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Raising the Bar--SI One

cday
Frequent Flyer C

 

Hello from LaGuardia Airport in New York City!  I just witnessed one of the coolest plane events ever!  We finally, after much speculation and anticipation, revealed the beautiful SI One.  This plane, N922WN, is wrapped with a temporary decal featuring the cover model, from the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This definitely seals the deals on Southwest Airlines’ FUN and edgy factor! 


 
The cover model stepped off the plane and posed for pictures with our Pilots and Flight Attendants!  It is an absolutely beautiful plane, and hopefully you'll get to travel on this sometime soon!   Since my "Twiddles" left people guessing all day on Twitter , maybe now I need all our Bloggers and Twitter followers to send me their pics on SI One as it flies throughout the Southwest system!  Thanks to everyone that kept up with the Twiddles, I think the best detective was definitely Mike Sloane www.twitter.com/mikesloan
 
I'm working on getting the official pics from our friends at Sports Illustrated and here are some pics that we took today.  In the meanwhile, post pictures in the comment section if you can!  See yall back in Dallas!

Be sure and follow Christi's Tweets from the airplane's next stop, Las Vegas.

551 Comments
Anonymous30
Explorer C
LUV IT OR LEAVE IT?? LEAVE IT!!!! WHAT A TYPICAL LOW CLASS ACTION FOR SOUTHWEST TO TAKE. YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET...
Anonymous4107
Explorer C
Wow... So when Virgin Amerca was called skanky over a Victoria's Secret party on the plane, what are pepole going to say when they blog about THIS?
Cody_in_AMA
Explorer C
Ok…this is totally out of hand. I’ve seen customers comments and employees comments like…Low Class, Trashy, Porno Add, Terrified Children, “We are better than this” For our employees out there if your going to make negative comments don’t you think we should keep those to ourselves? Do you not understand we are in for a long fight to stay profitable? We need every customer, every dollar we can get. I am honestly sitting here shaking my head did some of you forget about our profit sharing checks we get?? This plane will have this decal on it for 60 days then its gone!!! This was designed to get the most bang for our buck..and I think its working. And as for the comment about someone being terrified that their children will see it…ahh have they ever been to the beach, walked through a book store and seen the magazines on display, walked through the mall and passed by Victoria Secret? Really!!!! Come on think about it. Is it really that bad?
WN_Fan
Explorer C
Please complain more....contact your local media outlets.....be OUTRAGED!! LOL....WN wins in the end..... I have kids. I fly them on WN. And I will continue to do so. It's even funnier when folks say, "Can anyone on the plane wear that?" Well, of course not....it's a PICTURE. If you don't understand the difference between a picture on the outside of the plane (which in most cases, you will never see anyway), and a person in the same outfit sitting next to you on the plane, then you need to get some help. What exactly do you do for fun in your spare time? Call the FCC to get Two and a half Men kicked off the air or something?
slaird
Explorer C
Perhaps Southwest should also remove the images of Shamu from their aircraft. The killer whales are, after all, completely naked.
Luv_it
Explorer C
Luv it! Luv it! Luv it! I can't believe all of the haters...they must work for other airlines and really envy Southwest. I think it is beautiful! I would take my mother, daughters, sisters, nieces and all of their friends on this plane. I fly Southwest weekly and only hope that I get to see it in person. There is so much more to be worried about than a bikini! I think the picture was done in very good taste and would be proud if it was my daughter was on it...shoot I wish it was me. Southwest you are a genius when it comes to marketing...props to you! I know they wouldn't let her travel on the inside of the plane in beach attire...but Shamu, an eagle (Illinois plane) and a giant basketball (slam dunk plane) can't either. So, no disparity of treatment here. Hey Southwest, how about having the most sexiest man on the next wrap...Matthew McConaughey gets my vote! He is without his shirt in movies, entertainment shows and the news, why not a 737? In a tuff industry you do raise the bar! Keep it up, I will always fly Southwest Airlines! Yea LGA!!!
av8pix_com
Explorer C
with all the really important things happening, I can not believe that so many peeps would waste the time and energy to condemn SWA for something that is on the cover of a major magazine on racks in plain view at stores everywhere. I'm sure all the haters boycot ALL the supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores that sell the SI swimsuit edition! I am also sure that they keep their children out of those stores as well! Acting appalled, and stating the "children" being exposed to this is harmful seems pretty odd to me considering I never see that many children traveling and the numbers of kids "exposed" to this is substantially less than those who will pass the actual SI mag in stores. For the stew who says she does not want to work on this A/C, I am quite certain that nobody sitting in that a/c is going to equate YOU to SI, Bar Refaeli, or cover models in general. If you are worried about what peeps think about you, just do your job with a smile on your face just like most of the SWA crew. It is different, but not to be feared! If SI paid good money for this advertisement, then maybe they will continue to keep fares low and that is good business sense. Not only would I fly in this A/C, I am hoping that a benevolent scheduler or dispatcher routes her through HOU so that I can add it to my collection of SWA special painted A/C photos! KUDOS, SWA!
Anonymous3861
Explorer C
This from the airline that denied boarding to a woman in "skimpy" clothing? Are you kidding me? You can do much better than this Southwest.
deedledee
Explorer C
