Flying with Southwest Airlines is known for its "Transfarency" – no hidden fees, two free checked bags, and open seating. While they offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on most flights over 250 miles, sometimes you just crave something a little more. Perhaps a refreshing beer, a glass of wine, or a spirit to unwind. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of buying a drink on your next Southwest flight.
Ready to Elevate Your In-Flight Experience? Let's Get Started!
Step 1: Are You Eligible for a Sip?
Before you even think about what to order, let's make sure you're eligible.
1.1 Age Requirement: This is non-negotiable. To purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on Southwest Airlines, you must be 21 years or older. Flight attendants are strict about this and will ask for identification if there's any doubt. So, if you're planning on enjoying an adult beverage, ensure you have a valid ID readily accessible. Don't try to sneak one past them – it's not worth the trouble!
1.2 Flight Duration and Service Availability: Southwest typically offers paid alcoholic beverages on flights over 250 miles. While complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are generally available on these flights, the availability of alcoholic beverages can sometimes be affected by factors like turbulence or shorter flight times. If your flight is particularly short or experiences a lot of chop, drink service might be limited or suspended. Listen to the flight attendants' announcements for updates on service.
Step 2: Know Your Options – What's on the Menu?
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to peruse the offerings! Southwest has a surprisingly decent selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase.
2.1 Complimentary Beverages: First, remember that Southwest offers a range of complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. These usually include:
Sodas: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, etc.
Juices: Orange, Cranberry-Apple, Apple, Tomato
Coffee and Tea
Water (still and sometimes sparkling) These are provided free of charge during the beverage service, typically after the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.
2.2 Alcoholic Beverages for Purchase: This is where the fun begins! Southwest's menu generally includes:
Beer: Expect common domestic and some craft beer options. In early 2025, beer prices were around $6-$7.
Wine: Usually, red and white wine selections are available. Wine typically costs around $8.
Spirits: A variety of popular spirits like vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila are usually offered, often with mixers. Spirits were priced around $7-$9 in early 2025. You might find brands like Bacardi Rum, Jack Daniel's, Dewar's Scotch, Deep Eddy Vodka (including Ruby Red Grapefruit), Wild Turkey, Sauza Gold Tequila, and Tanqueray Gin.
Specialty Drinks: Occasionally, they might have specific canned cocktails or themed beverages.
2.3 How to Access the Menu: The drink menu is usually found in the seat-back pocket in front of you. Sometimes, flight attendants will also announce the general offerings. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or seasonal drinks!
Step 3: Mastering the Payment – Cashless is King!
This is a crucial step! Southwest Airlines operates on a cashless system for in-flight purchases. Do not expect to pay with physical cash.
3.1 Accepted Payment Methods:
Credit Cards: This is the most common and widely accepted method. Southwest accepts major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and others.
Mobile Payment Options: Southwest also accepts popular mobile payment methods. Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo are generally accepted for in-flight purchases. This is incredibly convenient if you prefer to travel light without your physical wallet.
Southwest Airlines Drink Coupons: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer or have certain Rapid Rewards status, you might have drink coupons.
A-List Preferred Members: If you hold A-List Preferred status with Rapid Rewards, you're in luck! You receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight leg. These are now digital coupons and will appear on your mobile boarding pass. Just show your digital coupon in the Southwest app when ordering.
Business Select Fares: Passengers who purchase a Business Select fare also typically receive a complimentary premium drink.
Physical Drink Coupons: While Southwest is transitioning to digital coupons, unexpired paper drink coupons are still accepted until their expiration date.
Where do these coupons come from? They can be earned through various promotions, credit card benefits (some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer them), or as a perk for certain Rapid Rewards tiers. Sometimes, you might even get lucky and find them for sale on secondary markets like eBay, but always be mindful of expiration dates and verify their legitimacy.
3.2 Preparing for Payment:
Have your credit card readily accessible. If you're using a physical card, make sure it's not buried deep in your carry-on.
Ensure your mobile payment app is set up and ready to go. Check your battery life!
