Air Canada is testing a new ‘on demand’ amenity kit, and the products are from Byredo which is a fantastic brand. Most flights are still using the Acqua di Parma offering which I find to be quite sparse – there’s just not a lot to the current kit – but the items in this new offering are reportedly high quality.
Here’s the current kit:
And here’s the Byredo products – I haven’t tried them yet (though I’m hopeful I’ll get to experience the test on an Air Canada long haul I have booked next month) – but I am a big fan of their Mojave Ghost which I discovered at Crockfords Las Vegas.
Byredo amenities on some AC flights now
byu/suppositories inaircanada
I’ve always liked airlines that give you a choice of amenities to take. Usually that means you’re given the amenity bag, and you select whatever you wish from a basket that a crewmember brings around (ANA first class, they used to leave the basket out in the cabin). Most recently I experienced this flying Hawaiian Airlines first class.
Hawaiian Airlines amenity selection
The way that it works with Air Canada, on flights with this test, is that there’s a ‘dental kit’ (toothbrush, toothpaste) at your seat. Then, post-takeoff, flight attendants bring around the amenity selection. Air Canada says you’re only permitted one of each item, though.
I know some people will take handfuls without shame! But if they’re going to adopt a model that reduces consumption (and waste) they should tailor it to customer preferences and gladly offer two of an item to those who wish. The offerings, in addition to the amenity bag, are:
- Byredo hand lotion (30ml) and lip balm (10ml)
- Eye mask, socks, towelette, ear plugs and mouthwash.
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This isn’t your only shot – the amenities “will remain available on demand throughout the flight” but you need to ask a flight attendant to get them for you – they aren’t just out and available. Some will use this opportunity for multiples.
They’re surveying customers by email after the flight to gauge reaction. I suspect this will garner positive reaction. There’s a lot of waste in amenity kits. But I’m not sure that the point is just giving people what they think consciously that they want.
- Waste is almost the point, or at least abundance.
- The items are there in case you need them. You don’t need to know ex ante that you’re going to want them.
- Technically you still don’t, but there’s a difference between having to ask (an Air Canada flight attendant, a decidedly mixed bag) and having the items already at your seat.
I think this would be offset by a ‘take what you wish’ mindset creating a sense of abundance, rather than telling customers they are permitted only one of each item.
Cutting down on waste cuts costs, and should fund better products. Maybe the savings here could help fund a comb; tissues; hand sanitizer; perhaps cologne; and a pen (too many countries still require paper forms)?
Of course leave it to AC, a garbage airline in every aspect to come up with more cost cutting ideas
Good luck trying to find an FA midflight to get a 2nd one (or anything for that matter)
There is nothing more nouveau riche than the “amenity kit.” It’s mostly garbage in a garbage bag but it is a momentary class-differentiator. Airlines should do exactly as shown in the Hawaiian airlines photo here. Come around, offer what people what they want, and then move on with your lives. I have no idea why they include those thin non-sock socks in them. Why would you ever want them? ()Can you tell I usually fly on the most American of airlines, American Airlines.)
Oh those that still get excited about an amenity kit – how sad. BTW grabbing more than you need is wasteful and also pathetic. These are the same people that horded small bottles of hotel shampoo and conditioner. Just use what is there and buy what you need instead of always looking for something for nothing.
I’ve noticed more and more airlines are adopting the cost-saving method of ‘on demand’ amenity kits. Even high-end airlines, like Singapore, on their flagship long-haul JFK/EWR-SIN flights.
I’ve never been denied a kit, but I never asked for more than one. So, maybe the airlines do save on waste by doing this. These are definitely ‘first world’ problems. It’s still a privilege to fly up front.
On the ‘greed’ topic, they say ‘pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered,’ but in the end, we eat ’em all, eh.
@Retired Gambler
Nothing wrong with getting ‘excited’–do whatever floats your boat. I still find joy in things, sir.
On hoarding, plenty of well-off people are oddly in-to these kits, the pajamas, and yes, even hotel mini-bottles. And when they order take-out, they often keep the spare napkins, chop-sticks, and condiments in a bottom drawer in the kitchen–never to be used again.
It’s probably a mild undiagnosed mental illness, and we should help people try to ‘let go’ little by little. Some compassion might help… Or not, let’s just call them silly names. ‘Pathetic!’
@Joseph
You should try the DeltaOne and jetBlue Mint socks–they are of higher quality, actually wash well, and have no rubber on the bottom. Since you are a ‘man of culture,’ I don’t recommend wearing them to your next gala or debutante ball. They’re better for casual wear–at home, perhaps.
As far as ‘nouveau riche,’ I am no fan of gaudy costumes either, though, to each their own. Are you suggesting that those who inherited their wealth have better taste than those who actually earned it? No, I’d say its a case-by-case depending on the product/service, often very subjective.
The only thing I used to appreciate in an aminity kit and actually use was a comb and NOBODY puts one in anymore for some reason.