That’s not normal. LHR to CLT is a long haul and PE should absolutely have a full meal service. “Refreshments for purchase” is what economy short haul shows, not transatlantic PE.
This sounds like a classic AA IT issue, especially since you mentioned it was a late added flight / weird rebooking. When flights are added or heavily modified, catering sometimes doesn’t populate correctly in the app even though the service still happens onboard.
That said, the fact that the EP desk also sees no meal in the system is concerning. AA catering has been a mess lately and I wouldn’t 100% trust that it magically fixes itself.
Practical advice:
Assume there might be a meal, but don’t rely on it
Eat at the airport or bring backup food
Worst case, you’re pleasantly surprised onboard
Best case, you’re not starving if catering really is missing
I’ve seen AA flights where meals absolutely existed despite the app saying otherwise, but I’ve also seen “oops no catering loaded” situations. Given the rebook and “added flight” comment, I’d plan defensively.
If you do end up with no meal in PE on a transatlantic, definitely complain after. That’s compensation territory.
0