Forget mini bottles of merlot — Air Canada just added something unexpected to its drink cart: a ginger wellness shot. While most travelers focused on the airline's new policy of offering free beer and wine on all routes, the real upgrade might be this small but mighty bottle of Greenhouse Ginger Defence.
The new partnership with wellness brand Greenhouse might be the secret to finally feeling good *after* a long flight.
(CandyRetriever via Getty Images)Starting this fall, Air Canada has added the plant-based Canadian brand (packed with organic ginger, turmeric, and oregano extract) to its complimentary lineup, offering passengers an energizing, immunity-boosting option alongside pretzels and cookies. It's a subtle but significant move that suggests airlines are recognizing what savvy travelers really want at cruising altitude: less indulgence, more balance.
Beyond the Bar Cart: A Smarter Sip at 30,000 FeetWhile the return of complimentary alcohol grabbed headlines (and Air Canada is notably now the only North American airline serving non-alcoholic Heineken 0.0), this wellness shot signals a different kind of upgrade.
"As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we're delighted to introduce even more exciting new options," said Scott O'Leary, Vice President of Loyalty & Product at Air Canada. "These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they're going." Scott O'Leary, Vice President of Loyalty & Product at Air Canada, noted the upgrades aim to help passengers "kick-start their travels," and the inclusion of an organic ginger shot reflects a broader travel shift. Post-pandemic passengers are prioritizing hydration, digestion, and comfort — not just cocktails.
Why Ginger Makes Sense at 30,000 FeetThis isn't just a trendy juice-bar move — there's science behind it. Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology shows that ginger's main compounds, gingerols and shogaols, can ease nausea and improve digestion — perfect for travelers dealing with motion or cabin-pressure discomfort.
Another NIH-indexed study in Molecules found that ginger's bioactive compounds help reduce key inflammatory markers, especially when combined with turmeric (another key ingredient in the Greenhouse shot). In practical terms, that means this little in-flight shot isn't just for show. It can help soothe the body's inflammatory response to long-haul travel, dry cabin air, and cramped seating, offering a small but tangible dose of balance before you land.
What This Signals for Savvy TravelersFor Air Canada, this is part of a larger push towards wellness, building on recent upgrades like free high-speed Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members and more plant-based meals. For passengers, the Greenhouse partnership is a welcome sign that airlines are starting to anticipate how we actually want to feel when we travel.
As wellness becomes a bigger factor in travel decisions, small touches like an immunity-boosting ginger shot feel less like a perk and more like a smart, essential part of the journey. It's a small, affordable signal that an airline is paying attention—and offering passengers a chance to arrive feeling a little better.