I would just like to add my voice to those that are very sad that my airline has chosen this worldly, cheap, sexist direction to attract customers. As a flight attendant for over 20 years for Southwest, I am mortified! I feel that if I am on this particular aircraft working that I am placed in a really uncomfortable position. There is the assumption that I am a part of the "fun" that is being displayed on the outside of the aircraft. This goes against everything I believe in, yet I have no choice as to whether or not I work on this plane or not. Lord forbid children are in the gate area waiting for thier flight and this plane pulls in. Don't misunderstand, I think this young girl is beautiful! I just do not, nor will not ever agree with what Southwest has done. I too will PRAY that they understand that the general public cannot be this easily duped. Our country is still holding to what little values we can. Please REMOVE THE LADY FROM THE PLANE! mortified flight attendant!
Steph5
Explorer C
I find this marketing ploy to be highly offensive to women and extremely trashy. It objectifies women as mere sex objects for men to lust after, and the women who contribute to this problem are no better. Objecting to this is not being prudish or "politically correct" or "out of touch." This society...where it is OK to flash our bodies around for all to see, watch people have sex on television or in a movie, be exposed to all sorts of trashy magazines at the grocery store, not to mention the accessibiity to pornography...has done much to destroy marriages and families. And putting some trashy model's picture on an airplane is sleazy and more than just distasteful. As parents of a teenage girl and a young boy, my husband and I try our best to raise them to know that people...all people...are to be treated with respect and dignity, and that they should treat themselves with respect and dignity. My daughter doesn't need to see what the "world" deems is beautiful...being beautiful means respecting your body and preserving what she has to offer for her future husband. And my son is being taught that women...all women... are NOT objects to lust after, but human beings who are to be respected and not demeaned. I feel sorry for women who feel like they have to plaster their naked and near naked bodies all over magazines,,,and in this case an airplane,,,in order to feel "successful" and beautiful. And I feel sorry for men who think that it is OK to treat women in this way. Mostly I feel sorry for the families and marriages that are destroyed as a result. May God have mercy on us.
Lydia_Theys
Explorer C
This is my second try at posting this. I find this greatly offensive to women and I will not fly Southwest until they remove it an apologize. I have formed a Facebook group for the boycott and am thinking about ways of bringing attention--negative attention--to this. I (used to) love Southwest. When a friend sent me the link to the story, and I started to read it, I thought, well, how awful. At least it won't turn out to be Southwest. But it was. You've made many men and women angry. Men and women with money to spend on flying. I'm going to do my best to see that they spend it elsewhere until you apologize.
Leah3
Adventurer B
As much as I LUV Southwest, I am disappointed with & offended by this picture. I will continue to fly SWA, but am ready to see this picture removed from the plane.
Leah3
Adventurer B
I forgot to add this, but I would much rather see a pink ribbon (in support & encouragement of those who have breast cancer; I don't have breast cancer) on a SW plane. That's definitely more appropriate & for a good cause. Perhaps even a purple ribbon could be painted on for people like me who have an eating disorder, too. I'm serious.
kikid
Explorer C
I'd heard about the plane but just had the chance to see it for the first time. I think it looks great. All the fuss above seems a little over the top.
Cindy111
Explorer C
I actually rode this plane yesterday from Orlando to Denver. I have 3 kids and we never even knew that there was a swimsuit model on the side of the plane until we landed. And getting a glimpse of her was difficult as the walkway from the aircraft blocked our view. What was funny is that I saw a whole bunch of oggling airline employees sitting in their golf cart type vehicles looking at the plane when I finally had to ask someone what they were taking pictures of. I don't know if it is tasteful or not but I'll bet Southwest get's a lot of publicity for this and by way of publicity... lot's of money.. to be honest I would have flown Southwest simply for the sense of humor the flight attendants had. I love the jingles that they would sing after we landed. It doesn't bother me that they have a woman in a bathing suit on the plane, I just hope that they put Fabio on the next one...
Steve_T_1
Explorer C
I have worked for Southwest for over 26 years. In this time I have enjoyed our corporate advertising. It has always been intelligent, humerous, and tasteful. The SI plane puzzles me, as the subject of this advertising is none of the above. This leads me to question the direction of our firm. I asked the important women in my life what their take on the plane was. All responded that they were disappointed. You can put me in that camp, as well.
Nancy
Explorer C
SWA is an antiquated company and this illustrates it clearly. We live in an age of tolerance, respect, and understanding and this image does nothing for women and their struggles. It amazes me that in 2009 an executive team would think this is a "good idea." Shame on Gary and his team, this is bad marketing and represents poor thinking. Next month I am booked on SWA to fly to Orlando for my childrens spring break. What should be my response to my daughter who is 8 when she asks me what the image means?
Anonymous4130
Explorer C
Apparently people have really dull lives and have nothing better to do than post things on here. Did you get this upset at important events in the United States recently or was this the pinnacle of your activism. Give it a rest.
Mary211
Explorer C
This was used to unveil their NYC service? R they kidding me? This is trash they should have kept in Texas, I can just see what the diverse communities of NYC will think of this. New Yorkers are sophisticated people several blocks from Nascar peanut gummin toothless wonders....SWA should think twice about this one. The caption above her should read "Hilly Billy's from Big D gone wild." What a joke....
blusk
Aviator C
Gee Mary, there was no call for that attitude, and I hope you aren't a New Yorker because Sports Ilustrated makes its home there. And, we don't have hills around Dallas. Brian
bb-flies
Explorer C

