Southwest Airlines: Free Alcohol On Thanksgiving?

Southwest Airlines is known for its hospitality and appreciation for its customers, offering free checked bags and drinks on certain holidays. While the airline has discontinued its free drink offerings on all flights, it continues to provide complimentary alcoholic beverages on select holidays, such as Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween. However, with Thanksgiving approaching, Southwest Airlines has recently raised prices on alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. Despite this, passengers can still enjoy free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on their flights.

Southwest Airlines offers free alcoholic drinks on four holidays

Southwest Airlines is well-known for its free checked bags, with every passenger allowed to check two bags for free. But the airline also offers free alcoholic drinks on four holidays: Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween.

On these days, passengers of legal drinking age can order one complimentary alcoholic beverage. The drink menu includes a variety of spirits, wines, and beers, as well as canned cocktails like the On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita. If you're on a flight to Hawaii, you can even choose Hawaiian specials, like Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale and Kula Toasted Coconut Rum.

Southwest Airlines has a long history of celebrating holidays in a unique way, with Halloween being a particularly special occasion. Both corporate staffers and flight crew dress up for the holiday, a tradition that has been in place since the 1970s. Valentine's Day also holds particular significance for the airline, as its logo is a heart, and it is based out of Dallas Love Field (DAL). Southwest's founder was also proud of his Irish ancestry, which is why St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with free drinks.

While Thanksgiving is not one of the four holidays where free drinks are offered, passengers can still enjoy a variety of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water. Beer, wine, and liquor are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $6 to $7 per drink.

Southwest Airlines' drink coupons can also help passengers save money on their purchases. These coupons are typically obtained by booking a Business Select fare, which also includes priority boarding and Fly By check-in. Previously, passengers could sometimes get drink coupons by booking 10 qualifying flights with Southwest, although this was not an officially published policy.

Thanksgiving used to be one of the days with free alcohol

Southwest Airlines offers free alcoholic drinks on four holidays: Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween. These holidays are chosen because they represent something special and unique about Southwest's culture and history. For example, Valentine's Day holds particular significance because the airline's logo is a heart, and its headquarters are in Dallas Love Field. Southwest's founder was also proud of his Irish ancestry, hence the inclusion of St. Patrick's Day.

The airline has a drink coupon program, where passengers can obtain a coupon for a complimentary premium drink by booking a Business Select fare or being an A-List Preferred Member. However, the airline discontinued sending drink coupons during the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed the practice. Now, passengers must be prepared to pay for alcoholic beverages with a credit card or mobile payment.

Despite the change in the drink coupon policy, some passengers have noted that Southwest Airlines flight attendants occasionally forget to charge for alcoholic drinks or that they receive free drinks without asking. One passenger noted that they were not charged for their drink on Christmas Day, while another mentioned that they received two free drinks. It seems that, while not an official policy, Southwest Airlines may occasionally offer free alcoholic drinks to passengers, particularly on holidays.

However, in 2023, Southwest Airlines raised prices on alcoholic beverages ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, indicating that free alcohol was not offered on that day. The airline's spokeswoman, Tiffany Valdez, stated that the price change was a "modest" adjustment to keep fares low while offering flexibility to customers.

Southwest Airlines raised alcohol prices before Thanksgiving 2023

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its hospitality and appreciation for its customers. However, in 2023, the airline made a move that may have left a bitter taste in some passengers' mouths. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Southwest Airlines raised the prices of alcoholic beverages across the board.

This decision came as a surprise to many, as the airline has a history of offering free drinks, including alcohol, on certain holidays. In fact, some customers have reported receiving free drinks on various occasions, including Thanksgiving. While the official free drink days are Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween, it seems that some flight attendants have been known to turn a blind eye on other holidays as well.

However, with the price increase, it seems that Southwest Airlines is moving away from its generous drink policy. According to a spokeswoman, Tiffany Valdez, the airline reviewed its position and decided to implement a "modest change" to beverage pricing, effective November 15. Beer prices increased from $6 to $7, affecting brands like Miller Lite, Lagunitas IPA, and Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale. Wine prices also saw a similar increase, with options like Cruset Brut sparkling wine and Stone Cellars California Rosé now costing $7.

While the price increase may be disappointing to some, it's important to note that Southwest Airlines still offers a range of free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on its flights. Customers can choose from soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water. Additionally, the airline continues to offer drink coupons, which can be used to purchase alcoholic beverages at a discounted price. These coupons can be obtained by booking a Business Select fare or through other promotions.

Despite the price increase, Southwest Airlines remains competitive in the industry. With its low fares and flexible policies, the airline continues to be a popular choice for travellers. However, for those looking to indulge in a drink or two during their Thanksgiving flight, the higher prices may be a factor to consider.

Southwest Airlines offers complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on select flights

On certain flights, such as those between Hawaii and the continental U.S., passengers may also enjoy alcoholic drinks for purchase. Beer, wine, and spirits typically cost around $6 to $7 per drink. However, on specific holidays, Southwest Airlines is known to offer free alcoholic drinks to its passengers. These holidays include Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween.

In the past, Southwest Airlines has offered free alcoholic drinks on other holidays, such as Thanksgiving. However, in 2023, the airline raised prices on alcoholic beverages ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Despite this, passengers can still enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on their flights.

Southwest Airlines also offers a Business Select fare, which includes a coupon for one free premium drink, priority boarding, and Fly By check-in. These drink coupons can be used to purchase alcoholic beverages that would typically cost money. It is important to note that Southwest Airlines does not accept cash onboard, so passengers must be prepared to pay with a credit card or mobile payment for any alcoholic drinks they wish to purchase.

Southwest Airlines discontinued its drink coupon program

Southwest Airlines has discontinued its drink coupon program, previously offering passengers the chance to obtain free alcoholic drinks. The airline is well-known for its generous policies, such as free checked bags and complimentary drinks, making it a popular choice for travellers. However, Southwest Airlines has decided to exercise its right to end the drink coupon program, which was introduced to showcase the airline's hospitality and appreciation for its customers.

The drink coupon program allowed passengers to enjoy a complimentary alcoholic beverage on select holidays, including Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday, and Halloween. These holidays hold cultural and historical significance for Southwest, with Valentine's Day being especially important due to the airline's logo featuring a heart. Southwest's founder, proud of his Irish ancestry, also influenced the inclusion of St. Patrick's Day.

The decision to discontinue the drink coupon program may be attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, operational challenges, and the desire to streamline services. During the pandemic, Southwest Airlines temporarily suspended in-flight alcoholic drink services and stopped distributing drink coupons. The airline never resumed the drink coupon perk, joining the fate of other discontinued perks such as airline cancellation fees and daily hotel housekeeping.

Southwest Airlines has also faced challenges with unruly passengers, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic when federal mask mandates were implemented. This may have influenced their decision to review and adjust their policies, including those related to alcohol service. In 2023, the airline raised prices on alcoholic beverages ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, indicating a shift in their offerings.

While the drink coupon program has ended, Southwest Airlines continues to offer a variety of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea. Passengers are also welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks onboard, ensuring they have options during their flight. Southwest Airlines reserves the right to modify or limit services, including drink offerings, at their discretion.

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