Southwest discontinues peanut snacks over allergy concerns

Southwest Airlines will discontinue its peanut snacks effective Aug. 1 to accommodate travelers with allergies.

The company confirmed the announcement in an email Tuesday to The Hill.

“Peanuts forever will be part of Southwest’s history and DNA. 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 1,” Southwest said in the statement.

{mosads}“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 company added.

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

The airline currently serves other free snacks, including various chips and cookies.

Southwest said the airline would still permit individuals with a peanut allergy to board aircrafts in advance so they may clean seats and trays. Travelers with the allergy should continue to disclose it when purchasing flights, Southwest said.

Southwest came under scrutiny earlier this year after a female passenger died when a piece of an aircraft engine broke off and shattered a window, resulting in the woman being partly pulled out of the plane.