EB

Well said Mary. I agree completely.
Anonymous4341
Explorer C
Mary - Let's get one thing straight, NASCAR's home is NC, not Texas. Just like NYC, most of the people in Dallas are not from Dallas. Your comments would be ok if you just knew what you were talking about.
LUV_Jewelry
Explorer C
Personally I'm digging the jewelry she's got on. Some gorgeous silk planets by Bhati Beads. Bar is beautiful, the jewelry is even better.
Former_New_York
Explorer C
Being a "former New Yorker" Iand and now living outside Sacramento, CA, I can confirm that many NY'ers have no sense of geography or social demography outside a radious of 100 miles from Manhatten. However, it does take all kinds, and I think there is an element in New York that would enjoy this mural on a 737. Call it what you will. Whatever pulls your skirt up...
Former_New_York
Explorer C
One more thing. I do personally find it rather hypocritical being that SWA just over a year ago, tried to remove a passenger from one of their flights for being scantilly dressed. Yes, there is a difference between being dressed sophisticated sexy and sleazy sexy, but it's still hypocritical.
SWA_Employee6
Explorer C
Hate it. Lowers the bar for such a great company. We have a brand and we are not hurting for an identity. Keep in mind most of passengers are not looking for the cheap thrill of seeing a partially nude chick at a new location. Apparently, we were so ashamed at how idiotic the Nick Pudder ads were, that we had take a swing at saying "WE'RE COOL, AGAIN". The only problem, this lacks creativity and balance. Strike two...one more strike and your out! As for you screaming liberals that seem to think that the lowest common denominator is a great moral compass, let this "puritan" be the first to congratulate you on being consistetnly repulsive.
Nikki8
Explorer C
I am saddened that another "freedom of choice" has been taken away from me and my family since we can hardly chose which airplane we will get when flying Southwest. We chose not to view women as sex objects but to be respected as equal members of this society. You have lowered the bar by presenting an unrealistic "model" for females to strive to obtain through unhealthy means. As a counselor to addicts of all types, I am sorry that you have added another "trigger" to lives already inundated by too much focus on the physical aspects of a person. Referring to your own statement, "The Culture of Southwest Airlines Co. (“Southwest”) is often the yardstick for many American corporations" , I say, I hope not!
Shelly1
Explorer C
I am totally confused by all the 'horror' of seeing a bikini clad woman. A trip to the local mall, beach or football game will reveal as much skin, but without the gasps of righteousness emitted here. I am a Christian and certainly believe and follow the good Book. And while I wouldn't show off this much skin, I am not offended by it nor any of the other ladies who wear bikini's to the beach or swimming pool. My 10 year old nephew isn't offended either nor do I shield his eyes from it here or at the beach. It's appropriate attire and she's fully covered. The clothing isn't acceptable inside the plane, of course. No one typically flies in a bikini. But the attire is certainly acceptable for the beach, where Bar is clearly laying. And the plane appears to be advertising the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated. So again the picture is clearly appropriate for that forum.
Anonymous1651
Explorer C
Flying porn? Bad taste? Come on, it's a girl in a swimsuit for goodness sakes. Geez...you can see stuff 100 times "worse" on flippin network TV any day, any time.
Lori9
Explorer C
Shame on you SWA!!! Lowering yourself to desperate, tacky advertising gimmicks. It is time for our society stop denigrating women. I for one am sick and tired of having porn shoved down my throat everywhere I look. I am the mother of a young son and I will raise him to respect and value women. Not to view them as someone to objectify. You better believe that this Texan will be flying anyone BUT SWA from here on out!
Paul13
Explorer C
