Quebec resident Daniel Macduff made the decision to fly to Cuba via Sunwing Airlines in part because of the promise of “service au champagne,” which Macduff took to mean a glass of real Champagne. But what he got was a “couple of ounces,” of cheap sparkling wine, served in a plastic cup.
Macduff has launched a lawsuit on account of his sparkling slight, detailed in the National Post, which accuses the airline of what he considers misleading advertising.
“You have to go beyond the pettiness of the [wine cost] per head,” says Sebastien Paquette, the Montreal lawyer leading the suit. “What’s important is you’re trying to lure consumers by marketing something, and you’re not giving them that something…It’s a dishonest practice.”
Sunwing Airlines thinks that the case is frivolous. The Airline says they use the phrase “service au champagne” to depict the level of service the airline provides, not the actual type of beverage served.
Since lawsuit was filed, the airline has changed how they describe their in-flight service, stating guests receive a “welcome glass of sparkling wine.”
The court will decide whether the suit will proceed at a hearing in March reports CBC.
If you’re curious to learn more about the wide variety of sparkling styles and ensure you’ll never be swindled, read our Guide to Becoming an Expert on Sparkling Wine.
Published: October 26, 2017
