Canada is expected to emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the tournament in terms of tourism growth. The WTTC forecasts a 6.4% increase in tourism GDP for the country, ahead of Mexico and the United States. Business travel data also points to a sharp rise in demand, with bookings to Canadian World Cup destinations increasing significantly compared with last year. Toronto stands out as the country’s strongest performer, with combined hotel and flight spending linked to the tournament rising dramatically. At the same time, flight prices to Canada have fallen, making the destination more attractive for both leisure and corporate travellers.

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Business travel is becoming one of the strongest forces behind the World Cup tourism boom. Data from business travel platform Navan shows that hotel and flight bookings to Canadian host cities have nearly tripled compared with the same period last year. “Companies are embracing the World Cup as the ultimate can’t miss event,” according to Dane Molter, Senior Vice President of Navan Group Travel Marketplace. Businesses are increasingly using the tournament as an opportunity to meet clients, host events, and strengthen commercial relationships. Travellers are also booking much earlier than usual, reflecting the intense competition for flights and accommodation during the tournament period.

Mexico is also entering the World Cup year with strong tourism momentum. According to WTTC figures, the country recorded the strongest tourism performance in North America in 2025. International arrivals increased by more than 6%, while visitor spending also rose, outperforming both Canada and the United States on several key indicators. Although Canada is expected to record the largest tourism growth during the tournament itself, Mexico enters the event from a position of strength. The World Cup is therefore likely to build on an already expanding tourism sector rather than reverse a slowdown.

The United States, despite hosting the largest number of matches, enters the tournament with a more complex tourism picture. Recent figures show the country welcomed more than four million fewer international visitors in 2025 than the year before. Several factors may help explain the softer performance, including weaker inbound demand and concerns among some travellers about entry procedures and travel conditions. As a result, the United States is expected to record tourism growth linked to the World Cup, but at a lower rate than its neighbours.

At the same time, demand linked directly to the tournament remains strong. Hotel and flight bookings to US host cities continue to rise, while average hotel prices have increased by around 30%. Destinations such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago remain major gateways for international visitors and business travellers. The San Francisco Bay Area and the New York-New Jersey region are among the most popular destinations for corporate travel during the tournament period.

Some uncertainty remains around international travel operations in the United States. Recent proposals concerning customs processing at certain airports have prompted discussion within the travel industry about how major gateways could manage the expected influx of visitors. Industry groups have argued that smooth border procedures and efficient airport operations will be essential to maximise the benefits of the tournament. Because many international routes rely on a small number of major hubs, even limited disruptions can have wider effects across the aviation network. Travel organisations have also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive visitor experience during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

Beyond leisure travel, the tournament is expected to generate substantial economic benefits across North America. The WTTC estimates that the travel and tourism sector will support nearly 31 million jobs across the region in 2026. Increased visitor spending is expected to benefit hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions and local businesses. The event is also encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure, aviation capacity and digital services designed to improve the travel experience. These improvements could continue to benefit destinations long after the final match has been played.

Industry leaders see the World Cup as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for tourism across North America. Greater connectivity between the three host nations, improved transport links and increased international visibility could help strengthen the region’s appeal for years to come. While Canada currently appears best positioned to capitalise on the tournament-driven surge in demand, all three host countries stand to benefit from one of the largest global sporting events ever staged. The World Cup may ultimately become as significant for the region’s tourism sector as it is for football itself.

L’article Canada leads North America’s World Cup tourism boom as business travel surges est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The programme will run from 19 June to 7 September 2026 and applies across the full Parks Canada network, including 40 national parks and reserves, 171 national historic sites and five national marine conservation areas. During this period, both domestic and international visitors will be able to enter participating sites free of charge. Admission fees normally vary by location, but typically range from around US$5 to US$18 (€4.30–€15.50) per visit.

In addition to free admission, the Canada Strong Pass also brings extra savings for overnight stays. Visitors can receive a 25% discount on camping and accommodation operated by Parks Canada. This includes a variety of stays such as cabins, yurts, tipis, and even historic buildings like lockmaster’s houses or heritage lodges. However, reservations are still required, and demand is expected to be high throughout the summer season.

