages and service equipment in the United States for both outbound and return journeys.
This double-catering arrangement placed additional pressure on flight attendants. Aircraft galleys are designed to accommodate supplies for a single flight sector, so carrying provisions for two long-haul journeys created storage and handling challenges.
Crew members also had to manage additional waste removal and resolve catering-related problems before beginning their regular duties.
Flight Attendant Bonus Details
APFA raised the issue formally in April, filing a notice of dispute and seeking additional compensation for the increased workload. The union argued that the situation involved contractual obligations and working conditions, rather than simply an operational inconvenience.
Under the settlement, compensation varies according to the level of disruption experienced during three periods:
- February 28–April 29, 2026: Flight attendants receive $169 per Heathrow flight sequence. During this period, American relied on double catering from the United States, and crew members also handled waste removal.
- April 30–September 4, 2026: The payment falls to $84.50 per sequence as British Airways’ catering contractor began providing some support, including loading main courses at Heathrow and removing waste.
- September 5–October 27, 2026: Flight attendants receive $42.25 per sequence. Catering coordinators increasingly helped move service carts and locate supplies needed for return flights.
The amounts represent payments per qualifying flight sequence, not necessarily per individual flight segment. The settlement allows the airline and union to resolve the dispute without waiting for a lengthy grievance process.
American Airlines’ Heathrow Catering Recovery
American signed a new catering contract with Do&Co in May 2026, but the transition did not immediately restore normal service across its Heathrow operation. The supplier faced a shortage of specialized catering trucks, which limited its ability to deliver food and supplies directly to every aircraft.
American said the operation would have 17 dedicated catering trucks by the end of October, allowing all return flights from Heathrow to receive local catering.
Alcoholic beverages will remain an exception because American routinely double-caters bar carts from the United States across its international network, PYOK flagged.
The settlement marks a step toward resolving the employee impact of the disruption, which lasted nearly eight months.
It also highlights how a supplier change at a major international hub can affect cabin crew workload when replacement infrastructure cannot be deployed immediately.
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