Note: This is a new, and occasional, feature which will review how outlets for which tea is not their main business (restaurants, hotels, airplanes, etc) actually serve tea.
A recent business trip took me from Chicago to Washington DC via American Airlines. I was seated in coach, and decided to see how they served hot tea to their passengers.
On the flight to DC, I requested “tea” and was immediately asked “how I took it” (milk, sugar, and lemon were on offer, but I declined all three). The flight attendant had to go back to the galley for hot water, and I was presented with a styrofoam cup of hot water, nested in a plastic cup, and a Lipton tea
I thought the double cup thing was odd, but then I realized that the plastic cup’s purpose was as a receptacle for the tea bag. I grew up drinking Lipton tea so I found its bland, slightly sweet flavor to be strangely comforting.
On the way home from DC, I again asked for tea. This time, however, I received a styrofoam cup full of pre-made black tea. It was both stale and flavorless, and I would have done better to order plain water.
Summary & Recommendation: The tea service in American Airlines domestic coach is inconsistent and even at its best, mediocre. You would do well to bring your own tea bag and ask for hot water.
Tea Service Rating for American Airlines: 
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
_64.gif)
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great feature, I look fwd to reading more! And FWIW, I’ve long made a habit of bringing my own tea & asking the cabin attendent for hot water. That way I get a tea I love!
Hi Cheryl!
Thanks for stopping by. I agree, bringing your own tea is the way to go!