Some additional costs remain outside the offer, such as parking, guided tours, firewood, or access to certain facilities like hot springs. Even so, the overall savings are significant for travellers planning longer stays. The initiative is also expected to encourage visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the country instead of concentrating tourism in only a few major destinations. For many travellers, the pass offers a more affordable way to experience Canada’s landscapes and outdoor culture during the busy summer months.

The announcement comes at a time when travel costs are increasing in many destinations around the world. In contrast to Canada’s free access programme, some destinations are seeing rising costs, especially in the United States, where international visitors to certain national parks face significantly higher entry fees. Against that backdrop, Canada’s decision to waive admission fees stands out as a more accessible approach to summer tourism.

One of the most iconic places included in the programme is Banff National Park. Known for its dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, Banff is home to turquoise lakes, glaciers, and extensive hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting. The park attracts millions of visitors each year and remains one of Canada’s best-known natural landmarks.

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On the west coast, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers a completely different landscape. Here, dense rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean in a striking mix of greenery and waves. The area is popular for surfing, kayaking, and long coastal walks along sandy beaches. Trails like the Rainforest Trail allow visitors to experience ancient trees and rich biodiversity up close.

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In eastern Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park is known for its red sand beaches and rolling dunes. The park is ideal for cycling, birdwatching, and relaxed coastal walks. It also includes cultural landmarks such as Green Gables Heritage Place, linked to the well-known novel “Anne of Green Gables.” The atmosphere here is softer and more peaceful compared to the country’s mountain parks.

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Further east, history and marine adventure take centre stage. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site tells the story of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Nearby, Fathom Five National Marine Park offers crystal-clear waters filled with shipwrecks that can be explored by diving or boat tours. These locations show another side of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, blending history with underwater exploration.

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Travelling to Canada from Europe is straightforward, with several direct routes available. Airlines such as Air Canada operate flights between cities like Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and London to destinations including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. From these hubs, travellers can easily reach nearby parks such as La Mauricie National Park or Georgian Bay Islands National Park. This makes it convenient to combine urban travel with nature experiences.

Full details about participating sites, reservations, and conditions can be found through Parks Canada. As summer is expected to be particularly busy this year, travellers planning to visit popular parks are advised to book accommodation well in advance. The free-access period runs until 7 September 2026.

L’article Canada opens its most spectacular national parks for free this summer est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On 22 March 2026, Air Canada’s pilot, Antoine Forest and first officer Mackenzie Gunther were killed in a fatal collision with a forklift truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Soon after the accident, the airline published a condolence video on X, in which Michael Rousseau expressed his “deepest sorrow for everyone affected”.

That video, however, soon became the center of attention. While pilot Antoine Forest came from the French-speaking Quebec, and although French is one of Canada’s official languages, the CEO only expressed his condolences in English. Both English and French subtitles were added, but those did not manage to hide the CEO’s shortcomings, for which he later apologised, adding that despite taking lessons, he could not express himself “adequately” in French.

Nevertheless, Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, quickly criticised Rousseau for his inability and his “lack of compassion”. Legault even believed the CEO should step down if he was unable to speak French, especially on such a delicate occasion.

On Monday, 30 March 2026, Air Canada announced that its CEO had decided to retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026 following the controversy.

Air Canada Board of Directors announces the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer: https://t.co/VV4AfVmeUG
//
Le Conseil d'administration d'Air Canada annonce le départ à la retraite du président et chef de la direction : https://t.co/m7WbxGRChj pic.twitter.com/JlccCMt7wK

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 30, 2026

“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation. I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period”, Michael Rousseau stated.

In the same statement shared by Air Canada, Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors, thanked the CEO for his service.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to Air Canada as he progressed from Chief Financial Officer to Deputy CEO and then to CEO and Board member. We are grateful for the determined leadership he has provided not only in steering our company through the 2007-2008 financial crisis, COVID and other challenges, but also in capturing opportunities such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer centricity and employee well-being priorities. Our upcoming AGM will allow us to further recognize his achievements which include a legacy of financial strength,” he said.

