Southwest further delays return of alcohol sales until 2022
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional information.
At the start of the pandemic, airlines significantly scaled back their onboard food and beverage offerings. On some short flights, you might not have even received water.
While some things look different, most airlines have since resumed many elements of their onboard service. However, Southwest has taken a more conservative approach. It initially suspended all onboard beverages and snacks and then only served water for many months. It was only this March that it began to offer a (very) limited selection of sodas on some of its flights again. Then, in late June, it resumed coffee service on most flights.
One thing that Southwest hasn't resumed yet is alcohol sales. The carrier was planning to resume it on select flights over the summer but delayed it due to a surge in reports of unruly passengers. As reported by USA Today, the Dallas-based carrier has now confirmed that it won't restore inflight booze until at least early 2022.
Southwest details inflight service plans
As of June 24, Southwest resumed serving complimentary coffee on all flights of 251 miles or longer. Originally, it was also going to reintroduce alcohol sales on some flights on that date. However, that’s been delayed.
In late May, Southwest provided the following explanation:
Given the recent uptick in industry-wide incidents of passenger disruptions inflight, we have made the decision to pause the previously announced re-start of alcohol service onboard June (Hawaii flights) and July. We will proceed with expanding our selection of soft drinks and coffee as planned. We realize this decision may be disappointing for some Customers, but we feel this is the right decision at this time in the interest of the Safety and comfort of all Customers and Crew onboard.
Related: FAA reaches $1 million benchmark in fines issued to unruly passengers
Southwest originally didn't provide a timetable for when it might bring back alcohol. However, in a memo sent to flight attendants on Sept. 10, Randall Miller, senior manager of inflight operations, explained that the alcohol sales won't resume until at least the end of January 2022.
The memo notes, "With the mask mandate being extended to January 18, 2022, there are no current plans to bring back alcohol prior to January 2022."
This date coincides with when the federal mask mandate on public transportation networks — including at airports and onboard airplanes — is set to expire. American Airlines also delayed the return of alcohol sales in mid-August, shortly after the mandate was extended, though continues to offer alcohol in premium cabins.
Southwest’s original plans were to reintroduce alcohol sales on flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii starting on June 24 and expand to all flights 251 miles and longer beginning July 14. There were going to be several different kinds of beer, wine and spirits on offer:
- Miller Lite ($6)
- Dos Equis ($6)
- Blue Moon ($7)
- Carmenet Cabernet Sauvignon ($6)
- Mossel Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay ($6)
- Deep Eddy Vodka ($7)
- Jack Daniels Whiskey ($7)
Related: Here’s what food and drinks the major U.S. airlines are currently serving
Bottom line
Though hopes had been raised that Southwest’s alcohol service might resume before the end of the year, you're now going to have to wait until at least the end of January 2022. Given today's news, Southwest will likely further extend any expiring drink coupons.
For the time being, you'll have to settle for soft drinks, such as coffee, Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up and water. Remember, you can’t drink your own booze on an airplane.
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- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.