Trying to be inclusive and accommodate various dietary needs carries certain risks. When the airline removed peanuts from its planes in 2019, it issued a statement that was practically apologetic.
“Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where all customers, including those with peanut allergies, feel safe and welcome on every Southwest flight. We will miss the peanuts, but at the end of the day, it's our Southwest employees and the hospitality they provide that sets us apart, far more than peanuts ever could,” the airline shared in a statement.
Related: Southwest Airlines shares great boarding process and news about open seats
The elimination of peanuts, a product to which people have serious and sometimes fatal allergies, produced predictable consequences among passengers.
“I am disappointed in Southwest's decision to stop serving peanuts. First of all, when less than 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts, they are giving the right to the minority. Why serve pretzels? I'm sure there are people on board who have peanut allergies. gluten,” Les Hosey wrote on a Southwest message board page.
Of course, gluten allergies generally don't cause anaphylaxis or other deadly side effects. Peanut dust in the air can kill people with that particular allergy, while someone with a gluten allergy faces no immediate consequences if they are exposed to pretzel dust or even if they accidentally eat one.
Pretzels seemed like a reasonable substitute for peanuts, but now Southwest has decided to be even more inclusive with its snacks. That will anger those who considered that stopping eating peanuts to protect vulnerable people was an awareness measure.
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Southwest launches pretzels for a vegan and gluten-free version
Southwest Airlines has decided to ditch its traditional pretzels for a new version that is “vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free, made in a dedicated peanut-free, kosher, and verified non-GMO facility, with no artificial flavors or colors.” , monosodium glutamate or corn syrup,” the airline shared on its website.
The airline has partnered with Stellar Snacks to offer Maui Monk Pretzel Twists as its new complimentary snack that will be served on flights over 175 miles. Maui Monk Pretzel Twists offer “the exciting taste of Stellar's buttery pretzel combined with the sweet and salty taste of Maui onion seasoning and a hint of sweetness from monk fruit,” according to the airline.
The airline risks being seen as complacent and “woke” given the way its new snack has been marketed.
“Our best-selling Maui Monk pretzels are high-quality, vegan, non-GMO snacks made in the USA,” said Stellar Snacks Founder Elisabeth Galvin. “In addition to our gourmet flavors, we take the snack experience to the next level through our artist program, which transforms our snack packaging into a canvas for emerging artists. Each bag of Maui Monk pretzels features a selection of the vibrant artwork by Caro Clarke, making each snack an engaging artistic experience for every traveler while enjoying their pretzels.”
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Anti-woke protests have a mixed record
Although right-wing activists will point to the Bud Light boycott as an example of how powerful boycotts can be, in reality, the Bud Light boycott was successful because light beers are effectively interchangeable.
Target has faced boycotts for its Pride products and before that for its inclusive bathroom policy. The retailer acknowledged the boycotts and pulled some of its Pride collection from stores, but it's hard to attribute a significant drop in sales to the boycotts.
Southwest may face a social media backlash for adopting gluten-free, vegan and kosher pretzels, but this is unlikely to affect its sales. This is because people generally book flights based on price and convenience.
Even after the Christmas crash two years ago, Southwest did not see a significant drop in ticket sales. This is largely because people tend to choose price and convenience over any kind of activism.
This isn’t just a right-wing issue. Many left-leaning people eat at Chick-fil-A and shop at Hobby Lobby despite their record on LGBTQ+ rights. Southwest has made a bold decision by switching out the pretzels, but it’s a decision that will likely cause a stir on social media but not have any real commercial impact.
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