This Airline Gives Out Free Alcoholic Beverages on 4 Special Days Each Year — How to Snag One

Freebies on airlines are hard to come by these days, unless you're flying on Southwest. The airline is well-known for its free checked bags — yes, everyone onboard gets two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each, including golf bags and skis. But did you know Southwest offers free drinks, too?

Okay, the drinks aren't free all the time, but all passengers of legal drinking age can order one complimentary alcoholic beverage on the following four holidays: Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Southwest's Birthday (June 18), and Halloween. 

Right now, the drink menu includes a variety of spirits, wines, and beers, as well as canned cocktails like the On the Rocks Hornitos Margarita. And if you're on a flight to Hawaii, you can even choose Hawaiian specials, like Kona Brewing Big Wave Golden Ale and Kula Toasted Coconut Rum.

Related: Everything to Know About Southwest's Rapid Rewards Program — Including How to Earn the Elusive Companion Pass

"Southwest offers Free Drink Days on each big holiday that represents something special and unique about the Southwest culture and history. It’s our way of showcasing our hospitality and appreciation to our customers," a Southwest representative told Travel + Leisure via email.

So why these four holidays, specifically? Valentine's Day holds particular significance to the airline, as its logo is a heart and it's based out of Dallas Love Field (DAL). As for St. Patrick's Day, it's all because Southwest’s founder was proud of his Irish ancestry. Southwest's birthday is pretty self-explanatory, while Halloween is associated with a longstanding Southwest tradition — both corporate staffers and flight crew dress up for the holiday and have since the 1970s.

Best of all, Southwest doesn't only celebrate these holidays with free drinks. The airline frequently runs sales for them, too, like this year's $49 flight sale for Valentine's Day.

If you're not lucky enough to be flying Southwest on one of the four Free Drink Days, don't worry — there are other opportunities for you to snag free drinks. Booking a Business Select fare comes with one free drink coupon (not to mention priority boarding). And previously, Southwest used to reward frequent fliers with free drink coupons after 10 one-way flights (or five round-trip flights), though that program is currently on hold.

Related: Everything to Know About Southwest Airlines Fare Types

Do we wish there were even more Free Drink Days on Southwest? Well, sure. But considering no other airline celebrates holidays in the same way — at least not as a matter of corporate policy, anyway — we tip our hats to Southwest for the gesture.