Quenching Your Thirst at 30,000 Feet: A Guide to Southwest Airlines Drink Prices
Ever wondered what it costs to enjoy a refreshing beverage high above the clouds on a Southwest Airlines flight? You're not alone! Many travelers want to know their options and potential expenses before they even step foot on the plane. Let's dive into everything you need to know about Southwest's drink offerings, from complimentary sips to premium pours.
Step 1: Are you ready to explore the world of inflight beverages with me?
Great! Let's start by understanding the basic philosophy of Southwest when it comes to drinks.
The Southwest Beverage Philosophy: Free & Paid Options
Southwest Airlines, known for its "Transfarency" and unique boarding process, also has a distinct approach to inflight refreshments. Unlike some airlines that might charge for every single drink, Southwest offers a blend of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and paid alcoholic options. This means you won't go thirsty, and if you're looking for something a bit more spirited, you have choices!
Step 2: Understanding Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Drinks
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
This is where Southwest truly shines for many budget-conscious travelers.
What's Free?
Southwest provides a variety of free non-alcoholic beverages on most flights. This is a huge perk, especially on longer journeys. You can typically expect to find:
Sodas: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Dr. Pepper, 7UP, Ginger Ale, Seltzer Water, Tonic Water.
Juices: Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Cranberry Cocktail Juice.
Hot Beverages: Coffee (regular and decaf), Hot Tea, Hot Cocoa.
Water: Bottled water is available, as well as regular water.
It's important to note: On very short flights (typically under 250 miles), the beverage service might be limited to water only. Always check with a Flight Attendant if you're unsure about the offerings on your specific flight.
Step 3: Deciphering the Cost of Alcoholic Beverages
For those who enjoy an adult beverage while flying, Southwest offers a selection for purchase. The prices for these were last adjusted in November 2023, so the information below is current as of that change.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Current Alcoholic Drink Prices (as of November 2023)
Beer: Most beers are priced at $7.
Examples include: Miller Lite, Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale (Hawaii service only).
Wine: A glass of wine will cost you $8.
Examples include: Cruset Brut Sparkling Wine, Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon, Salmon Creek Chardonnay.
Spirits: Individual liquor options are typically $9.
Examples include: Aviation American Gin, Deep Eddy Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Jack Daniel's Whiskey, Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey, Cazadores Tequila, Bacardi Rum.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails & Hard Seltzer: These pre-mixed options are generally $9.
Examples include: High Noon Hard Seltzer—Pineapple, Dogfish Head—Strawberry Vodka Lemonade, On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita.
Step 4: How to Pay for Your Drinks
Southwest has streamlined the payment process for inflight purchases.
Payment Methods
Credit Card: This is the most common and convenient way to pay. Flight Attendants use mobile devices to process credit card payments.
Drink Coupons: If you're lucky enough to have a Southwest drink coupon (more on how to get these below!), you can use it to redeem a complimentary premium beverage. These coupons are often linked to your boarding pass if you're a Business Select passenger or A-List Preferred member. Paper coupons are generally no longer accepted as of May 2024.
Keep in mind: Cash is generally not accepted for inflight purchases.
Step 5: Scoring Free Alcoholic Drinks (The Savvy Traveler's Guide)
While most alcoholic beverages come with a price tag, there are a few ways to potentially snag a free one!
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Perks and Promotions for Free Drinks
Business Select Fares: If you purchase a Business Select fare, Southwest's highest fare class, you typically receive one complimentary premium drink per leg of your journey on flights over 250 miles. This entitlement is usually noted on your mobile boarding pass.
A-List Preferred Members: Members with A-List Preferred elite status receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg on select flights over 250 miles. This is a fantastic perk for frequent flyers!
Holiday Promotions: Southwest is known for offering free alcoholic beverages on certain holidays. Historically, this has included dates like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, and even Southwest's own birthday (June 18th). While not guaranteed every year, it's a pleasant surprise if your travel coincides with one of these dates.
Flight Delays (Unofficial): While not an official policy, some travelers have reported receiving complimentary drinks from Flight Attendants during significant flight delays as a gesture of goodwill. This is entirely at the discretion of the crew and should not be expected.
