Constant delays, emergency landings and complimentary alcohol and snacks only until the end of the year: pick a struggle.
Air Canada has been making headlines a lot lately for a variety of reasons.
The airline recently announced a major upgrade for its Economy-level customers on North American flights. As of Wednesday, travellers can expect complimentary beer, wine and premium snacks until the end of this year.
Available only on flights within Canada and the U.S., Air Canada will offer a free curated selection of craft beers including classics like Molson Canadian, as well as red and white French wines. A wide selection of $5 spirits will also be available for purchase.
Canadian-made premium snacks will also now be offered on all Air Canada flights. Travellers can now enjoy free sweet or savoury bites, including two Canadian favourites: buttery herb and garlic pretzels from Alberta’s family-owned and female-led TWIGZ, and Quebec-based Leclerc’s Célébration Cookie, a sweet treat made with real milk chocolate and butter.
“We’re thrilled to continue elevating the Economy travel experience in North America, and we’re proud to spotlight Canadian brands with this thoughtfully curated lineup of complimentary snacks and beverages, in time for your summer travels,” Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s Vice President of Loyalty & Product said in a press release.
The delicious deal, however, does not absolve Air Canada from the constant troubles it’s been facing lately.
On Wednesday, a flight that took off from Toronto to Paris reported an engine issue and had to return to Pearson airport. Flight AC872, carrying 389 passengers, departed at around 8:45 p.m., and landed at 9:50 p.m.
Video footage shows the plane arriving with what appears to be a bright orange flashing glow.
This is the second time in about two weeks Air Canada had a plane depart from Pearson airport and was forced to land due to engine issues. On May 27, a flight from Toronto to New Delhi returned after experiencing a similar problem shortly after takeoff.
Air Canada is also facing backlash after popular American streamer Kai Cenat took to his platform to rant about his experience on the airline. Although landing 40 minutes ahead, Cenat alleges he was late for his connecting flight at Pearson (an airport ranked as the worst in the world for delays in 2022) due to the airline’s hold up in disembarking passengers.
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“Air Canada is the WORST,” one user said in the comments under a TikTok.
“I’m from Canada and I would never use Air Canada,” another user said.
Now Toronto reached out to Air Canada for comment but did not receive a response by time of publication.