To ALL complainers..please go and pray for all of the poor innocent people and employees (bye the way, I have NEVER seen a breakroom clear out as fast as it did when this plane showed up the other day) who have to seen this plane then go home and lock your kids up from the outside world so they grow up to be just as closed minded as you. I hope you are saving money for all the therapy those poor kids will need later in life when they realize how much they hate you for not explaining little things like this to them. PLEASE let the rest of us live our lives how WE see fit, not how YOU think we should live it!
Definitely_Not_
Explorer C
New Yorkers are sophisticated people several blocks from Nascar peanut gummin toothless wonders....SWA should think twice about this one. The caption above her should read "Hilly Billy's from Big D gone wild." Mary, if you really think this way, then it must be YOU who is kidding me. Have you ever spent any time in Dallas? From your comments, the answer to that question is an obvious "NO." Perhaps if you knew what you were talking about, people would take you seriously. Thank you for a good laugh.
Anonymous4184
Explorer C
Southwest has never been a family friendly airline. Case in point, their onboarding process. It is a horror to get through if you have young children. So this is just another message from Southwest to "keep your children at home". I personally would not take my children on a plane with a bikini model printed on the side. This works for the male-business traveler. Too bad Southwest has not been as successful as other airlines in atracting this demographic. Maybe this will help.
Andy4
Explorer C
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is the largest single selling magazine issue in the WORLD ! Not only does this issue reach 42 million men, it also delivers 24 million female readers ... which is more combined reach than Allure, Elle, Glamour, Lucky, Marie Claire, SELF and Shape !!
dallaswouldbefl
Explorer C
major hypocrisy here
Chris_
Explorer C
i agree with the other posters who believe that this was in poor taste. At some point we'll make the full connection that these types of images are damaging...attention getting, obviously, but overall they are demeaning and diminishing to women in our society. One female professional who saw the plane in LaGuardia this week told me she too was not at all crazy about the concept, but joked "I forgot to look to see where they placed the emergency exits."
laker_fan
Explorer C
Most of the people who are complaining about this are probably fat ugly women. Stop being jealous and get a life. It's just a beautiful woman wearing a swim suit. If you have a problem with it, move to Iran where you can cover your ugly self from head to toe.
MAY
Explorer C
Someone please help me understand when airports became synonymous with beaches? I've always thought swimwear is best worn at beaches, pools, and other similar places. Can't recall the last time I saw a woman at the airport in a bikini? Hmmmm?? By the way, where is Braniff Airlines these days? Weren't they "edgy" with miniskirted attendants back in the 70's? Guess it wasn't such a good marketing idea....even during the real "love" decade. Sorry, SWA, but you dropped the bar on this one.
Anonymous4149
Explorer C
I guess the only person we could have put on the plane that would have offended more new yorkers would have been Bernie Madoff? I work for southwest airlines and I am neither for or against this decal. I do believe southwest got what it wanted BUZZ.....sure we are going to lose some customers over this.....but many will return when they realize that even with this "mistake" that we are still a great company... 35+ years of great community service , charitable donations and safe transportation doesn't get you far if you make one mistake.????...... I am a parent and rather than shield my kid from this I would show him why its wrong. I see all the kids that were sheltered growing up when they are flying , they can barely get to the gate without mommy holding their hand. I understand both sides of the argument but I just find it funny that this is really that big of a deal, let's focus on the big issues of staying employed and paying our mortgages....
Female_SWA_Stoc
Explorer C
This is not art, it's just plain old bad taste. I feel very sorry for the female employees of Southwest Air. This is just sign that it's time for me to sell my shares and get out of the airline business.
Anonymous3666
Explorer C
