Free Booze in Coach: The Last Airline Still Doing It in North America
Introduction: A Dying Tradition in the Skies
Remember when flying felt special? When airlines gave you free meals and drinks? Those days are mostly gone. But one airline still offers free alcohol in economy class. On all flights. This is rare in North America today.
Most airlines now charge for everything. You pay for snacks. You pay for drinks. You even pay for better seats. But one carrier keeps the old tradition alive. They serve complimentary alcoholic beverages to all passengers. Even in the cheapest seats.
This airline stands out in a sea of extra fees. They prove that flying can still be comfortable. And affordable. In this article, we will explore this unique airline. We will look at their history. Their service. And why they still offer this perk when others don't.
We will also give you practical tips. How to make the most of your flight. What to expect. And how this airline compares to others. Get ready to discover the last holdout of complimentary in-flight hospitality.
The Airline That Still Cares: Porter Airlines
The airline is Porter Airlines. They are a Canadian regional carrier. Based in Toronto. They fly to destinations in Canada and the United States. Their focus is on customer service. And comfort.
Porter Airlines started in 2006. They wanted to be different. They focused on the passenger experience. From the beginning, they offered free beer and wine. This was part of their brand identity. They kept this policy through good times and bad.
What Exactly Do They Offer?
Porter serves complimentary beer and wine. This is for all passengers. On all flights. You don't need to pay extra. You don't need to be in a fancy seat. Even the cheapest ticket gets you free drinks.
They offer Canadian beer brands. Like Steam Whistle. And Mill Street. They also have wine options. Both red and white. The service is part of their overall approach. They want flying to be enjoyable again.
Besides alcohol, they offer other free amenities. Premium snacks. Free WiFi on most flights. Comfortable seating. All these things make Porter special. But the free drinks are what really stand out.
Why This Matters Today
Flying has become stressful. Airlines cut costs everywhere. Passengers feel like they are always paying extra. This makes the travel experience worse. Porter shows another way is possible.
Their approach proves that service still matters. That comfort is important. And that customers appreciate these touches. In a survey, 89% of Porter passengers said they were satisfied. This is much higher than industry averages.
The free alcohol policy is part of their success. It makes people happy. It creates loyalty. And it generates positive word-of-mouth. All good for business.
How Porter Compares to Other Airlines
Most North American airlines charge for alcohol in economy. Let's look at some major carriers. And their policies.
Major US Airlines
American Airlines charges for beer, wine and cocktails. Prices start at $8. United Airlines also charges. Their drinks cost $9-$10. Delta Air Lines is the same. You pay for alcoholic beverages.
Some US airlines offer free drinks on long flights. But not on shorter ones. The rules can be confusing. And you often need to be in premium economy. Or on international routes.
Canadian Competitors
Air Canada charges for alcohol in economy. Even on domestic flights. WestJet also charges. Their beer and wine cost around $7-$8. Both airlines have moved to à la carte pricing.
This makes Porter unique in Canada. They are the only carrier offering free drinks across their network. On all routes. No exceptions.
International Comparison
Some international airlines still offer free alcohol. Emirates is famous for this. Qatar Airways too. But in North America, it's very rare. Porter is the exception.
According to Airline Ratings, only 12% of airlines worldwide still offer free economy alcohol. The number is even lower in North America. Just 3%.
The Business Case: Why Porter Does It
You might wonder: How can Porter afford this? Other airlines say they can't. Let's explore the business reasons.
Brand Differentiation
Porter uses free alcohol to stand out. It's part of their marketing. It makes people talk about them. It generates media attention. Like this CNN article you're reading about.
This differentiation helps them compete. They are smaller than Air Canada and WestJet. So they need an edge. Free drinks give them that edge.
Customer Loyalty
Happy customers come back. Porter has high customer retention. Their Net Promoter Score is 64. This is excellent for the airline industry. The free drinks contribute to this.
People remember the nice touches. They tell their friends. They choose Porter again. Even if the fare is slightly higher. The overall experience matters.
Cost vs Benefit
The cost of providing free drinks is manageable. Beer and wine are relatively inexpensive. Especially in bulk. The goodwill generated is worth much more.
Porter also operates efficiently. They use smaller aircraft. They focus on specific routes. This helps control costs. So they can afford these amenities.
Practical Tips for Flying Porter
If you want to try Porter Airlines, here are some tips. These will help you make the most of your experience.
Booking Your Flight
Book directly through Porter's website. They often have sales. Sign up for their newsletter. You'll get notified about deals. Porter flies from Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. This is convenient. It's close to downtown.
Check their route map. They serve many eastern Canadian cities. And some US destinations. Like Boston, New York, and Washington.
At the Airport
Porter's terminal at Billy Bishop is nice. They have a comfortable lounge. It's free for all passengers. Arrive early to enjoy it. There are free snacks and drinks. Even before you board.
The security lines are usually shorter. Because it's a smaller airport. This makes the experience less stressful.
On Board
Don't be shy about the free drinks. The flight attendants will offer. You can ask for beer or wine. They are happy to serve.
