Have you ever settled into your seat on a Southwest Airlines flight, ready to relax and perhaps enjoy a refreshing beverage, only to wonder, "How exactly do I pay for this?" You're not alone! While Southwest is known for its open seating and friendly service, the payment process for in-flight drinks, especially alcoholic ones, has its own set of rules. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, ensuring your next flight is as smooth as your favorite drink.
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Complimentary Drinks? Let's Find Out!
Before you even think about pulling out your wallet, let's explore if you might be eligible for a complimentary drink! Southwest, known for its customer-friendly approach, offers free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on most flights over 250 miles. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are specific categories of passengers who receive them for free. Are you one of them?
A-List Preferred Members: If you're a proud A-List Preferred member of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, you're in luck! You receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight leg. These digital drink coupons will appear directly on your mobile boarding pass when you use the Southwest app. Make sure to have your digital boarding pass ready to show the Flight Attendant!
Business Select Fares: Travelers who purchase a Business Select fare also receive a complimentary premium drink. While traditionally this came with a physical coupon, the trend is moving towards digital coupons integrated with your mobile boarding pass. It's important to note that even if you're an A-List Preferred member flying Business Select, the maximum complimentary drinks per flight leg is two.
Holiday Perks: Keep an eye out for special holiday offerings! Historically, Southwest has sometimes provided complimentary drinks on select holidays like St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, and Veterans Day. While not guaranteed, it's a pleasant surprise if it happens! It never hurts to politely ask your Flight Attendant if there are any special drink offers for the day.
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| How To Pay For Drinks On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Understanding Southwest's Cashless Policy Onboard
This is a CRUCIAL step. Forget about digging for loose change or pulling out that crisp $20 bill. Southwest Airlines operates on a strictly cashless system for in-flight purchases. This means you cannot use cash to pay for drinks (or any other items, though drinks are the primary purchasable item onboard).
Why the Cashless Policy? It streamlines the service, reduces the risk of theft, and aligns with modern payment trends. So, before you even board, make sure you have an alternative payment method ready.
Step 3: Your Go-To Payment Methods for In-Flight Drinks
Since cash is out, what are your options? Southwest has embraced a variety of convenient digital and card-based payment methods.
Sub-heading 3.1: Credit and Debit Cards - The Most Common Choice
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This is by far the easiest and most widely accepted method. Flight Attendants are equipped with mobile card readers that can process your payment seamlessly.
Accepted Cards: Southwest accepts all major credit and debit cards, including:
Visa®
MasterCard®
American Express®
Discover Card®
Diners Club®
You can even use Optima, Carte Blanche, Japan Credit Bureau, China Union Pay, and Air Travel Card.
How to Pay: Simply present your card to the Flight Attendant when they come by for drink service. They will swipe or tap your card on their mobile device.
Sub-heading 3.2: Digital Wallets - Tap and Go!
For those who prefer the convenience of their smartphone or smartwatch, Southwest also accepts popular digital wallet options.
Accepted Digital Wallets:
Apple Pay
Google Pay (often referred to as Android Pay)
PayPal (for in-flight purchases)
Venmo (for in-flight purchases)
How to Pay: Ensure your digital wallet is set up with your preferred card before your flight. When it's time to pay, simply hold your device near the Flight Attendant's contactless reader. You'll likely need to authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This is a super quick and efficient way to pay!
Sub-heading 3.3: Southwest Airlines Drink Coupons - The Traditional Perk
While direct purchase of drink coupons is not common, they are still a viable payment method if you have them. As mentioned in Step 1, these are primarily earned through specific fare types or elite status.
Physical vs. Digital: While older physical coupons may still be honored if valid, Southwest has largely transitioned to digital drink coupons for A-List Preferred members and Business Select fares, which appear on your mobile boarding pass.
Expiration Dates: Be mindful of expiration dates on any coupons you possess. Expired coupons are generally not accepted.
