Southwest is ending its dry spell! After almost 2 long years, the airline is bringing back alcoholic beverages for purchase starting February 16, 2022. I know it is sometimes nice to enjoy a complimentary beverage while flying to your next destination. If you’ve never gotten Southwest Drink Coupons before, now is the time to start! I’ve enjoyed getting some over the years and have plenty of tips for you to try to get your own beverages in the air.
1. Join Rapid Rewards!
If you aren’t already a member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, stop what you are doing and sign up now! This will ensure you get points for flying on Southwest flights which you can eventually redeem for free flights. My favorite redemptions for Rapid Reward Points are using them with Southwest’s Companion Pass for those elusive BOGO offers.
2. Opt Into Rapid Reward Drink Coupons
Once you are a Rapid Rewards (RR) member, you can log into your account, click “Profile”, then “Travel”. There you will see Rapid Rewards Drink Coupons where you will want to make sure your settings are turned on to say Yes, send me drink coupons as I earn them.
3. Book Revenue flights
Every 10 one-way flights you book and complete (paid with money, not points, you will receive 4 complimentary drink coupons. According to Southwest’s website, there is no limit on these revenue flight coupons. Flight counts roll over year after year.
4. Fly Business Select
One guaranteed way to get a free drink in-flight is to purchase a Business Select ticket which includes a premium drink in the air, and priority boarding. Business select is the highest fare price, but will also earn you 12x Rapid Rewards points vs the 6x points you would earn on a Wanna-Get-Away Fare.
5. Become a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holder!
Southwest Credit Cards have plenty of perks. The main one of course is the welcome offer spending bonuses to earn free flights. However, you can also earn onboard drink discounts, extra points for each cardmember anniversary, extra points on Southwest Flight purchases, and so much more. There are even 3 levels of the personal card, as well as 2 business card options if you are a small business owner. Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders are some of the easiest ways to earn points from Southwest and will get you closer to earning Southwest’s Companion Pass.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
6. Be Extra Nice to the Flight Crew
Over the years I’ve brought flight crew’s a thank you note along with snacks such as pre-packaged chocolates or candies. It always is a nice surprise for them, and they typically appreciate it more than you know. In return, I’ve often been gifted with some extra snacks or complimentary beverages as a thank you. Of course, you should always be nice to the flight crew, but if you go above and beyond, you might be thanked in return.
7. Flying for a Special Occasion?
Let the flight crew know if you are flying for a special occasion! Whether it might be your birthday, an anniversary, or whatever. I’ve heard special announcements onboard before for birthday celebrations, and honeymoons. Sometimes even reaching out to the airline prior (sending them a tweet or “contact us” well in advance) might get you an extra special surprise onboard. I have seen fun crowns being made, extra snacks being passed out, and age-appropriate gifts.
8. Fly on Holidays
Southwest has in the past given complimentary drinks on holidays. Some of the mentioned ones include St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Veterans Day. So if you are planning to book a flight around the holidays, book on the day of to test your luck for a complimentary beverage on board. This might be the easiest way to get a Southwest Drink Coupon.
9. Something go wrong?
Delays happen. Typically there is not much you can do about them. However, if you happen to find yourself in an unfortunate situation, it might work to your advantage. Ask the flight crew if they would be willing to give you a Southwest Drink Coupon! Do remember, it is most likely not the crew’s fault for the delay so still be nice when asking.
Expired Southwest Drink Coupons?
Have some expired coupons hanging around? You’re in luck! Southwest announced that any Southwest Drink Coupons with an expiration date of 2020 or 2021 would be eligible to be redeemed through December 31st, 2022. I have always saved my expired coupons though and sometimes got lucky where they would take them.
Basic Review of How to get Southwest Drink Coupons
There are a variety of ways to earn some Southwest Drink Coupons. Whether you work on securing them prior to your travels or get lucky during your trip to earn an extra Southwest Drink Coupon. Have you earned any drink before? Let us know!
2 Responses
I have been a rapid rewards member since 2005. I also have a SW credit card. I have never received a drink credit. Curious if it may be possible to receive a few Bev vouchers before we depart for Mexico next Wed, July 12?
Are you opted in on Southwest’s website to receive coupons? I don’t know if you would get them that fast but you could try to call and ask. Or, always revert to #6 and bring some goodies to the crew. 🙂