Way to go Air Canada! In a time when many airlines seem intent on shrinking legroom, trimming service, and charging for every peanut, Air Canada is charting a different course. The race to the bottom is in reverse as Air Canada adds value back to the economy flying experience. And I am here for it. Finally making economy better instead of worse.
As of September 1st, every Air Canada economy passenger can now enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and a selection of well-curated Canadian snacks. This is for ALL routes, not just international flights. No matter where they’re flying, Vancouver to Toronto or routes to Mexico and the Caribbean You can now enjoy more complimentary food and drink choices. Plus this isn’t just for mainline Air Canada. Enjoy this on the entire Air Canada group, Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz. If there is drink service, order a beer or a glass of wine on the house!
This service also includes includes popular Canadian treats like MadeGood Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars and Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots, alongside established snack favorites like TWIGZ Craft Pretzels and Smarties.
New Sips and Snacks to Savour
- Morning flights (before 10 a.m.): A favourite in homes across Canada, MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars join the line-up of complimentary snacks onboard, alongside Canadian favourites TWIGZ Craft Pretzels and Leclerc’s Celebration Cookies.
- Toronto-Downtown Billy Bishop flights (after 10:30 a.m.): From Canadian brand Greenhouse, known for its organic and plant-based products, complimentary Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots will provide an energizing kick to our offerings. These shots are also featured in Air Canada’s premium snack baskets and Bistro menu.
- Expanded Air Canada Bistro – Now featuring more Canadian-made choices, from Summer Fresh Hummus & Crackers and Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cups to bold new TWIGZ Sour Cream & Onion Pretzels and fan-favourite Smarties.
- Crisp New Pour – With Heineken 0.0, Air Canada becomes the only North American airline to serve a non-alcoholic beer inflight, complementing its system-wide free beer and wine offering.
Air Canada Leads the Industry
Air Canada is the only airline I know in North American that offers free beer and wine on all flights. Most carriers from the United States offer free beer and wine on long haul flights only. And here’s something truly unique: Air Canada is now the only North American airline offering non-alcoholic beer onboard—Heineken 0.0 is pouring for free. That’s a smart move, and one that caters to today’s more health-conscious, moderation-minded traveler.
“These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they’re going,” said Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s VP of Loyalty & Product.
This isn’t just fluff, it’s part of a broader trend I hopes more carriers will embrace, yet I doubt it will change much. Beyond snacks and drinks, Air Canada has been rolling out a series of improvements that actually enhance the customer experience across all classes. This includes refreshed Maple Leaf lounges, expanded IFE, streamlined app features, and free high-speed Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members. It’s a clear signal, Air Canada is investing in the economy cabin, not just the front of the plane.
Bottom Line
Let’s be honest, we all know that airlines have taken a lot away from economy travelers over the years. Cough, Saver fares, Cough, anyone?! But Air Canada is flipping the script, at least for now. Instead of cutting, they’re adding. Instead of up charging, they’re offering. Instead of treating economy like an afterthought, they’re leaning in and building a product people can feel good about.
Here’s hoping this sets a new standard and that other North American carriers are paying attention. Because when airlines choose to enhance the customer experience, everyone wins. Air Canada has a new complimentary menu for all economy passengers which includes complimentary beer, wine and snacks.
