I’d argue that on balance, Air Canada has the best and most extensive inflight catering of any major North American airline, at least in premium cabins. However, Air Canada hasn’t necessarily been known for variety, especially within North America.
Continue reading: Air Canada Refreshes Inflight Meals, And They Look Great!
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Any idea when these changes are rolling out this year? I'm scheduled to fly international on AC next week.
Looking forward to positive changes in catering, but the service is always crap on AC. I have a flight to AMS in may, I usually avoid AC like the plague, but its a super easy way to get star gold.
I had a very nice hot chicken and rice lunch last November in business class on the 70-minute flight from Ottawa to Washington National. In some ways it was nicer than the Premium Economy meal I had on the Heathrow-Toronto flight a couple of weeks later.
I am happy to see some airlines providing the mezze plate as a part of the service. Fairly tasty, fairly healthy, fairly easy to serve and keep "fresh" (I know, I know). Mostly veggie but can have some meat. An eff of a lot better than any "green salad" being offered for sure with the sad lettuce and meager garnishes. Read a report about a Finnair business flight where the appetizer was wilty lettuce and ONE HALF of a shrimp. Gee, thanks (or "kiitos" as the case may be).
ANOTHER IN FLIGHT DINING REVIEW? Just go to a nice restaurant of your choice and review till’ your heart’s content! Again, isn’t the entire point of flying to get to destination alive and well? I’m beginning to think that all of these articles from so many authors about food would get old. If one is that hungry and relies solely on an airline to feed you, than your problems must not be of any significance.
Maybe they can get rid of the “pizza pocket” as the snack on trans-Atlantic flights…..finally.
Wow is that a chicken drumstick + thigh I see in one of the meals? That's crazy!!
What on earth are you on about? Why wouldn't a blog about flying include a post about the food you'll get in the plane? "Isn’t the entire point of flying to get to destination alive and well?" - have you confused this for a blog about aircraft safety?
Rude...This is Ben's blog; when you have your own airline blog you can omit talking about inflight dining. I for one like these reviews; I have a business class on Air Canada LHR to YYZ in September and appreciate these updates.
What a stupid comment.
Plenty of people have an interest in the dining selection for their, or their potential, flights.
Champagnes a downgrade from the Laurent Perrier, but other than that looks solid.
I’m sure we’re all relieved that the parsley omelette has remained on the menu
AC's food has been going downhill for a long time and these changes along with other things have really sucked.
What's this disgusting coucous plate they have been serving on YOW/YUL-YYZ? Looks cheap and pathetic. Not very tasty either. It seems like they ran out of money and are now serving something for the sake of serving something. (Why is there no picture of this? Too embarrassed?)
What are these inflight "light bites" where I have only two choices? Chicken pot pie (thank god that's gone now?) and some crappy salad? How about the Miss Vickies chips?
Also, the downgrade of the champagne from Laurent Perrier? And the removal of Perrier water?
This seems like change for the sake of change. And marketing all about nothing (trying to spin things into a positive story when frankly there's nothing positive here).
Also, what's this about making passengers wait for the amenity kit and slippers on a night flight (instead of those two items already sitting at the seat along with the headset)? I was told this is a newly implemented spec. Are they trying to save a kit or a 2 cent slipper, hoping they don't have to give it out if the passenger has already passed out? I don't want to have to wait until we are airborne to get my kit and slippers. Give it to me while I'm still awake on the ground!
Why the hell am I still flying AC? I am starting to regret being a 3MM...
For me, a big part of enjoying a premium cabin experience is the meal service. And why yes, I have been to a few nice restaurants in my life (wow !) and have enjoyed quite a few excellent dining experiences at 35,000 ft as well. I enjoy reading about inflight dining !
I have been very impressed with AC's meal service of short haul trans-border flights...like there actually IS one ! compared to US carriers..AC rocks !
I wish they would do something to improve the catering on AC Rouge, especially in Premium Rouge. Crews can be very good, but they have served the same President's Choice frozen casseroles forever and on every flight.
Pasta or chicken dishes. Pathetic. 2$ frozen entrees at Wal Mart.
I hope they add a decent bourbon to the drink menu. Last I knew, they carried no bourbon. Same for lots of other airlines, despite it being a very popular whiskey variety.
I am writing this on AC7 from YVR-HKG. I am of the view the Signature Suite at YVR is head and shoulders above the same lounge in YYZ. As a AC SE+++ they offered me the new chicken dish.. Superb. Best meall I have had on AC in years.
C-
A really rude comment buddy. Ben spends hours researching & doing this blog. Personally, it’s the only one I read besides Aviation Week and Airliners.net.
As an airline crew member I sincerely appreciate the information about what other various airlines are doing. And trust me sir, customers inflight are REALLY interested in what food they’ll be eating & drinking. It’s a huge part of the travel experience.
Same. I wish they had mezze platters (and cheese & crackers, guacamole and chips, etc - things of that sort) more often at airport grab n go stores, lounges, in flight meals/ snacks cause it’s pretty much always the same quality, filling, non-fussy to eat and discard of…
Is there any word on if the catering upgrades will carry over to their special meals, too? I acknowledge this may be a polarising question after seeing the comments on the LH special meals post..
When did they start flying two cabin aircraft between Ottawa and DCA? I've never had anything other than a CRJ on that route.
Air Canada despite what some folks say beat any of the US airlines that are borderline rude service, poor food (for sure), bathrooms only big enough to fit a kid and seats and entertainment that’s sub par though some have stepped up in the entertainment part but charge for it. Long live air Canada
Air Canada despite what some folks say beat any of the US airlines that are borderline rude service, poor food (for sure), bathrooms only big enough to fit a kid and seats and entertainment that’s sub par though some have stepped up in the entertainment part but charge for it. Air Canada has better service though not perfect, the best meals (in NA)
I'll be flying AC A321
Just wondering what the special meal offerings are.
Veg, Diabetic, kosher etc