Petty Southwest annoyance

[ECB]

We usually fly Southwest.  Overall, we've always had good luck w/ them.  I find them to be efficient, friendly, and we (and our luggage) always gets where we're going and on time.

But their snacks- they have like 5 options you can pick from.  Not a single one is gluten free.  Even their peanuts.  They have a coating on them that contain wheat.

Now, big picture, we always carry snacks for DS.  It's just our M.O. so that we're never caught off-guard.  But on the plane, it kind of sucks that they are showing us this basket full of snacks and we have to tell DS "sorry- you can't have any". 

So I emailed them and complimented them and then also added a comment about the lack of GF snacks.  The heart of their response:

"When choosing snacks to serve onboard, several factors must be taken into consideration, including cost, storage space, shelf life, nutrition, etc. We wish we could accommodate every individual Customer's preferences and dietary needs, but unfortunately, this task is impossible considering we carry more than nine million Customers each month."

O.k. - I get all that.  But gluten free snacks can fit that criteria (plain chips, for one.  But if they are afraid of breakage - what about PLAIN peanuts?!?!).  And of the 9 million people that fly every month, I have a strong suspicion that DS isn't the only one and that many other people would probably appreciate it if they'd offer ONE GF option. 

This isn't anything that is going to change our mind about flying w/ them, and like I said - we always have snacks for DS.  But based on their list of reasons why they don't- I'm just eye-rolley about it.

I also realize this is probably just a generic response.  I realize they aren't going to change things based on ONE customer.  Even if it weren't true, I'd have appreciated a "Thanks for the feedback.  We always aim to please and will take this into consideration the next time we revamp our snack options.".  Even if that revamp is 10 years from now.  Just let me believe you care a little. 

[Muddled]

Who did you write? Write an actual letter and address it to the CEO. I bet that will get the attention you are looking for. Also let the CEO know that you were not pleased with the customer service form letter response.

[Deleted]

"We have to coat our nuts in super special sauce because people can't handle plain nuts."

[Chirp]

Yeah, that response was rather douchey. That form letter would be better suited to someone who requests BBQ chips instead of regular, because they like the flavor better. Not someone who is pointing out the lack of options for an extremely common dietary restriction/allergy.

Honestly, I'm surprised airlines even carry peanuts on board anymore. Kids can't take peanuts into any part of a school building but it's a-ok on a tiny sardine can with no exit... seems weird.

The last time I was on a plane was 6 years ago, and it was either United or American. I don't remember exactly which one. Anyway, there was one snack option. Roasted soybeans. There were 10 tiny little beans in the pack (about the size of a pencil eraser), each passenger was allowed 1 pack (but unlimited soda) and it was a 5 hour flight. H was ecstatic when he discovered that I packed snacks. Dude, I'm hypoglycemic. I go nowhere without food.

[Deleted]

Jetblue is my favorite.

[smock]

The NUTS aren't gluten free? How weird. People sure slip gluten into a lot of strange places.

[captainmel]

I would be the worst gluten free person ever. I wouldn't even think that there would be gluten in the peanuts.

I also totally agree with Chirp that I find it really surprising that peanuts are still an option.

[ECB]

Sept 10, 2013 16:49:57 GMT -5 captainmel said:

I would be the worst gluten free person ever. I wouldn't even think that there would be gluten in the peanuts.

I also totally agree with Chirp that I find it really surprising that peanuts are still an option.

Especially for the fact that this is for my son- you just learn to read labels. And as they say "honey roasted", luckily we read.  And yeah, the coating has wheat in it.

It's such a simple change.  Plain instead of honey roasted. 

But the idea of writing the CEO is a good idea. 

[captainmel]

I feel like they should offer more choices ECB.

[partiallysunny]

But the allergy is so common! Like an allergy to peanuts!

How strange. It's not like you were like "I have an allergy to the paper money is made from. Stop using it as your currency".