Air Canada will offer complimentary alcohol and snacks to its top-tier Super Elite members traveling in economy class. But such “snacks” will not include fresh meals for sale onboard.
Air Canada Offers Super Elite Members Free Drinks + Snacks In Economy Class
Air Canada Bistro service is currently suspended on Air Canada flights. When it returns (no date has been announced), Aeroplan top-tier Super Elite members will receive a free snack and drink when flying in economy class.
Per Air Canada:
Complimentary In-Flight Refreshment
Beginning when we reintroduce Air Canada Bistro service onboard, and subject to the product selection available on your flight, Aeroplan Super Elite members can enjoy one free alcoholic beverage and one free snack item when traveling on Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada Rouge in Economy Class. Note that alcoholic beverages up to a value of $6.95 are eligible, while meal and fresh snack options (such as sandwiches and salads) are not eligible.
You can view one of Air Canada’s pre-pandemic Bistro menu here. I’ve never had the chance to experience Air Canada’s domestic or transborder economy class service, but the menu looks quite decent in terms of substantive food offerings.
So alcohol yes, premium alcohol, no. Snacks, yes. Meals, no.
CONCLUSION
The move strikes me a penny-wise, pound-foolish. Look, this is better than nothing and Air Canada does not face the competitive pressures that American and United face in offering a more generous option to their top-tier elites. In that sense, the move makes sense. On the other hand, why offer anything at all if that is the mentality? Why only go halfway? Won’t this put flight attendants in many awkward positions? In any case, it is tough to complain about something that is now free that was not free, so good job Air Canada…I guess?
I do like the United burger and sausage sandwich.
But until all this is reintroduced, which given the way things are going (next year?) it really makes no difference.
With business travel forecast to recover later, if at all, there will be a lot fewer road warriors, and thus a lot fewer elites. You would think that this makes those still able to reach elite status that much more valuable. I’d expect them to be upping their game significantly after years of watering down elite benefits…but maybe not in Canada.
You must mean “transBORDER” and not “transPORTER” flights.
Yes, this was an auto-correct error. I do know the difference. 😉
I suppose if you’re flying out of YTZ it could be both.