Sprite departs Southwest flights

ajc.com

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Sprite lovers might notice a change in the in-flight beverage choices on Atlanta's second-largest airline.

This year, Southwest Airlines switched out Sprite and Sprite Zero, both made by Atlanta-based Coca-Cola, and replaced them with 7 Up and Canada Dry lemon lime sparkling water.

"With consumer trends reflecting the rising popularity of sparkling water -- particularly flavored -- we were excited to make this change," according to a Southwest spokeswoman. "Because of space constraints in aircraft galleys, we typically need to remove a product when we add something new to ensure we have an ample supply available onboard. So far, everyone seems pleased with the update."

Dallas-based Southwest has served Coke products for more than 45 years, and will still have Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar and other Coca-Cola products on its flights, including Minute Made juice and Seagram's.

But 7 Up and Canada Dry are made by Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group. You can also now get Dr Pepper on Southwest flights. Dr Pepper Snapple last week announced a deal to merge with Vermont-based Keurig Green Mountain.

Southwest is the second-largest carrier at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, behind Delta Air Lines.

Atanta-based Delta has long served an array of Coca-Cola beverages, including Fresca, along with Coke, Diet Coke,Coke Zero, Sprite, Seagram's and Minute Maid juice.

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More job cuts coming to Atlanta as part of Coca-Cola restructuring Southwest has pulled Sprite and Sprite Zero from its drink lineup, replacing them with 7 Up and lemon lime sparkling water.