Air Canada cuts free meals in Canada, U.S.

[Genessee]

From todays paper...

You can buy stuff from $1 to $5 though: $1 for pretzels,$2 for tuna salad, $5 for a grilled chicken fajita sub. Business class will still get meals according to the article.

And lots of complaining of course...

"There's no end to the ingenuity of Air Canada to think up things to charge for," Mr. Janigan said, complaining that the airline began asking this week for a toonie for a "comfort zone" kit consisting of an inflatable plastic pillow and polyester blanket.

[ptbodale]

I use to have someone pump my gas and bring milk and bread to my house.

I'm not sure if we can this progress or not.

[flyingbosshog]

Well I guess that is how they are helping to pay for all that new IFE in all their aircraft....

[avro_arrow_25206]

I saw that on their website a while ago.

At first, domestic flights over 4.5 hours still get complimentary meals, but,

Starting November 1, 2005, our Onboard Café Service is expanded to include all flights (of 1h30 or longer) within Continental North America.

So much for being the best in North America

[TAP-A343]

I use to have someone pump my gas and bring milk and bread to my house.

I'm not sure if we can this progress or not.

What you mention involves additional labour costs but free or paid meals onboard don't as far as I know.

And paid meals onboard is not progress in my opinion for a "full" service airline.

Regards.

[Foxtrot]

Re:

Well, I guess the fact that AC's food service is better than U.S. carriers just went out the window... especially more so since AC has decided to charge even for pretzels.

Foxtrot

[CathayPacific]

At first, domestic flights over 4.5 hours still get complimentary meals,

So this effectively leaves YVR-YYZ/YUL/YOW and YYC-YHZ the only domestic service with free meal. On the other hand, meals on AC (and other North America "full service" carriers) tastes so bad that it is irrelevant whether meals are provided.

[Crazy764]

I don't really mind paying a few bucks as long as it is good.

Last time I flew UA, onboard a transcon flight from SFO-BOS, all that was available was a cold "breakfast basket" for $5 US. All it had was some not-so-fresh fruit and cheese.

[avro_arrow_25206]

So this effectively leaves YVR-YYZ/YUL/YOW and YYC-YHZ the only domestic service with free meal. On the other hand, meals on AC (and other North America "full service" carriers) tastes so bad that it is irrelevant whether meals are provided.

That is until November 1. Now EVERY ROUTE within the North American continent is buy-on-board.

See my little quote from aircanada.com

Five hours without a hot meal is injustice!

[yyz-yvr]

Not to much if a suprise. Haven't they done this before and then brought it back?

[Genessee]

I thought Air Canada's meals were pretty decent. Taste and quality wise.

That said, I'd be a little weary of sandwiches bought on the plane. For some reason those sandwiches packed in cellophane always seem a little funny. The outside of the bread is a little stale yet the inside is kind of chewy. I'd try it at least once though just for the hell of it

I think if it became a choice between 'on board food' and 'terminal food', I'd rather stop at the subway before boarding. Plus I get to annoy everyone within 10 rows by loading a turkey sub up with onions, pickles, and jalapenos.

[ptbodale]

A lot of the problem is the high cost of providing meals from the suppliers. Cara Foods (one of the main suppliers in Canada) does not charge AC $1.45 for a ham sandwich, it is in the neighbourhood of $5.00. The prices charged by Cara are out of this world compared to what you would pay at a regular restaurant.

An ordinary breakfast (egg omlet etc) costs AC around $12.00. Now you see why the airlines are trying to cut meals.

I did have the cost sheet from the caterers, but I can't find it at this moment.

[avro_arrow_25206]

Well, I guess now they'll transfer this exuberant price to Swiss Chalet and Second Cup. My cup of cappucino better not be more than $3!

[Genessee]

An ordinary breakfast (egg omlet etc) costs AC around $12.00. Now you see why the airlines are trying to cut meals.

That's crazy. Does that factor in delivery/loading of the meals onto the aircraft? Or is that an additional charge?

If you ever find that cost sheet, I'd be interested in seeing what is on it.

Well, I guess now they'll transfer this exuberant price to Swiss Chalet and Second Cup. My cup of cappucino better not be more than $3!

Now that would suck And raise the price of Swiss Chalet sauce to $5 Though since getting a coffee press, I can't bring myself to drink any other coffees. mmmmmmm!

[ptbodale]

Yes the per person charge includes delivery to the acft. If "top-up" is required there is an additional charge just for coming to the acft. It's around $50.