If using a digital drink coupon, have your Southwest app open to your mobile boarding pass.
Step 4: The Ordering Process – Catching the Flight Attendant's Eye
Now that you know what you want and how you'll pay, it's time to place your order.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
4.1 Wait for Beverage Service: Flight attendants typically begin beverage service once the aircraft reaches a safe cruising altitude and the "fasten seatbelt" sign has been turned off. Be patient; they'll get to you!
4.2 Signal to the Flight Attendant: When a flight attendant comes down your aisle, you can politely make eye contact to signal you'd like to order. They will usually work their way from front to back or back to front.
4.3 Place Your Order Clearly: State your desired drink clearly. For example, "I'd like a Miller Lite, please," or "Could I get a vodka and cranberry?"
4.4 Present Your Payment:
If using a credit card, the flight attendant will likely have a mobile payment device. They'll swipe or tap your card.
If using Apple Pay, PayPal, or Venmo, they'll guide you through the process, which usually involves tapping your device on their reader.
If using a digital drink coupon, show them your mobile boarding pass with the coupon displayed. For physical coupons, hand it over.
4.5 Enjoy Your Drink! Once your payment is processed and your drink is served, relax and enjoy! Remember, alcoholic beverages purchased onboard must be consumed onboard and not brought off the aircraft.
Step 5: A Few Important Considerations for a Smooth Experience
To ensure your drink purchase goes off without a hitch, keep these points in mind:
5.1 Stay Hydrated with Complimentary Options: While indulging in a paid drink is nice, don't forget the importance of hydration, especially on flights. Continue to drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages provided free of charge.
5.2 Be Respectful and Patient: Flight attendants work hard to serve all passengers. Be polite, patient, and understanding, especially during busy periods or if there are any unforeseen delays in service.
5.3 Moderation is Key: Consuming alcohol at altitude can have a more pronounced effect. Drink responsibly and in moderation. Flight attendants reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers.
5.4 No Outside Alcohol: It's against FAA regulations to consume alcoholic beverages on board that were not served by Southwest Airlines. Do not bring your own alcohol to drink on the flight.
5.5 Receipts: If you need a receipt for your in-flight beverage purchase, you can often request one from the flight attendant or typically retrieve it online later through Southwest's website by visiting
Southwest.com/BeverageReceipts
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| How To Buy A Drink On Southwest Airlines |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to buying drinks on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
How to know if my flight offers paid drinks? Southwest generally offers paid alcoholic beverages on flights over 250 miles. Flight attendants will announce beverage service availability once at cruising altitude.
How to pay for drinks on Southwest Airlines? You can pay using major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), mobile payment options like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo, or valid Southwest Airlines drink coupons (digital or paper). Cash is not accepted.
How to get a free drink on Southwest Airlines? A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight leg (digital coupons on mobile boarding pass). Business Select fares also typically include one complimentary premium drink. Sometimes, special promotions or specific holidays might offer free drinks – it doesn't hurt to ask politely!
How to use my digital drink coupon on Southwest? Simply open your Southwest Airlines app, go to your mobile boarding pass, and the digital drink coupon should be displayed there. Show it to the flight attendant when you place your order.
How to find the drink menu on my Southwest flight? The in-flight drink menu is usually located in the seat-back pocket in front of you.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How to get a receipt for my in-flight drink purchase?
You can often request a physical receipt from the flight attendant at the time of purchase, or you can typically get a digital receipt by visiting
How to know if I'm old enough to buy an alcoholic drink? You must be 21 years or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on Southwest Airlines. Be prepared to show valid identification.
How to bring my own drinks on a Southwest flight? You can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard. However, FAA regulations prohibit passengers from consuming alcohol on the aircraft unless it's served by Southwest Airlines.
How to redeem a physical Southwest drink coupon? If you have an unexpired paper drink coupon, simply hand it to the flight attendant when you order your drink.
How to tell if alcohol will be served if there's turbulence? In-flight beverage service, especially for alcohol, may be limited or suspended during periods of moderate to severe turbulence for safety reasons. Flight attendants will make announcements if service is affected.
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