American Breaks out the Silver in First Class

The metal cutlery is back. And so are the steamed towels and tiny salt and pepper shakers.

American Airlines Inc. has been quietly bringing back some of the amenities in its first and business class cabins that were eliminated after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and a 2003 financial crisis.

The carrier is also adding some new perks: artisan breads with dipping sauces and after-dinner sweets. As an alternative to the small dish of warmed nuts, American is offering a cheese-and-olive antipasto.

Hot and cold breakfast options will now be available on flights with multiple meal services.

And fans of the airline's baked-onboard cookies will now be able to enjoy them during shorter flights and lunchtime.

Lauri Curtis, American's vice president of onboard service, said the changes are part of the Fort Worth-based carrier's effort to keep its lucrative elite customers happy.

"We're trying to make our food investment in a way that our customers would really value it," Ms. Curtis said.

The upgrades come as American shifts capacity to more profitable overseas routes, where the airline faces stiff competition from foreign flag carriers known for lavish service in their premium cabins.

This year, international flying is expected to account for about 35 percent of American's schedule, up from 30 percent last year.

This month, American began installing its new lie-flat business class seats and new interiors - an overdue project that was also put on hold in 2001.

During the last several years, American has been criticized for some of its attempts to cut costs.

When warm cloth towels were replaced with a paper version in 2005, some frequent fliers derided the new "wet naps" on Internet chat boards.

Other travelers protested when American trimmed back its custom sundae service, which was also reinstated for some flights.

"We tried to find items that we didn't think customers valued as much," Ms. Curtis said.

But American soon learned that customers preferred cost-cutting efforts that weren't as obvious.

"Customers told us, 'I know you want to save money, but when I pay all this money, I don't want to know that in the cabin,'" Ms. Curtis said.

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