Ready to elevate your next Southwest Airlines flight experience with a complimentary beverage? You're in the right place! Getting your hands on Southwest Airlines drink coupons isn't always straightforward, but with a bit of know-how and strategic planning, you can significantly increase your chances of enjoying a free drink onboard.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to acquire these coveted coupons, from understanding Southwest's policies to leveraging loyalty programs and even some lesser-known tips. Let's get started on your journey to free sips in the sky!
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Southwest Airlines Drink Coupons
While non-alcoholic beverages are typically complimentary on most Southwest flights over 250 miles, alcoholic beverages usually come with a price tag. Southwest drink coupons allow you to enjoy a premium alcoholic drink (or sometimes a non-alcoholic one if you prefer) without reaching for your wallet.
Step 1: Are You a Rapid Rewards Member? If Not, Join Now!
This is arguably the most crucial first step. Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is the primary avenue through which many flyers receive drink coupons. If you're not already a member, sign up immediately. It's free and takes just a few minutes.
Why it's essential: Southwest often sends out drink coupons to its Rapid Rewards members, particularly those who fly frequently. These can arrive via email or even physical mail. Without an account, you're missing out on a key source of these perks.
Actionable Tip: Head over to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) and locate the "Rapid Rewards" section to enroll. Make sure to fill out all your contact information accurately.
Step 2: Optimize Your Rapid Rewards Profile Settings for Coupon Delivery
Joining Rapid Rewards is just the beginning. You need to ensure your account is configured to receive drink coupons. Southwest has a specific setting that dictates whether or not you're opted-in for these benefits.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Profile:
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
Look for "My Account" in the top right corner and click on it.
Navigate to "Profile/Travel."
Sub-heading: Enabling Drink Coupon Delivery:
Within the "Profile/Travel" section, locate the "Rapid Rewards Drink Coupons" setting.
You'll likely see an option to "Edit" or "Change" this setting.
Crucially, make sure the option "Yes, send me drink coupons as I earn them" (or similar phrasing) is selected.
Don't forget to save your changes!
Important Note: Even with this setting enabled, receipt of coupons isn't guaranteed, but it significantly increases your chances. Southwest sometimes changes its coupon distribution methods (e.g., from physical mail to digital).
Step 3: Understand and Maximize Earning Through Flight Activity
Southwest rewards its loyal flyers. One of the traditional ways to earn drink coupons is by flying a certain number of qualifying flights within a calendar year.
Sub-heading: The "10 One-Way Flights" Rule (Historically):
Historically, Southwest has often sent out a set of drink coupons (e.g., four coupons) after a Rapid Rewards member completes 10 one-way qualifying flights within a calendar year. "Qualifying flights" typically refers to flights paid for with money, not points.
While this has been a common practice, always check the latest Rapid Rewards terms and conditions as policies can change.
Strategy: If you fly Southwest frequently, aim to consolidate your travel with them. Every one-way flight gets you closer to this threshold.
Sub-heading: A-List Preferred Status Perks:
If you're an A-List Preferred member with Southwest, you automatically receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg on select flights over 250 miles.
These are usually digital and noted on your mobile boarding pass. Simply show your mobile boarding pass to the Flight Attendant for validation.
This is a direct and consistent way to get free drinks if you're a high-tier elite member.
Step 4: Leverage Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Many co-branded Southwest credit cards offer benefits that include drink coupons, either as a sign-up bonus, anniversary perk, or ongoing benefit. This is a very popular and reliable method for many travelers.
Sub-heading: Sign-Up Bonuses:
Some Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offered by Chase may include drink coupons as part of their initial sign-up bonus. Always check the specific offer details when applying.
Sub-heading: Anniversary Perks:
Several Southwest credit cards (e.g., certain Premier or Priority cards) provide anniversary drink coupons as a benefit for being a cardholder. These are typically mailed to you around your cardmember anniversary.
This is a recurring benefit that can be a fantastic source of coupons year after year.
Actionable Advice:
Research the different Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offered by Chase to see which one best fits your spending habits and offers the benefits you desire, including drink coupons.
Be mindful of annual fees and spending requirements for sign-up bonuses.
Step 5: Consider Business Select Fares for Immediate Gratification
If you're looking for an immediate and guaranteed free drink on a specific flight, purchasing a Business Select fare is an option.
What it offers: Business Select fares are Southwest's highest-tier tickets and include one complimentary premium drink on flights over 250 miles.
How to access it: The drink coupon eligibility will typically be noted directly on your mobile or printed boarding pass.
Cost vs. Benefit: While this guarantees a drink, Business Select fares are significantly more expensive than other fare types. This method is usually only practical if the other benefits of Business Select (like A1-A15 boarding, refundable tickets, and higher Rapid Rewards point earning) align with your travel needs.
Step 6: Keep an Eye Out for Special Promotions and Events
Southwest occasionally offers drink coupons as part of special promotions, holiday celebrations, or during unforeseen circumstances like significant flight delays.
