Cheers: Southwest Will Serve Alcohol Again!

Attention, Southwest Airlines travelers: booze is coming back.

The airline announced today that expanded beverage service returns on February 16 (at least, on some flights. More on that in a second). So that’s bad news for travelers during the Valentine’s weekend of LUV. But great for people taking to Southwest’s skies during President’s Day Weekend.

And just in time for spring break. (Yay?)

“Customers have expressed a desire for more beverage options, so we’re delighted to restore additional on-board offerings as a part of the Southwest Hospitality that our Customers know and love,” said Tony Roach, Southwest’s Vice President Customer Experience and Customer Relations.

Not all flights will get to enjoy the good stuff, though. Flights must be scheduled for a minimum distance of 176 miles. (Seems like a random number. Anyone have any insight?) Perhaps a certain airline may want to look into reducing its minimum mileage requirement for beverage service.

Southwest currently offers Coke, Diet Coke, 7 Up, water, ginger ale, seltzer water, orange juice, cranberry cocktail juice, and coffee to its customers.

Here’s the expanded drink selection returning:

• Miller Lite ($6)
• Blue Moon ($7)
• Lagunitas IPA ($7)
• Sparkling wine ($6)
• Chardonnay ($6)
• Cabernet Sauvignon ($6)
• Vodka ($7)
• Lime vodka ($7)
• Jack Daniels ($7)
• Wild Turkey ($7)
• Bacardi Rum ($7)
• Tequila ($7)
• Tonic water
• Apple juice
• Coke Zero
• Dr. Pepper
• Hot tea
• Hot cocoa

Remember that three Southwest Airlines co-branded Chase credit cards offer 25% statement credit on inflight purchases of things such as alcoholic beverages:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

What About Expired Southwest Drink Coupons?

Don’t worry if you’re holding Southwest drink tickets that expired in 2020 or 2021. The airline said they’ll accept them through the end of 2022.