Summary
- Southwest Airlines is increasing the prices of alcoholic beverages on its flights, with liquor options going from $7 to $9, a 29% increase.
- Beer options will be charged at $7, while wine options will be charged at $8.
- Despite the price increases, Southwest Airlines continues to offer free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on flights longer than 175 miles, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the customer experience.
As the travel season begins to increase during the upcoming holidays, so will the drink prices on Southwest Airlines flights. The Texas-based carrier recently revealed it would be increasing the prices of alcoholic beverages while onboard its aircraft. This new set of pricing will go into effect on Wednesday, November 15.
New price standards
Southwest Airlines has revealed that the new increases are a modest change to its standard alcoholic beverage options. Prior to November 15, Southwest Airlines charged $7 for any drink containing liquor. Liquor options include Deep Eddy Vodka, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey, Cazadores Tequila, and Bacardi Rum. However, the new pricing options for liquor will increase to $9. This $2 increase is a 29% change.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Also, prior to November 15, the airline charged $6 for beer and wine options. The beer options include Lagunitas IPA, Miller Lite, and Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale, which is only available on services to Hawaii. The airline will begin charging $7 for any of these beer options. Additionally, Southwest offers High Noon Hard Seltzer and Dogfish Head Strawberry Vodka Lemonades as a “Beyond Beer” option for $7 each.
The wine options include Cruset Brut sparkling wine, Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon, Mossel Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, and Stone Cellars California Rose. Southwest will soon be charging $8 for any of these offerings.
The airline last changed drink prices in 2018, meaning the pricing was unaffected by recent inflation and was also unaffected by the return of alcoholic beverages after the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The airline released a statement about the increasing prices stating,
“Southwest last adjusted pricing for onboard beverages in 2018 and recently reviewed our position as we work to keep fares low while offering our customers unmatched flexibility. Upon review, we made the decision to implement a modest change to the pricing of our alcoholic beverages, which will go into effect on Wednesday, Nov. 15.”
In addition to the alcoholic beverages offered on Southwest flights, the airline also offers free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Some of these beverages include sodas, seltzer water, coffee, tea, apple juice, orange juice, and hot chocolate. These options are only available on flights longer than 175 miles.
Photo: Denver International Airport
Southwest also stated,
“We continue our focus on enhancing the Customers’ experiences and remain committed to delivering nonstop Southwest Hospitality.”
Pricing increases amidst customer improvements
These new pricing guidelines come after the airline revealed several other improvements to the customer experience. In the new Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the airline has revealed quite a few new hospitality benefits. This includes brand-new seats with a 32-inch seat pitch with adjustable headrests and low-profile armrests. The new aircraft also includes the Boeing Sky Interior. The Boeing Sky Interior has larger overhead bin space and sequenced LED lighting throughout the cabin.
The airline also recently rolled out a new baggage tracking tool. The new application assists passengers by allowing them to track the location of their checked bags in real-time. It also provides the passengers with updates when the bags are loaded and unloaded from the aircraft. This feature is available on the existing Southwest Airlines mobile app or official website.