In 2024, Air Canada very nicely improved its economy experience in most markets, by introducing free beer and wine on most flights. There’s now a positive update, as this has been expanded even further, and is now available on all flights.
Air Canada’s improved economy experience
Air Canada is now offering free beer, wine, and snacks, in economy, on all flights globally. This has of course been the standard in long haul markets for many years. Then in June 2024, the airline expanded this to domestic and transborder flights. Now the airline has expanded this to flights to Mexico and the Caribbean, meaning this is available on all flights.
This includes flights with a beverage service that are operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz).
What kind of complimentary drinks and snacks should Air Canada economy passengers on flights?
- Complimentary beer includes Hop Valley, Creemore Springs Premium Lager, Molson Canadian, and Coors Light, and complimentary wine includes two French wines from Paul Mas
- Complimentary snacks include sweet and savory options, like buttery herb and garlic pretzels from TWIGZ, and Leclerc’s Célébration Cookie
For those who want spirits, those are available for purchase for $9.95 (CAD), which is rather reasonable. Options include Baileys Original Irish Cream, Canadian Club rye, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Smirnoff vodka, Tromba Tequila Blanco, or Campari.
In addition to the complimentary offerings, I think it’s worth specifically calling out how great Air Canada Bistro is, which is the carrier’s buy on board menu. The airline sells legitimately decent food, including some of the main courses you’ll find in business class. I wish more US airlines had such an impressive buy on board menu.
This is only one of the major passenger experience improvements we’re seeing at Air Canada. The airline has also started offering fast, free Wi-Fi , and this will eventually be available throughout the fleet. Between free Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks, flying with Air Canada is becoming increasingly pleasant.
The interesting competitive dynamics at play
Most airlines make significant investments in the passenger experience in premium cabins, since that’s where they’ll see the most return on those investments. In the Americas, it’s rare to see airlines investing in economy in this way, especially when it comes to soft product. So what’s Air Canada’s incentive to offer this, especially since the Star Alliance carrier is Canada’s only real global airline?
Keep in mind that Porter Airlines has been growing rapidly in Canada, and the airline is increasingly competing head-to-head against Air Canada. While the airline historically flew Bombardier Q400s, the airline has been adding Embraer E195-E2s to its fleet, which operate domestic, transborder, and sun destination flights.
One of the things that historically made Porter unique is that the airline has offered free beer, wine, and snacks, to all passengers (in proper glassware, to boot). So it’s pretty clear that this is a competitive response on Air Canada’s part. For that matter, Porter also offers free Wi-Fi on its jets, so Air Canada is doing the same.
I’m not suggesting that’s Air Canada’s sole motivation for adding this, but competition sure is a beautiful thing. I’d have to imagine that without Porter, Air Canada wouldn’t be elevating its experience quite this much.
To me, I can’t help but wonder if we could eventually see this in the United States as well. On the surface, we’d all be shocked if American, Delta, or United, offered free beer and wine on all flights. However, if Air Canada can be talked into it, could we see it here as well?
Obviously it would just take one of the “big three” carriers to do this, and then other airlines would follow as well. While it seems unlikely, personally I wouldn’t be shocked to see it, eventually. After all, most of us would never have expected these airlines to end change fees on most types of fares, actually introduce great champagne in long haul business class, etc.
Bottom line
Air Canada now offers free beer, wine, and snacks, on all flights systemwide, including domestic flights, transborder flights, and services to Mexico and the Caribbean. This is awesome for passengers, especially when combined with Air Canada rolling out free Wi-Fi throughout its fleet.
What do you make of Air Canada offering free alcohol and snacks in economy on all flights?
