I remember it clearly- my earliest travel adventures with my brother flying back and forth to visit our dad in San Antonio. Every detail is seared into my mind. I grew up in New Orleans so the fastest and easiest way to spend holidays and breaks with our dad was to hop on a Southwest Airlines plane. To this day, the company still holds a special place in my heart.

Facebook/Southwest Airlines
Facebook/Southwest Airlines
loading...

Maybe it was the smell of a Southwest Airlines plane right as you walk onboard (coffee, exhaust, and leather combined) that brings back fond memories. We would be escorted from our mom (who in pre-9/11 times could walk us to the gate) to our seats on the plane. Then, we would be escorted off the plane to our dad (who was also at the gate in San Antonio). Another part of the experience was the Southwest peanuts. They have since become an iconic part of the experience.

Well today, the tradition of peanuts on Southwest airlines planes comes to an end. It has followed the lead of other airlines and other companies in an effort to protect anyone who may be allergic to peanuts. In an article posted by CBS MarketWatch, the company said "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 marked the day with a photo slideshow in honor of the trademark snack onboard its fleet of Boeing 737s.

They may just seem like a common snack to you, but growing up I was very aware of my dad's career as a broker in the grocery business. McCormick spices, Diamond sugar, and Gatorade were some of the biggest brands he represented in major grocery stores like Texas-based HEB. It should be no surprise to you, I knew the peanuts were Fisher peanuts and my dad's company represented that company too.

To this day, I have a love for travel and the whole flying experience. I have loved planes and aviation for as long as I remember. I try to block out the negatives of present-day air travel: security lines, crowded gates, narrow seats and angry fellow passengers. I try to put myself back in my 7-year-old shoes and remember our adventures on Southwest Airlines and a key part of the experience: the peanuts.

 

More From Hot 107.9