Story Archive

Truth in Advertising

Daniel Macduff of L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que., booked a Cuban vacation through Sunwing, a low-cost airline, which advertised “champagne service” as part of its offer. But on the flight to Cuba he was offered sparkling wine. Macduff says the wine wasn’t from France’s Champagne region so he filed a class-action lawsuit against Sunwing for misleading advertising. “You have to go beyond the pettiness of the [wine cost] per head,” says Macduff's lawyer, Sebastien Paquette. “What’s important is you’re trying to lure consumers by marketing something, and you’re not giving them that something,” which he calls “a dishonest practice.” Sunwing, though, said the phrases “champagne service” and “champagne vacations” refer to the level of service, not the specific beverages served on flights. “Sunwing has always been proud to invest in experience-enhancing features for our customers,” the company said in a statement. “We consider any legal action relating to the marketing of this service to be frivolous and without merit.” Some Sunwing marketing, though, does promise a complimentary “glass of Champagne.” (MS/National Post) ...Which airline officials would gladly pour over his head to satisfy the promise.