Travel

Air Canada Becomes First North American Airline to Offer Free Alcohol on All Flights

Published

5 months ago

October 5, 2025

Air Canada has announced that economy-class passengers on all its flights will soon enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and snacks — making it the first North American legacy carrier to offer free alcoholic beverages across its entire network.

Beginning this autumn, travellers flying anywhere with the Montreal-based airline — whether on a short domestic route or a long-haul international journey — will receive free refreshments. The move places Air Canada ahead of its U.S. rivals American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which only offer complimentary alcohol on select long-haul services. Low-cost carriers such as Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue continue to charge passengers for alcoholic drinks.

Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s vice president of loyalty and product, said the initiative was driven by customer feedback and a desire to enhance the in-flight experience. “Food and beverage tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction,” he told Reuters, noting that offering complimentary alcohol delivers more perceived value than other cost-cutting measures such as lowering baggage fees.

The new onboard service will also feature Canadian products, highlighting local brands. Morning flights will include oat bars from MadeGood, while passengers departing from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport will be offered ginger wellness shots from local producer Greenhouse after 10:30 a.m. Additionally, Air Canada will serve Heineken 0.0, becoming the only North American airline to offer non-alcoholic beer in-flight.

The decision underscores Air Canada’s strategy to differentiate itself at a time when passenger comfort and onboard service have become key competitive factors. However, not everyone in the aviation industry is celebrating. The growing issue of alcohol-fueled passenger misconduct has raised concerns about expanding in-flight drink service.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), incidents involving unruly passengers have increased sharply in recent years, rising from one per 1,053 flights in 2017 to one per 480 flights in 2023. More than a quarter of these cases involved alcohol, often consumed before boarding.

Authorities in both North America and Europe have taken steps to address the problem. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s “Zero-Tolerance Policy,” introduced in 2021, imposes fines of up to $37,000 for alcohol-related infractions, including consuming personal liquor onboard. In Europe, budget carrier Jet2 has restricted alcohol sales before 8 a.m., while Ryanair’s CEO has proposed a two-drink limit at airport bars.

Despite these concerns, Air Canada is betting that a well-managed complimentary drink program can improve customer satisfaction without compromising safety. The airline hopes its approach will encourage loyalty and position it as a premium choice for economy travellers — one where passengers can toast to a more comfortable flight, responsibly.

Travel

Middle East Authorities Warn Against Sharing Footage of Iranian Strikes on Social Media

Published

19 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Web Reporter

Authorities across the Middle East are cautioning residents, citizens, and visitors about sharing images and videos of Iranian retaliatory strikes, citing security risks and potential legal consequences.

Authorities have restrictions around sharing such images for security purposes and to prevent the spread of fake news. Social media has been flooded with footage from influencers and tourists showing missile interceptions and other military responses in the region. Officials warn that posting such content could reveal the locations of defensive installations or provide information that may aid future attacks.

The concerns are not unique to the region. Similar rules are in place in Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict with Russia has prompted authorities to limit the circulation of footage from conflict zones.

In Bahrain, two people were arrested on February 28 for posting live footage of strikes on social media. The Ministry of Interior said anyone filming, posting, or reposting videos from the scene could face legal action. “This constitutes a legal violation that could harm security and public order,” the ministry stated on X.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued comparable guidance, asking citizens to refrain from filming missile interceptions or authorities carrying out their duties. The ministry said such content could cause public anxiety, disrupt security operations, and spread inaccurate information. Legal measures will be taken against anyone sharing rumours or misleading news.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior emphasized avoiding the circulation of images or videos of the aftermath to prevent legal liability. The Dubai Media Office issued similar advice, urging residents to rely on official sources for updates.

Authorities stress the importance of following verified channels for information. Bahrainis can access updates through @moi_bahrain and @bna_en, while UAE residents should refer to @DXBMediaOffice and @ADMediaOffice. Qataris are advised to follow @QNAEnglish and @MOI_QatarEn, and Kuwaitis can check @kuna_en and @Moi_kuw. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have also set up official accounts for timely updates, including @PetranewsEN, @moi_jor, @Spa_Eng, and @MOISaudiArabia.

Several embassies are providing updates to their citizens who register with them. International news outlets such as Euronews are also offering live coverage, with bureaus in Doha and Dubai running continuous updates on their website.