Sub-heading: Holiday Freebies:
Southwest has been known to offer complimentary drinks on certain holidays throughout the year, such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, or even on Southwest's birthday (June 18th).
While not guaranteed, it's a pleasant surprise if you happen to be flying on one of these dates!
Sub-heading: Email Communications and Social Media:
Ensure you are opted-in for all Southwest email communications in your Rapid Rewards profile. Promotional emails can sometimes contain offers for drink coupons or announce special "free drink days."
Follow Southwest Airlines on their official social media channels. They might announce impromptu offers or promotions there.
Sub-heading: In-flight Kindness/Exceptional Circumstances:
While not a guaranteed method, some travelers have reported receiving complimentary drinks from flight attendants for being particularly kind, understanding during delays, or if they're celebrating a special occasion (e.g., birthday, honeymoon) and mention it to the crew. Being polite and understanding goes a long way!
Step 7: The "Unofficial" Route: Understanding the Secondary Market (Use with Caution!)
While Southwest's official policy states that drink coupons are void if altered, sold, purchased, brokered, or bartered, you might occasionally find Southwest drink coupons for sale on platforms like eBay.
Why it exists: Some individuals accumulate more coupons than they can use and choose to sell them.
Risks Involved:
Voiding: Southwest explicitly states these coupons are void if sold. While many transactions may go through without issue, there's always a risk that a flight attendant or Southwest could deem the coupon invalid if they suspect it was purchased.
Expiration Dates: Coupons have expiration dates. Ensure you check these carefully before considering a purchase.
Digital vs. Physical: With the increasing move to digital coupons tied to boarding passes for some benefits (like A-List Preferred), physical coupons might become less common and potentially harder to use if not officially transferred.
Recommendation: This method is not endorsed by Southwest and carries inherent risks. It's generally advisable to focus on the official methods described above.
Using Your Southwest Airlines Drink Coupons
Once you have your coupons, using them is usually quite simple.
Physical Coupons: Present the physical coupon to the Flight Attendant when ordering your premium beverage.
Digital Coupons: If your drink coupon eligibility is noted on your mobile boarding pass (common for Business Select or A-List Preferred), simply show that portion of your mobile boarding pass to the Flight Attendant. They may scan a QR code on your phone.
Important Reminders:
Drink coupons are typically valid for one complimentary premium drink (alcoholic or select non-alcoholic).
Most alcoholic beverages are only served on flights over 250 miles.
You must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
Coupons have expiration dates. Use them before they expire!
They have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for other goods or services.
Southwest reserves the right to modify or discontinue its drink coupon program at any time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if I have Southwest Airlines drink coupons?
You can often check for digital drink coupons by logging into your Southwest Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest app or website and viewing your upcoming flight details or boarding pass. For physical coupons, you'll need to keep track of any mailed to you.
How to ensure I receive Southwest Airlines drink coupons in the mail or email?
Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account" > "Profile/Travel," and ensure the "Rapid Rewards Drink Coupons" setting is set to "Yes, send me coupons as I earn them." Also, ensure your contact information is up-to-date and you're opted into all Southwest email communications.
How to use a digital Southwest Airlines drink coupon?
When ordering your drink, simply show the flight attendant the portion of your mobile boarding pass on the Southwest app that indicates your drink coupon eligibility. They will likely scan a QR code on your screen.
How to get Southwest Airlines drink coupons as an A-List Preferred member?
As an A-List Preferred member, you automatically receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg on flights over 250 miles. This entitlement will be noted on your mobile boarding pass.
How to earn Southwest Airlines drink coupons through flying?
Historically, Rapid Rewards members could earn drink coupons (e.g., four coupons) after completing 10 one-way qualifying flights within a calendar year. Check current Rapid Rewards terms for the most up-to-date earning criteria.
How to get Southwest Airlines drink coupons through credit cards?
Many co-branded Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer drink coupons as part of their sign-up bonus or as an annual anniversary perk for cardholders. Research the specific Chase Southwest cards to see their benefits.
How to know if my Southwest flight is eligible for drink service/coupons?
Drink service, including alcoholic beverages and the use of drink coupons, is typically available on Southwest flights that travel over 250 miles. The flight attendant will announce drink service availability.
How to replace an expired Southwest Airlines drink coupon?
Southwest Airlines drink coupons are generally invalid after their expiration date and will not be updated or replaced. It's important to use them before they expire.
How to transfer a Southwest Airlines drink coupon to another person?
Southwest's official policy states that drink coupons are "void if altered, sold, purchased, brokered, or bartered" and are "non-exchangeable for other goods or services." While some people informally share them, officially they are not transferable.
How to get free drinks on Southwest Airlines without a coupon?
Occasionally, Southwest may offer complimentary drinks on specific holidays (e.g., St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day) or during significant operational disruptions. Additionally, being exceptionally kind to flight attendants might sometimes result in a complimentary gesture.
