The only airline in North America that offers free alcohol in economy class on all flights.

 Travel and aviation news: air traffic control issues in the US, free economy-class alcohol in Canada, India’s long-delayed new mega airport, plus a European jetliner has surpassed the Boeing 737 as the plane with the most deliveries ever.

 The US federal government shutdown is now in its second week. Travelers are feeling the effects as air traffic controller staffing shortages have caused delays at major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Hollywood Burbank, and Newark. 

The air traffic controllers’ union has urged members to continue working during the shutdown, despite not receiving pay. However, rising employee absences have been an expected outcome as the deadlock continues. 

In July, CNN visited the Oklahoma academy where controllers are trained. At that time, it was the busiest it had ever been following a significant hiring push. The job is high-stress and high-stakes, requiring a strict application and qualification process before candidates can start.

If your flight gets delayed or canceled due to staffing shortages, technical issues, or extreme weather (a nor’easter is expected on the East Coast this weekend), CNN Travel has some advice on what to do next. 

Air Canada is offering free beer and wine to economy class passengers on all flights, including short-haul domestic routes. This makes it the only North American legacy carrier to do so. This gesture is not entirely altruistic; it serves as a response to passenger complaints about extra fees for baggage and legroom, according to Reuters. 

“Food and beverage tend to have a major impact on customer satisfaction, more than any other part of our products and services,” said Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s vice president of loyalty and product.