Southwest Airlines has built its reputation on no-frills service and budget-friendly flights, but that doesn’t mean you have to go thirsty at 30,000 feet. The airline offers a surprisingly comprehensive drink menu that caters to various tastes and budgets, from complimentary soft drinks to premium cocktails.
Whether you’re planning your first Southwest flight or you’re a seasoned traveler looking to maximize your onboard experience, understanding the airline’s beverage offerings can help you make informed choices.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Refreshing Options for Every Taste
Southwest’s non-alcoholic drink selection provides excellent value, especially considering the complimentary options available to all passengers.
Complimentary Soft Drinks
All Southwest passengers enjoy free soft drinks throughout their flight. The selection includes popular choices like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, and Ginger Ale. These familiar options provide a refreshing experience without adding to your travel expenses, making Southwest particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers.
Premium Juices – $4
For passengers seeking healthier alternatives, Southwest offers several juice options at $4 per serving. Choose from orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, and tomato juice. These beverages provide a revitalizing boost and are perfect for morning flights or when you need extra vitamins during travel.
Coffee and Tea Service
Southwest provides complimentary coffee and tea service on most flights. The coffee is typically a standard blend suitable for most palates, while tea options usually include black tea, green tea, and herbal varieties. Flight attendants regularly offer refills, making these beverages excellent choices for longer flights.
Water and Other Options
Complimentary water is always available, and flight attendants will happily provide multiple servings. Southwest also occasionally offers seasonal beverages or special promotions that may include additional non-alcoholic options.
Alcoholic Beverages: Premium Options at Competitive Prices
Southwest’s alcoholic beverage menu provides quality options at reasonable prices compared to other major airlines.
Beer Selection – $6
Beer enthusiasts will appreciate Southwest’s diverse selection of domestic and imported options. The lineup typically includes Bud Light and Miller Lite for those preferring lighter beers, while Blue Moon and Corona offer more distinctive flavors. At $6 per beer, Southwest’s pricing remains competitive within the airline industry.
Wine Options – $7
Southwest serves mini bottles of wine in three popular varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio. These 187ml bottles provide a convenient way to enjoy wine during your flight, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to unwind. The $7 price point makes wine accessible for most travelers.
Spirits and Liquor – $8
The spirits menu includes mini bottles of essential liquors: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. At $8 per mini bottle, passengers can create their preferred mixed drinks using complimentary mixers like soda, juice, or tonic water. This flexibility allows for customization based on personal taste preferences.
Specialty Drinks and Cocktails: Pre-Mixed Convenience
Southwest offers pre-mixed cocktails for passengers who prefer ready-to-drink options without the hassle of mixing.
Featured Cocktails – $9
The cocktail menu includes classic options like Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers, and Gin and Tonics. These pre-mixed drinks provide consistent quality and eliminate the guesswork of proportions. At $9 per cocktail, they offer good value considering the convenience factor and professional mixing standards.
Seasonal and Regional Offerings
Southwest occasionally features regional craft beers or seasonal beverages that reflect local tastes along their route network. These limited-time offerings provide opportunities to try something new and add a regional flavor to your travel experience.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Experience
Smart travelers can enhance their Southwest drink experience while managing costs effectively.
Bring Your Own Mixers
Since Southwest allows small bottles of mixers through security, you can bring your own tonic water, cranberry juice, or other mixers to pair with purchased spirits. This strategy can help create premium cocktails at lower costs.
Take Advantage of Free Refills
Maximize the value of complimentary beverages by requesting refills throughout your flight. Flight attendants are typically happy to provide additional servings of soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Time Your Purchases Strategically
Consider purchasing alcoholic beverages during longer flights when you have more time to enjoy them. On shorter flights, you might prefer to stick with complimentary options and save money for destination activities.
How Southwest Compares to Other Airlines
Southwest’s drink menu stands out among budget carriers for several reasons. While ultra-low-cost airlines often charge for all beverages including water, Southwest maintains its tradition of complimentary soft drinks and coffee. Their alcoholic beverage prices typically fall in the middle range compared to major carriers, making them competitive without being the cheapest or most expensive option.
The quality of Southwest’s alcoholic beverages generally receives positive feedback from passengers, particularly the beer selection which often includes popular regional options depending on the route.
Ordering Process and Service Details
Southwest flight attendants typically begin beverage service once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. The process is straightforward: flight attendants move through the cabin with beverage carts, taking orders row by row.
Payment for alcoholic beverages is accepted via credit card only, as Southwest operates as a cashless airline. The payment process is quick and efficient, with flight attendants using handheld devices to process transactions.
Service Frequency
On longer flights, Southwest typically offers multiple beverage services. Flight attendants also regularly walk through the cabin offering water and other complimentary beverages between formal service rounds.
Healthier Drink Choices
Health-conscious travelers will find several appealing options on Southwest’s menu. The juice selection provides vitamins and natural flavors, while the complimentary water helps maintain hydration during flights. Coffee and tea offer antioxidants without added sugars.
For passengers monitoring alcohol intake, the mini bottle format provides built-in portion control, making it easier to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Make the Most of Your Southwest Flight Experience
Southwest’s drink menu offers something for every passenger, from budget-conscious travelers enjoying complimentary soft drinks to those celebrating special occasions with wine or cocktails. The airline’s commitment to providing free non-alcoholic beverages sets it apart from many competitors and contributes to the overall value proposition.
Next time you fly Southwest, consider trying something new from their beverage selection. The experience might just become a memorable part of your journey.
Share your Southwest drink experiences in the comments below. What’s your go-to beverage for Southwest flights, and have you discovered any hidden gems on their menu?