Je salue la décision du PDG d’Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, de quitter son poste.
Le conseil d’administration d’Air Canada devra s’assurer que le prochain PDG parle français.
C’est une question de respect pour les employés, les clients francophones et l’ensemble des Québécois.

— François Legault (@francoislegault) March 30, 2026

The condolence video was not the first time for Rousseau to be confronted with his limited French language skills. Although he lives in Montreal, the CEO is an anglophone and was already made aware of the issue when he was appointed as CEO of Air Canada in 2021. As the company is subject to Canada’s Official Languages Act, he promised to work on his French at the time, but the issue eventually led to his stepping down.

L’article Air Canada CEO to retire following controversy over French-language condolence message est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bill C-3 amends the Canadian Citizenship Act by allowing anyone who can prove Canadian ancestry, no matter how far back, to claim citizenship. As long as the relative in question did not renounce their Canadian citizenship during their lifetime, their descendant can become Canadian in theory.

It applies to “People born outside Canada in the second generation (or later)”, the government states. They “may be Canadian if their parent was also born or adopted outside Canada to a Canadian citizen (meaning the grandparent was Canadian), and that same parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth.”

It’s a huge shift from previous rules that limited citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad only—a constraint found to be unconstitutional by an Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Experts are predicting the move, which quietly came into effect in December 2025, could see flocks of Americans digging out their family members’ long-lost birth, christening, and marriage certificates, amid widespread concerns about US politics and society that have already driven some away, including high-profile Americans who now prefer to live abroad.

Unlike US passports, Canadian passports remain highly valued, giving access to a range of countries visa-free. It’s not only Americans who love the idea of pursuing their heritage, though. So-called “ancestry travel” has been trending in a tourism marketplace that is increasingly dominated by a desire for connection and “authentic experiences.”

Adult immigrants to Canada, including Americans, can already become citizens, but they have to be registered there as permanent residents for three out of five years, be up-to-date on income tax filings, have a clean criminal record, demonstrate linguistic competency in English or French, pass tests and take oaths, the government website says.

The process is not swift or cheap. There is a processing charge for those 18 and over applying from the US, costing $530 Canadian dollars, plus a “right of citizenship” fee of $119.75 Canadian dollars, amounting to a total of $649.75 Canadian dollars. Minors pay a flat $100 Canadian dollar. Applicants should not expect delivery of any documentation for about 10 months.

Once obtained, the citizenship certificate opens the door to applying for a Canadian passport. It can be done from the US via an online form, and the application costs $190 Canadian dollars for a five-year validity and takes at least 20 days plus delivery time.

L’article Canadian citizenship rights now extend beyond first generation born abroad est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Under the agreement, Intrepid has set a target for at least 75% of its Canada tours to include an Indigenous experience by the end of 2026, with full inclusion across all itineraries described as a longer-term objective. The company says these experiences will be developed in collaboration with Indigenous-owned and -controlled tourism businesses from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, drawing on ITAC’s national network. Indigenous perspectives are intended to be the core part of tour narratives rather than optional additions.

The funding will be divided between business development and promotion. A portion will support the creation and strengthening of Indigenous tourism businesses, addressing long-standing challenges such as limited access to capital and infrastructure. The remaining funds will be invested in promotion, including media engagement and destination marketing, aimed at increasing the visibility of Indigenous-led experiences to domestic and international travellers.

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Examples of Indigenous-led tourism initiatives already operating across Canada offer insight into what such experiences look like in practice and how they develop. In British Columbia, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre offers visitors guided interpretation and community-run programs focused on the ecology and culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. In Saskatchewan, the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa combines wellness tourism with Indigenous design and storytelling. Elsewhere, projects include guided Badlands tours in Alberta and hands-on food and cultural experiences in Prince Edward Island.

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The announcement comes amid growing demand for Indigenous tourism. Recent research from Destination Canada shows that more than 60% of travellers actively seek Indigenous-led experiences, reflecting a broader shift towards travel that prioritises cultural learning, accountability and local economic benefit.

