What is complimentary on Southwest?

The following snack and drink offerings are available on flights 176 miles or more: Complimentary snacks (if you're flying between Hawaii and the continental U.S., you'll have even more snacks to choose from) Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks1 at prices ranging from $6-7.



Southwest Airlines is famous for its "no-fee" philosophy, offering several complimentary perks that other airlines charge for in 2026. The most significant benefit is two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each) for every passenger, which is unique among major US domestic carriers. Onboard, Southwest provides complimentary snacks (like their iconic pretzels or snack mix) and non-alcoholic beverages, including water, juices, and sodas. While they are transitioning to assigned seating in 2026, they have maintained the perk of no change or cancellation fees, allowing you to receive a flight credit if your plans shift. For entertainment, passengers get free live TV and a library of movies and music that can be streamed to personal devices via the onboard Wi-Fi. While high-speed internet for browsing usually costs extra, messaging via apps like iMessage or WhatsApp is often free for members of their Rapid Rewards program. They also provide free gate-to-gate strollers and car seat checking for families traveling with young children.

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Southwest currently serves 18 different complimentary beverages, as well as peanuts or pretzels on every flight, and provides popular Snack Packs on longhaul flights for free.

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Your first two checked bags fly free® at Southwest (weight and size limits apply). Skis1 and golf bags2 may also fly free, and surfboards fly free in Hawaii.

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Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. When can I check in and receive my boarding pass?

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Trick #2: Fly on certain dates
  • New Year's Day.
  • Valentine's Day.
  • St. Patrick's Day.
  • Mother's Day.
  • Father's Day.
  • Southwest's Birthday – June 18.
  • U.S. Independence Day.
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card's Anniversary — August 7.


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Customers who purchase an Anytime fare will automatically be checked in to their flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure—that's 12 hours before our traditional 24-hour check-in. You will receive an earlier boarding position, improved seat selection, and earlier access to overhead bins.

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Re: Saving Seats Unfortunately, there's no policy to enforce. Officially, Southwest has no policy for or against seat saving, and in practice actively allows it. Reps will even suggest that passengers save seats for later boarding companions.

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If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

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On flights traveling more than 176 miles, we are offering alcoholic beverages, as well as free sodas, coffee, and snacks. Learn more about our food & drink policies.

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Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.

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free! You may carry on one bag and one personal item1. The bag should be stowed in the overhead compartment, and your small personal item should be stowed under your seat. free!

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Free airline food in coach Southwest Airlines: Pretzels, BelVita Biscuits, Wheat Thins and, on long flights, Fritos and cinnamon cookies.

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Re: snacks Anything not a gel or liquid can be brought with you through security and anything you purchase after security can be brought onto the plane. Make sandwiches at home and grab a drink after security!

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The open-seating policy has been a Southwest hallmark since its first flight, and the benefits were immediately clear. Numerous studies showed that open seating enabled Southwest to get Customers on planes more quickly and efficiently than its competitors.

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Can you take food through airport security? Are you allowed to bring your own food/snacks on board a plane, or eat your own meal while waiting for your flight to depart? Yes, you are! Did you know that (in theory) you can even take a cheeseburger with you?

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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