Southwest Airlines Takes Peanuts off its Planes

For the safety of all passengers—despite how good they taste—Southwest Airlines will no longer give our free peanuts during flights. The seed produces one of the most dangerous reactions for those allergic to the treat, and the airline can no longer risk the dangers that it poses to travelers who are allergic to it. Not only is it dangerous, it is also one of the most widespread (one of the eight most common allergies).

"Peanuts forever will be part of Southwest's history and DNA," the company wrote.  “However, to ensure the best on-board experience for everyone, especially for customers with peanut-related allergies, we've made the difficult decision to discontinue serving peanuts on all flights beginning August 1st."

Southwest has a log history with the treat—they once based a low-fare campaign around the roasted snack by calling its low prices “peanut fares,” named their blog “Nuts About Southwest, “ and titled a book about the business’s success Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success!

The airline served approximately 106 million peanuts last year, and hopes to replace the snack bags with pretzels.

“[The] ultimate goal is to create an environment where all customers—including those with peanut-related allergies—feel safe and welcome on every Southwest flight."

"We hope that our free pretzels (and the wonderful portfolio of free snacks on longer flights), served along with our legendary Southwest Hospitality, will please customers who might be nostalgic or sad to see peanuts go," the carrier wrote.

American Airlines and United both don’t serve peanuts.