According to Keith Henry, CEO and President of ITAC, interest in Indigenous tourism is growing faster than the sector’s capacity in some areas. “Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous‑led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure. Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits,” he said.

ITAC has described the collaboration as a practical mechanism of its broader strategy to position Canada as a global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 — an ambition aligned with sector goals to increase contribution to GDP and create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade. ITAC’s own operational plan includes expanded marketing efforts and events such as the 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, aimed at strengthening the industry’s global footprint.

L’article Intrepid Travel invests €310,000 in Indigenous Tourism across Canada est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Spanning 109 km from Rocky Mountain House to Nordegg, the trail follows the former route of the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR). The 50 km western segment from Nordegg towards Saunders is currently fully accessible, and the final stretch to Rocky Mountain House is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Once completed, the developers envisage it as part of a multi-trail system that will connect with other regional trails and the trail networks of the Bighorn Backcountry, an area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

Located in Alberta’s Clearwater County, the trail winds through the mixed wood forests and valleys that are characteristic of the Canadian Rockies’ foothills. Frequently spotted wildlife includes elk, deer, and moose, while the forests and wetlands also shelter smaller mammals and birdlife typical of the region, as well as grizzly and black bears.

The trail passes through not only forests, but also eerie and fascinating ghost towns such as Saunders and Alexo.

As it follows a former rail track, the route is flatter and easier to navigate than many challenging alpine treks in nearby Jasper. It is ideal for those not looking for overly strenuous outdoor activities.

A major stop between the two ends of the trail is the 220-metre Taunton Trestle Bridge, a centrepiece of the route. Recently upgraded, it now features a dedicated parking lot for RVs, an outhouse, and a formal observation deck offering panoramic views of the Clearwater County foothills that are a true feast for the eyes and soul.

The landscape is a vibrant mix of forests and valleys. In the summer heat, the air is heavy with the sweet, medicinal scent of trembling aspen and balsam poplar. When autumn arrives – the season that Albert Camus famously called “a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – the willows and water birch turn to gold.

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When winter transforms the trail into a snow-covered wonderland, the scent of the lodgepole pines stands out sharply.

Designed for year-round use, the trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and horse riders in summer, and also permits quads and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). In winter, the path belongs to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and dog sledging teams.

Built between 1911 and 1914, the railway line was the lifeblood of the region, transporting coal across Canada and fostering the growth of local mining communities.

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However, demand for coal declined after the Second World War, resulting in the closure of mines and a slowdown in rail traffic. The town of Nordegg is named after the entrepreneur Martin Nordegg, who was forced to leave Canada during the First World War due to his Austrian origins. He returned in 1920 to continue his work.

Today, the trail can be accessed from either Rocky Mountain House or Nordegg, both of which are about two hours’ drive from Calgary. As development continues, this path serves as a bridge between Alberta’s industrial past and its ecological future.

L’article Canada opens historic railway trail through the Rockies est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The incident occurred on 11 January, when an Air Canada flight from Cancún landed at around 8 p.m. local time with 192 passengers on board. Travellers were mistakenly directed through a swing gate intended for both domestic and international flights.

While the majority of passengers were successfully redirected to the customs hall once the error had been identified, ten travellers had already left the airport without being processed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

One of the ten passengers, Heather Badenoch, told CBC that, as she was passing through a set of double doors, the person in front of her turned and asked, “Does this seem right?”

That instinct proved correct. Before they knew it, they were “down the escalator” and out of the airport.

All travellers arriving in Canada are required to submit a declaration explaining the purpose of their visit and declaring any goods, either in advance or at kiosks in the arrivals hall. Badenoch did not submit such a declaration and went straight to the baggage reclaim area.

She explained that she just wanted to go home, as she had no checked luggage and was extremely tired.

Christian Lane, a former CBSA intelligence chief, described the incident as “a serious breach”, telling CBC that the passengers’ legal entry into Canada was “therefore sort of in limbo at the moment”.

Lane added that there could also be consequences for Air Canada, as airlines are required to ensure that international passengers are directed to CBSA officers upon arrival.

