Airlines have been adjusting their service in light of the coronavirus outbreak. In general I support this for both passengers and crew, as I can see merit to limiting the service, in order to minimize interaction, and provide as much social distancing as possible. After all, flight attendants are putting themselves at very high risk of contracting coronavirus.
While some airlines have announced onboard service cuts, many of these measures have been fairly minor. Well, Air Canada has announced some major service cuts.
Air Canada’s new service on shorter flights
For flights operating in Canada, to/from the United States, Caribbean, and Central America, here’s what you can expect:
- For all cabins, we will provide individual water bottles instead of our bar service offerings and pillows and blankets will no longer be available.
- Complimentary headsets will be provided to customers on flights equipped with in-flight entertainment.
- In Premium Economy and Economy Class, we will suspend food service including our Bistro offerings
- In light of these changes, customers may wish to take this into consideration prior to arriving at the airport, as many concessions and restaurants at the airport may also be closed.
- In our Business Class, we will provide a pre-packaged meal or snack on all flights longer than two hours. Unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate any special meal requests
- For Air Canada Rouge, iPads will no longer be offered
As you can see, this means that for most flights service will be limited to just bottled water, with no option to get other drinks, and no option to buy food.
Air Canada won’t offer pillows on many flights, including in business class
Air Canada’s new service on longer flights
For flights between Canada and Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America, expect the following:
- Starting at a yet to be determined date, all food service will be transitioned to pre-packaged food in all cabins, while bar service will be limited to water only.
- As of March 19, pillows and blankets will no longer be available in Premium Economy and Economy Class; only blankets will be offered in Air Canada Signature Class.
- For Air Canada Rouge, iPads will no longer be offered
As you can see, even in long haul business class, Air Canada will only be offering water and pre-packaged meals.
Air Canada is cutting full food & beverage services on all flights
Air Canada lounges being closed as well
Air Canada is also closing several lounges, including the following:
- All Maple Leaf Lounges at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
- Maple Leaf Lounges at Ottawa (YOW), St-John’s (YYT), Regina (YQR), and Saskatoon (YXE)
- Air Canada Café at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
- Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
- London-Heathrow Arrivals Lounge (LHR)
The Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto is closed
Bottom line
These are some pretty drastic service cuts on Air Canada’s part, though I can’t blame them. For example, if flying long haul in business class expect no Signature Suite, and also don’t expect anything other than bottled water and pre-packaged meals.
Air Canada has significantly scaled back flights in light of reduced demand and new restrictions on travel.
What do you think the right approach is for airlines to take towards onboard service in light of the current situation?
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