How to Use: If you have a digital coupon, simply show your mobile boarding pass to the Flight Attendant. They will scan the QR code to verify and redeem your drink credit. For physical coupons, present the coupon to the Flight Attendant.
Step 4: Understanding Drink Prices and Options (as of Mid-2025)
While prices can always change, it's good to have an idea of what to expect. Southwest offers a selection of alcoholic beverages.
Typical Prices (as of early 2025, subject to change):
Beer: Around $7-$8
Wine: Around $8-$10
Spirits/Canned Cocktails: Around $9-$10
Drink Menu: A variety of popular alcoholic beverages are usually available, including domestic and imported beers, red and white wines, and various spirits for mixed drinks. Complimentary non-alcoholic options like sodas, juices, water, coffee, and tea are always available on flights over 250 miles.
Availability: Drink service, especially for alcoholic beverages, is typically available on flights over 250 miles. Selections may vary based on availability and the specific flight.
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Step 5: Bonus Tips for a Smooth In-Flight Drink Experience!
To make your experience even better, consider these extra tips:
Charge Your Devices: If you plan to use a digital wallet, ensure your phone or smartwatch has sufficient battery life. You don't want to be caught off guard mid-flight!
Keep Your Card Handy: Even if you prefer digital payment, it's always a good idea to have a physical credit or debit card readily accessible as a backup.
Know Your Limits: Remember that FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on the aircraft unless it's served by the air carrier. Also, you must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
Be Polite and Patient: Flight Attendants work hard to serve everyone. A little patience and a friendly demeanor go a long way!
Consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card: Many Southwest credit cards offer benefits like 25% back on in-flight purchases (including drinks) and earn Rapid Rewards points, which can be redeemed for future flights. This can be a smart way to save money and earn rewards.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your chosen beverage on your next Southwest Airlines flight, making your journey even more enjoyable!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about paying for drinks on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to pay for drinks on Southwest Airlines?
You can pay for drinks on Southwest Airlines using credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. Cash is not accepted.
How to use a debit card for drinks on Southwest Airlines?
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To use a debit card, simply present it to the Flight Attendant. They will process the payment using their mobile card reader, just like a credit card.
How to get complimentary drinks on Southwest Airlines?
Complimentary drinks (alcoholic) are typically offered to A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members (up to two per flight leg) and those who purchase Business Select fares. Non-alcoholic drinks are generally free for all passengers on flights over 250 miles.
How to find out if you have Southwest Airlines drink coupons?
If you are an A-List Preferred member or on a Business Select fare, your digital drink coupons will usually appear on your mobile boarding pass within the Southwest Airlines app.
How to use digital drink coupons on Southwest Airlines?
Show your mobile boarding pass with the digital drink coupon to the Flight Attendant. They will scan the QR code to redeem your complimentary drink.
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How to know the price of drinks on Southwest Airlines?
While prices can vary, as of early 2025, beer is typically around $7-$8, wine $8-$10, and spirits/canned cocktails around $9-$10. The in-flight menu will have the exact current pricing.
How to get a refund for an unpurchased drink on Southwest Airlines?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged for a drink, you should contact Southwest Airlines Customer Relations after your flight with your flight details and a clear explanation of the issue.
How to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks on Southwest Airlines?
You are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard Southwest Airlines, as long as they comply with TSA liquid restrictions for carry-on bags (3-1-1 rule for liquids).
How to use Rapid Rewards points to pay for drinks on Southwest Airlines?
Directly using Rapid Rewards points to pay for in-flight drinks is generally not an option. However, some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits like 25% back on in-flight purchases, effectively reducing the cost.
How to get free drinks on Southwest Airlines if you don't have elite status or a Business Select fare?
While not guaranteed, Southwest has occasionally offered complimentary drinks on certain holidays. You might also get lucky if a Flight Attendant offers a free drink as a gesture of goodwill, but this is not standard policy.
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