In a statement to The Independent, Air Canada acknowledged the error and said it had contacted the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as soon as it became aware of the issue, redirecting affected passengers to the correct pathway. The airline added that, while most of the affected passengers had been located and brought in for processing, 10 had already left the airport without clearing customs.

“The airline shared passenger names with CBSA operations, who completed admissibility and security checks and are following up with each traveller to finalise the necessary processing requirements”, the agency said.

#CBSA officers in BC welcomed more than 16M travellers in 2025 and conducted over 63K NEXUS interviews to support trusted travellers. #CBSA is keeping travel safe for everyone: https://t.co/YWhcgGXRXE #YIR2025 pic.twitter.com/bZFQAYjDTz

— Canada Border Services Agency (@CanBorder) January 6, 2026

Although the airline stated that it was actively trying to locate the ten passengers, Badenoch claimed that she had only been contacted by Air Canada on 17 January – almost a week after the incident – and was unsure what she needed to do.

“This was such a weird situation,” she said. “I don’t actually know how this happened. I’m kind of curious to find that out as well. In hindsight, I’m wondering: do I have to do something now? Do I need to go back and submit something?”

The CBSA said that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Customs Act, airlines are required to “present their passengers to the CBSA for examination upon arrival in Canada”, and added that failure to do so constitutes a serious contravention which may incur significant penalties.

Fortunately for travellers such as Badenoch, any legal or financial penalties remain with the airline rather than the passengers.

These penalties fall under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). In cases such as this, the CBSA can issue a baseline penalty of $250 (€154.7) per unreported person, with a minimum total fine of $2,500 (€1,540). However, as the agency has classified the incident as a ‘serious contravention’, the airline could face increased fines potentially reaching $25,000 (€15,440), depending on its compliance history and the severity of the breach.

In a later email to CBC, Badenoch stated she had subsequently been contacted by CBSA officials who had asked her if she had anything to declare and assured her that the incident would not affect her future travel.

L’article Air Canada error lets 10 passengers enter Canada without customs checks est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Air Canada Rouge flight AC1502 from Toronto Pearson International to Moncton was running around four and a half hours late on 13 December 2025, and was taxiing to the runway at 18:30, when, according to passenger reports on Reddit, knocking and shouting noises were heard from beyond the cabin.

The crew then informed the captain, who halted the Airbus A319. A reel posted by a passenger to Instagram reveals that the captain later made an announcement to passengers informing them that a baggage handler had become trapped inside the hold. An Air Canada press statement said that the hold doors had been “inadvertently closed while a member of the ground crew was inside.”

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The aircraft returned to its gate, where, luckily, ground personnel were able to release the individual concerned, who was, the captain told passengers, “perfectly fine and safe.” Had the aircraft taken off with the handler still trapped inside the cargo hold, the outcome could have been very different. Cargo holds are not intended to accommodate humans in-flight. Even those that are pressurized and heated can lack oxygen and provoke a loss of consciousness, or drop to temperatures low enough to cause symptoms associated with severe cold, such as frostbite or hypothermia.

Air Canada has confirmed to the media that: “There were no injuries, but as this presented a potential safety issue, we have reinforced our procedures with our ground crews.”

For those in the cabin, an even longer delay ensued as crew members had reached their maximum working hours by the time the rescue and checks had taken place. The passengers were deboarded at 20:22, and despite an attempt to depart at 22:00, a technical issue then occurred. The flight did not leave until the following morning, almost a day after its scheduled slot.

In his announcement to passengers, the captain can be heard saying it was his first experience of such an event. But aviation experts note that even in tightly controlled airport environments, incidents like this are not completely unheard of, due to the complexity of commercial flight operations where multifaceted logistics, limited timeframes, and human errors can all play a part. In this instance, it seems the attentiveness of passengers to their surroundings helped to avert a disaster.

L’article Air Canada passengers heard trapped man screaming inside baggage hold est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Canadian carrier is undertaking a cabin refurb on 43 planes, giving its formerly economy-only Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 planes “fixed recline” seating in economy class.

