Are passengers allowed to bring food on Southwest flights?

Air Travel

By Caroline Lascom

Southwest Airlines: Food Policy

When traveling by air, many passengers may wonder about the food policies of the airline they are flying with. For Southwest Airlines, food policies are essential to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during the flight. With regards to food policies, Southwest Airlines has clear guidelines to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.

Can Passengers Bring Food on Board?

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring their food on board. However, the airline has specific guidelines regarding the types of food that passengers can bring. Passengers can bring snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and non-alcoholic beverages on board for their consumption during the flight. Passengers are not allowed to bring any type of alcohol on board, and any alcoholic beverage found will be confiscated. It is important to note that any food brought on board should not have a strong odor, as this can be disruptive to other passengers. Additionally, food items should be packed in a way that does not create a mess or spill during the flight.

Southwest Airlines: Carry-On Food Restrictions

While Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring food on board, there are certain restrictions to keep in mind. The airline does not allow any type of hot food or food that requires heating on board, as the airline does not provide any heating facilities for passenger food. Additionally, any food that requires refrigeration is not allowed on board. Passengers are also not allowed to bring any food items that are considered hazardous or prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), such as liquid or gel-like food items that exceed the TSA’s limits.

Southwest’s Snack and Drink Service

Southwest Airlines provides its passengers with complimentary snacks and drinks during their flights. Passengers can choose from a variety of snacks, including pretzels, popcorn, and cookies, while beverages include soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water. Additionally, the airline offers alcoholic beverages for purchase on select flights. Passengers can purchase beer, wine, and spirits at reasonable prices during their flight.

Southwest’s Special Meal Requests

Southwest Airlines offers special meal requests for passengers with specific dietary needs. The airline provides special meal options for passengers with diabetes, gluten-free diets, kosher diets, and vegetarian diets. The special meal requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance of the flight departure time. The airline also provides meal options for passengers with other dietary restrictions, such as low-fat, low-sodium, and lactose-free diets.

Southwest’s Diabetic Meal Options

For passengers with diabetes, Southwest Airlines offers diabetic meal options. The meals are prepared to meet the dietary requirements of passengers with diabetes, and they are low in sugar and carbohydrates. Passengers can request diabetic meals by contacting the airline’s customer service at least 24 hours before the flight departure.

Southwest’s Gluten-Free Meals

Southwest Airlines also provides gluten-free meals for passengers with gluten intolerances or celiac disease. The airline’s gluten-free meal options are prepared with gluten-free ingredients and are suitable for passengers with gluten-free diets. Passengers can request gluten-free meals by contacting the airline’s customer service at least 24 hours before the flight departure.

Southwest’s Kosher Meal Options

Southwest Airlines provides kosher meal options for passengers who follow a kosher diet. The airline’s kosher meals are prepared according to Jewish dietary laws and are certified by a rabbi. Passengers can request kosher meals by contacting the airline’s customer service at least 24 hours before the flight departure.

Southwest’s Vegetarian Meal Options

For passengers who follow a vegetarian diet, Southwest Airlines offers vegetarian meal options. The airline’s vegetarian meals are prepared with vegetarian ingredients and do not include meat, poultry, or fish. Passengers can request vegetarian meals by contacting the airline’s customer service at least 24 hours before the flight departure.

Southwest’s Nut and Peanut Allergy Policy

Southwest Airlines has a policy regarding passengers with nut and peanut allergies. The airline cannot guarantee a nut-free or peanut-free environment on board its flights. However, the airline will make every effort to accommodate passengers with nut and peanut allergies. Passengers with nut or peanut allergies are encouraged to inform the airline of their condition when making their bookings. Additionally, the airline will not serve peanuts on board if a passenger with a peanut allergy is on the flight.

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Caroline Lascom

Caroline is a seasoned travel writer and editor, passionate about exploring the world. She currently edits captivating travel content at TravelAsker, having previously contributed her exceptional skills to well-known travel guidebooks like Frommer’s, Rough Guides, Footprint, and Fodor’s. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies from Manchester University (UK) and a master's degree in literature from Northwestern University. Having traveled to 67 countries, her journeys have fueled her love for storytelling and sharing the world's wonders.

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