Peet’s Coffee Takes Flight with Southwest Airlines as Official Inflight Coffee Partner
August 1 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Starting August 13, travelers aboard Southwest Airlines® will enjoy a premium coffee experience at 35,000 feet, thanks to a landmark partnership with Peet’s Coffee®. The iconic coffee brand, renowned for its artisanal roots and bold flavors, will become the exclusive inflight coffee provider for Southwest—marking its first collaboration with a major U.S. airline.
Founded in 1966 by Alfred Peet, the visionary often credited with sparking America’s craft coffee revolution, Peet’s Coffee has grown from its Berkeley, California, origins into a global presence with over 465 locations across the U.S., China, and the Middle East. Now, its legacy of quality will extend to the skies, offering Southwest passengers the same rich, distinctive blends served in its cafes.
Eric Lauterbach, President & CEO of Peet's Coffee
“This is a defining moment for Peet’s,” said Eric Lauterbach, President & CEO of Peet’s Coffee. “Partnering with Southwest isn’t just about expanding our reach—it’s about creating meaningful coffee moments for travelers. Whether on the ground or in the air, we want every cup to reflect the care and craftsmanship that define Peet’s.”
Southwest Airlines, which served more than 140 million customers in 2024 across its network of 117 airports in 11 countries, sees the collaboration as a key step in elevating the inflight experience. “A great cup of coffee can make a flight more enjoyable,” said Tony Roach, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand. “This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing every aspect of our customers’ journey.”
Passengers will first savor Off the Grid™, Peet’s popular medium roast blend featuring beans from Colombia and El Salvador. Its balanced yet complex profile—already a favorite in Peet’s cafes—promises to delight a wide range of coffee lovers mid-flight.
The partnership also bridges the gap between airport and airplane: Peet’s is already available in 25 airports served by Southwest, including major hubs like Denver (DEN), Houston (HOU), and Phoenix (PHX). Now, travelers can enjoy a seamless coffee experience from the terminal to their seats.
To celebrate the launch, Peet’s and Southwest will host an immersive co-branded event on August 15–16 at Peet’s East 8th Street location in Chicago. Coinciding with the city’s famed Air and Water Show, the activation will feature interactive experiences, product sampling, and storytelling—bringing the spirit of the partnership to life for travelers and locals alike.
With this collaboration, Peet’s and Southwest are ensuring that even at cruising altitude, a great cup of coffee is never out of reach.