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On social media forums, it has become commonplace to see posts detailing arguments and disputes between passengers over reclining seats and the impact they have on the comfort of the passenger situated behind the recliner. A spokesperson for the airline told USA Today that the approach is intended to “preserve personal space” and is in line with what some passengers want.

However, in reality, the carrier’s surveys show that only 50% of passengers prefer removing the option to recline. “Throughout our guest user testing, half indicated they preferred a fixed recline to avoid feeling impacted by other passengers encroaching upon their space,” the airline said.

Instead of being economy-only, the new cabin will still offer reclining seats for passengers in the new 12-seat premium section, with extended comfort seat options in economy that boast “ergonomically contoured seat cushions, reclining seat backs and a large headrest with a four way adjustment capability,” but come at a higher cost.

The seating changes are part of wider updates across the fleet to galley areas and lavatories, and before the end of 2025, high-speed Wi-Fi availability for WestJet Rewards members. It all reflects WestJet’s “commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings,” according to Samantha Taylor, WestJet’s executive vice president and chief experience officer.

Taylor added that “Whether they opt for Premium seating with extra amenities and legroom or for more affordable ticket prices with less space, we’re excited to introduce this range of products for our guests to enjoy.”

Describing itself as “a pioneer in making air travel available to more Canadian(s), largely through our ability to keep costs low and to offer affordable airfares – to continue to do so, we need to be willing to try new products and see how they work.” Question marks nonetheless remain over how comfortable these options will be as the airline says it has achieved cost-savings thanks to the “ultra slim-line seats” which it highlights, “allow enough space on-board to add one seating row compared to the airline’s prior standard layout.”

L’article Will pay-to-recline become the new normal in air travel? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In earlier decades, baggage allowances, meals and complimentary drinks were included in the fare on most traditional airlines. However, over time and under pressure from rising costs and competition from low-cost carriers, airlines began unbundling these services, making meals and alcohol optional extras and introducing ancillary fees.

Air Canada explains that this change in approach is driven by a renewed emphasis on passenger experience and its “commitment to elevating the onboard experience”.

“These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands, enabling our customers to sit back [and] relax no matter their destination”, the airline stated.

Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s vice president of loyalty and product, told Reuters that waiving charges for beer and wine is more cost-effective than cutting baggage fees and that “food and beverages tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction”.

Morning flights now feature MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars alongside Canadian favourites TWIGZ Craft Pretzels and Leclerc’s Celebration Cookies. After 10 a.m., passengers can enjoy Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots (on certain routes) alongside new Canadian-made snacks, including Summer Fresh Hummus & Crackers, Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cups, TWIGZ Sour Cream & Onion Pretzels and Smarties. In addition, Air Canada is now the only North American airline to serve Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer.

According to Simple Flying, light-branded snacks can cost airlines less than $1 per passenger, while premium options or small meals can cost between $5 and $15.

Other upgrades include a revamped app, an expanded range of entertainment options, refurbished lounges and quicker airport processes. The Aeroplan loyalty programme now offers seamless intermodal travel on a single ticket and free high-speed Wi-Fi for members. These benefits apply to flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express (Jazz).

Most airlines today provide free meals only on long-haul international flights, but food needs to be purchased on shorter routes. According to a 2023 FinanceBuzz analysis, JetBlue Airways ranked as the most expensive of the ten largest US airlines, charging an average of $13 (€12) per meal, followed by Delta ($12 (€11), Alaska ($10.50 (€10) and United ($9 (€8.3). Several US full-service carriers — including Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United — still offer complimentary packaged snacks and soft drinks. In contrast, budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit charge for almost everything, including water and alcoholic drinks.

As for alcohol, drinks are not complimentary and must be purchased. Spirit Airlines passengers face the highest average cost at $10.61 (€9.76) per drink, followed by United, American and JetBlue, each at around $9 (€8.28), while Southwest had the lowest average price in 2023 at $6.67 (€6.14). Alcohol sales typically begin on domestic routes exceeding 400 km, with slight variations by airline and route.

L’article Air Canada elevates economy with free beer, wine and snacks est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.