Important Note on Coupons: In the past, Southwest sometimes issued physical drink coupons through mail or for achieving certain flight milestones. However, they have largely moved towards electronic entitlements linked to your boarding pass for Business Select and A-List Preferred passengers. Physical coupons may no longer be valid or accepted. Always check the terms and conditions of any coupon you possess.
Step 6: What to Expect Regarding Availability
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While Southwest aims to have a full menu, there can be variations.
Factors Affecting Drink Availability
Flight Length: As mentioned, very short flights (under 250 miles) may have limited beverage service (often water only). Longer flights typically have the full selection.
Time of Day: While not a strict rule, sometimes certain items might run out later in the day on busy routes.
Aircraft Type: While less common, very occasionally, specific aircraft might have different galley setups impacting drink storage.
Inventory: Like any retail operation, stock can vary. A popular item might be temporarily unavailable.
Crew Discretion: Flight Attendants have the final say on service, especially concerning alcohol consumption.
Step 7: Bringing Your Own (Non-Alcoholic) Drinks
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
Good news for those who prefer to bring their own!
Personal Beverages
Non-Alcoholic: You are absolutely welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard your Southwest flight. Just make sure they comply with TSA liquid rules (3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids).
Alcoholic: FAA regulations strictly prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on the aircraft unless it has been served by the air carrier. So, while you can bring a sealed bottle of alcohol in your checked bag or even your carry-on (if it meets liquid limits), you cannot open and drink it during the flight. This rule is for safety and to allow the crew to monitor consumption.
Step 8: A Quick Recap of Southwest Drink Prices
To make it easy to remember:
Free: Sodas, juices, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, water.
Paid:
Beer: ~$7
Wine: ~$8
Spirits (Liquor): ~$9
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails/Hard Seltzer: ~$9
Remember these prices are subject to change, though the last adjustment was fairly recent (November 2023).
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| How Much Are Drinks On Southwest Airlines |
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions that start with 'How to' with quick answers:
How to get free drinks on Southwest Airlines?
You can get free alcoholic drinks if you fly Business Select or are an A-List Preferred member. Southwest also occasionally offers free drinks on certain holidays. All non-alcoholic beverages are always complimentary.
How to check the exact drink menu for my Southwest flight?
Southwest's inflight drink menu is typically available in the seatback pocket, or you can ask a Flight Attendant once onboard. The current offerings are usually consistent across most flights.
How to pay for alcoholic drinks on Southwest?
You can pay for alcoholic drinks using a credit card. Drink coupons (if electronic and tied to your boarding pass) are also accepted for eligible passengers.
How to know if my flight is long enough for full beverage service on Southwest?
Generally, flights over 250 miles offer the full range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Shorter flights may only offer water. If unsure, ask a Flight Attendant.
How to use an electronic drink coupon on Southwest?
If you have an electronic drink coupon (e.g., from a Business Select fare or A-List Preferred status), it will be noted on your mobile boarding pass. Simply show the relevant portion of your boarding pass to the Flight Attendant for validation.
How to bring my own drinks on a Southwest flight?
You can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard, adhering to TSA liquid rules for carry-ons. You cannot consume your own alcoholic beverages on the flight.
How to get a non-alcoholic mocktail on Southwest?
While Southwest doesn't typically list "mocktails" explicitly, you can request combinations of their free juices and sodas to create your own, such as a Shirley Temple (7UP with grenadine, if available) or a "cranberry and soda."
How to find out if Southwest is offering free drinks on a holiday?
Southwest often announces these promotions closer to the holiday. Keep an eye on their social media channels or check travel news sites around major holidays.
How to ensure my desired drink is available on a Southwest flight?
While you can't guarantee availability, flying earlier in the day or on less busy routes might increase the chances of all items being in stock. Otherwise, simply ask the Flight Attendant!
How to get a receipt for inflight drink purchases on Southwest?
Southwest generally processes payments electronically, and a receipt can often be emailed to you at the time of purchase or accessed later through a link provided by the airline.
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