The Province

The Province: "No free lunch on Air Canada
Blankets, pillows among items for which there will be fees

Ashley Ford
The Province


Friday, November 04, 2005



CREDIT: The Canadian Press
Pillows, once part of the service on Air Canada's domestic flights, will now be included in a $2 'reusable' kit.


CREDIT: The Canadian Press
Changes make Air Canada a common carrier, like all the rest.





There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world -- and that now includes a meal on Air Canada.
The national airline, fresh off a $270-million profit in its third quarter, has announced it's ditching complimentary meals, a mainstay of long-haul flights within Canada and the continental U.S.
If you insist on grazing, the airline will gladly dish you up a selection of snacks and cold sandwiches for between $1 and $5.
It says it is an innovative menu of reasonably-priced items featuring brand, quality and choice.
Peter de Souza, business development manager for Bains Travel of Vancouver, says it's 'unfortunate' that Air Canada has chosen to follow most of the other North American airlines.
'Air Canada stood out for the extras it offered on long-haul flights across the country and into the U.S. But now it is just a common air carrier like all the rest. It is sad to see,' he said.
Peter Waitt, a Burnaby-based aviation analyst said he is not surprised by the move. 'But my feeling is if you clearly know what the rules are you are better off.
'If what you want is a cheap flight, then you know you can bring your own food, which I prefer, or pay up,' he said.
'I don't think passengers will be much bothered by this at all and airlines like W"