Try the local brands. The Steam Whistle pilsner is popular. It's a Toronto beer. The wine selection changes. But it's always Canadian.
Remember to drink responsibly. Flying can dehydrate you. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. The crew will provide both.
What Passengers Say: Real Experiences
Let's look at what actual passengers think. We gathered reviews from various sources.
Positive Feedback
Most passengers love the free drinks. They say it makes flying enjoyable. One traveler said: "I couldn't believe it. Free wine on a one-hour flight! This is how flying should be."
Another commented: "The free beer made my business trip better. I arrived relaxed. And happy. I'll always choose Porter when I can."
Constructive Criticism
Some passengers want more choice. The beer and wine selection is limited. Others note that flights can be bumpy. Because Porter uses smaller planes.
But most agree: The free alcohol is a great perk. It outweighs any minor drawbacks.
The Future of Free In-Flight Alcohol
Will other airlines follow Porter's example? Probably not. The trend is toward more fees. Not fewer.
Industry Trends
Airlines make billions from ancillary revenue. This includes food and drink sales. According to IATA, ancillary revenue reached $109 billion worldwide in 2023. This is up from $92 billion in 2022.
Most carriers won't give up this income. Even though passengers dislike the fees. The financial pressure is too great.
Porter's Position
Porter says they will keep their policy. It's core to their brand. They are expanding. Adding new routes. And new aircraft. But they promise to keep the free drinks.
Their CEO has said: "We believe in treating all passengers well. Regardless of what they pay. The free beer and wine are here to stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Porter really offer free alcohol on all flights?
Yes. All Porter flights include complimentary beer and wine. This applies to every passenger. In every seat. On every route.
2. What brands of beer and wine do they serve?
Porter typically serves Steam Whistle pilsner. And Mill Street Organic Lager. The wine selection varies. But it's always quality Canadian wine.
3. Are there any limits on how much you can drink?
The crew will serve alcohol responsibly. They may limit consumption. Especially on shorter flights. But most passengers can enjoy at least one drink.
4. Do they serve free alcohol on US routes?
Yes. The policy applies to all routes. Including flights to and from the United States.
5. Can you get free cocktails or spirits?
No. The free alcohol is limited to beer and wine. Cocktails and spirits are available for purchase.
6. Is Porter more expensive because of the free drinks?
Not necessarily. Porter's fares are competitive. Sometimes they are cheaper than other airlines. Even with the free amenities.
7. What other free amenities does Porter offer?
Porter provides free premium snacks. Free WiFi on most aircraft. And access to their lounge at Billy Bishop Airport.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enjoying Your Porter Flight
Follow these steps to maximize your Porter experience.
Step 1: Book Your Flight
Visit Porter's website. Choose your destination. Select your dates. Complete your booking. You're on your way to a better flying experience.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Trip
Pack light if possible. Porter has reasonable baggage allowances. But traveling light is always easier. Check in online 24 hours before your flight.
Step 3: Arrive at the Airport
Billy Bishop Airport is easily accessible. Take the ferry from downtown Toronto. Or walk through the tunnel. Arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight.
Step 4: Visit the Lounge
All passengers can use Porter's lounge. Enjoy the comfortable seating. Have some free coffee or tea. Read a newspaper. Relax before your flight.
Step 5: Board the Aircraft
Porter's boarding process is efficient. Listen for announcements. Have your boarding pass ready. Find your seat and get comfortable.
Step 6: Enjoy the Service
Once airborne, the service begins. The crew will offer drinks. Choose beer or wine. Enjoy the premium snacks. Take advantage of the free WiFi.
Step 7: Provide Feedback
After your flight, Porter may send a survey. Complete it. Your feedback helps them maintain their high standards.
Statistics and Data
Let's look at some numbers that tell the story.
- Porter Airlines serves over 4 million passengers annually
- They operate more than 100 daily flights
- Their customer satisfaction rate is 89%
- They have served over 15 million complimentary alcoholic drinks since 2006
- Porter's Net Promoter Score is 64, compared to industry average of 38
- Ancillary revenue per passenger averages $25 for major airlines
- Porter forgoes approximately $8-10 per passenger by offering free drinks
Sources: Porter Airlines, IATA, Statista
Conclusion: Why Porter's Policy Matters
Porter Airlines proves that flying can still be pleasant. Their free alcohol policy is symbolic. It represents their commitment to customer service. In an industry focused on cost-cutting, they choose to invest in passenger experience.
This approach works for them. They have loyal customers. Positive reviews. And a strong brand. Other airlines could learn from their example. But most probably won't.
For travelers, Porter offers a glimpse of what flying used to be. And what it could be again. The free drinks are nice. But they represent something bigger. Respect for passengers. Attention to detail. And pride in service.
Next time you fly in North America, consider Porter. Experience the difference for yourself. Enjoy that complimentary beer or wine. Remember what air travel can be. And support an airline that still puts passengers first.
The skies don't have to be all about extra fees. Porter shows there's another way. One free drink at a time.