Imagine an airline where you don’t get a free meal but you don’t get a buy on board menu either.

You’re probably thinking this must be some small regional airline doing 30 minute flights but it’s far from that. This airline is in fact the fourth-largest commercial airline in the world with 804 aircraft

This airline with no meals and no menus is America’s Southwest Airlines.

Snack Attack: The Southwest Way

Southwest isn’t about inflight "gourmet" sandwiches or an utterly disappointing buy on board menu. They stick to the basics with FREE treats like cookies or nuts and that’s quite literally as fancy as it gets. The snacks change every season, so you might get a different surprise each time!

Currently the offering is as follows…

Snack Options

Stellar Pretzel Braids - Maui Monk: Served only on flights over 175 miles

Remy's Grahams: Served only on AM flights over 175 miles

Sheila G's Brownie Brittle: Served only on flights over 1520 miles

The airline also offer their customers FREE soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water. If you’re looking for something alcoholic then finally you can reach in to your pocket and pay for those.

Free Drink Days

Yep you read it right, on certain celebrations (that you probably wouldn’t guess), Southwest customers get their first alcoholic drink for free. What are the days?

Valentine's Day ( February 14th)

St. Patrick's Day ( March 17th)

Southwest’s Birthday ( June 18th)

Halloween ( October 31st)

SUGGESTED READ: Delta and Southwest America’s Favourites

Hungry for More? BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)

Planning on a full meal mid-flight? Go ahead and bring your own food! Southwest encourages travellers to grab something at the airport if they’re hungry for more than snacks. This BYOF approach helps Southwest keep costs low—and who doesn’t love lower ticket prices? No meal service means faster boarding and quicker turnarounds, plus it keeps the airline’s famously affordable fares where we all like them: nice and low.

More Freebies: Entertainment on the House

While many budget airlines charge for extras, Southwest offers some free perks, including access to inflight entertainment with live TV and movies. You can catch up on shows, watch a movie, or follow live sports, all without spending a dime.

The Takeaway: Laid-Back, Snack-Forward, and Affordable

Southwest’s snack-only setup is part of its signature “fun, low fares, no-frills" charm. If you’re ready for the free checked bags, budget-friendly tickets, some free screen time and a straightforward snack you’ll feel right at home with Southwest.

NOTE: Although this article seems like a promotional article written for Southwest, all comments are that of the authors that we want to share with our valued traveling community.