Officials emphasize that following these guidelines protects public safety and ensures accurate reporting during a period of heightened regional tension. Authorities warn that disregarding the rules could carry serious legal consequences, highlighting the need for vigilance and restraint when sharing information online.

Travel

Ryanair Ranks Last in Which? Airline Satisfaction Survey as Jet2 and Singapore Airlines Lead

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Web Reporter

The consumer group surveyed more than 5,500 travellers about their recent flying experiences. Ryanair finished at the bottom of the short-haul table with an overall customer score of 55 percent. It received two stars for booking, boarding, customer service and cabin environment, and just one star for seat comfort. One respondent described the aircraft as “dirty” with “awful” seating.

Ryanair was awarded three stars for value for money, behind competitors including Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. More than a third of Ryanair passengers reported that something went wrong during their journey.

Wizz Air also ranked near the bottom with a score of 59 percent. Customers cited poor communication during delays and weak customer service. The airline said the survey relied on a small sample of 259 respondents, compared with the 12 million passengers it carried on UK flights in 2025, and noted improvements in punctuality and satisfaction over the past year.

easyJet scored 67 percent overall. While its punctuality has improved and cancellations have declined, it received two stars for customer service, seat comfort and cabin environment. A spokesperson said the airline’s pricing model allows customers to pay only for what they need, with around 40 percent choosing to travel with the basic fare.

Which? said budget airlines often advertise low headline fares but charge additional fees for cabin baggage and seat selection. The group recently prompted a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority over cabin bag pricing. “Many other passengers fly with them because of the enticingly low headline fares,” said Which? Travel editor Rory Boland. “But ridiculously expensive charges for baggage and other add-ons mean they are no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option. Fly with anyone else, if you can.”

At the top of the short-haul ranking was Jet2 with 76 percent, praised for reliability. British Airways scored 72 percent, earning four stars for customer service. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, 74 percent of its flights departed on time in the latest period, up from 65 percent a year earlier.

For long-haul travel, Singapore Airlines led with 81 percent, followed by Emirates at 80 percent and Virgin Atlantic at 79 percent. Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic both received five stars for customer service, with passengers praising cabin comfort and attentive staff.

In contrast, Aer Lingus ranked lowest among long-haul carriers with 65 percent, while several US airlines, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, were placed near the bottom of the table.

Travel

AirAsia X to Relaunch London-Kuala Lumpur Route With Bahrain Stopover

Published

2 weeks ago

February 15, 2026

Web Reporter

AirAsia X’s revived route between London Gatwick and the Malaysian capital will now include a stopover in Bahrain, the airline confirmed. The low-cost long-haul carrier is set to resume flights between London and Kuala Lumpur this summer, offering travellers a new connection via the Middle Eastern hub.

From 26 June 2026, passengers will be able to fly between Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur International Airport with a layover in Bahrain. Stopover times will range from 90 minutes to two hours, bringing the total journey to approximately 16 and a half hours.

The airline has announced promotional fares booked before 22 February for travel between 26 June and 30 November starting at €85 one-way. However, current ticket searches show the lowest available fares for this period at around €185 one-way from London to Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia X has been steadily expanding its long-haul network. In mid-November, the airline introduced a direct service between Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Kuala Lumpur, a flight taking roughly 10 and a half hours.

The London route marks a return to Europe after more than a decade. AirAsia X previously operated direct flights from London and Paris Orly to Kuala Lumpur, but these were discontinued in 2012 due to rising jet fuel prices, higher taxes, and declining demand. Since then, the airline’s leadership, including CEO Tony Fernandes, expressed interest in restoring European services, with plans gradually materialising over the past few years.

Fernandes, now CEO of Capital A, AirAsia’s parent company, described Bahrain as a “strategic hub” for the airline’s European operations. “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth,” he said. “Bahrain as our strategic aviation hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors.”

The airline has not disclosed which additional European destinations it may target next. Currently, AirAsia X serves around 150 destinations, covering cities in Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, reflecting its wide-reaching network across Asia and beyond.

The relaunch of the London-Kuala Lumpur route with a Bahrain stopover signals AirAsia X’s renewed commitment to long-haul operations in Europe, combining affordability with strategic connectivity. For travellers seeking low-cost options on intercontinental flights, the route offers a competitive alternative to traditional carriers, while providing access to the growing Gulf aviation hub.