Dear Female SWA Stockholder, I am a female SWA Employee, and I don't need or want you to feel sorry for me. I work for a great Company that encourages me to be myself and have FUN while doing my job. My Company has never cut my pay or benefits nor has my Company ever asked me to compromise my beliefs. My Company provides great job security and treats me better than any other employer that I have had in all my years of employment, which includes 11 years at another major airline. I'm sorry you don't like the decal on SI One and that you want to sell your shares, but I seriously don't need or want your sorrow.
WenBlu
Explorer C
I would like to know how many of you really look at the plane you fly on. Do you really know what is on the outside of the plane? Do you know if you are flying on a plane that has been dedicated to our Hero's of the Heart, the plane that is for the 'adopt-a-pilot' program or a/c 607 which happens to be dedicated to June Morris? I am willing to bet that 90% of the flying public only sees the few feet of plane that is inside the jetway around the door of the aircraft. You know that the plane is tan (old) or blue (newer). Do you really see what is on the rest of the plane? Like a few of you have pointed out- it is a decal and will be coming off the plane soon. Then we can all find something else to complain about. I am very proud to say that I am a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant and have luved working at this company for the past 14 1/2 years. Go Southwest Airlines!
Anonymous3242
Explorer C
I am a Southwest Pilot. I will not fly this plane. I am offended.
Reality
Explorer C
I wouldn't call this aircraft a mistake. I'm sure there are people out there that are offended by the Arizona state flag as well. I wonder how many customers they lost over that plane (Arizona One) .... Hmmm. Southwest Airlines has done things their own way for many years and for that, I have a lot of respect for them. Even with the our dire economic times Southwest is doing better than a lot, if not all of the other airlines. For all of the haters, why don't all of you go hug a tree or something!!! lol
Jon_Rathier
Explorer C
i love that plane, nice plane design.
Anonymous2036
Explorer C
I am a Southwest Customer. I and my unhungup wife will fly on this plane when we can. We are pleased. Is there a route schedule? You go Southwest - keep being the Airline Industry LEADERS that you are!
Anonymous2742
Explorer C
thanks 'unhungup customer'...we appreciate ya! yeah, hum, let's see...opportunity to see family and friends at a reasonable fare, during an economic downturn, for a price less than the cost of gas, with a 1 in 500 chance of being on the plane with the chick in the bikini on the outside vs. $1200 one-way in a battleship grey model that looks like it just emerged from a battle...priceless.
swa_employee1
Explorer C
I am a SWA Employee and am disgusted and embrassed by this!!!!!!! To our SWA Customers...."I am sorry!"
sunny
Explorer C
Female SWA Stockholder- As a female employee of WN, I don't want or need you to feel sorry for me either. The SI plane flew into the city I work in last Wed, and we all went out to see it. It is a beautiful plane. My husband (and all of his co-workers) agree!! 😃 I am not offended, and have not talked to a single person who is. There is so much more to worry about going on in America, lets all lighten up and have a little fun! Southwest is a fantastic company, and I'm happy to be a 10+ yr employee!
carroll3
Adventurer C
Let us keep the SI ad in the spirit of things. We are big advertisers for all sports, pro and college so it keeps with our base advertising. It is temporary and the intent was to announce long awaited service to LGA. Can we not all be excited about new service. Let us not forget about the over 100 million Customers who fly us because of our low fares and great Customer service. Our leaders have worked especially hard to not use paycuts, layoffs and benefit cuts to keep us profitable, this ad did just what we wanted it to for a short period of time we have a beautiful, fit swimsuit model plastered on the side. If you boycott because of that so be it, we are sorry if you are offended but did you know about the thousands of great things SW does locally and nationally? Iam ready for the public to know first hand just how great we are, leaders who do not take crazy ass bonuses and salaries that are way out of whack with the group they lead. I am so proud to be here and hope you come back. We are who we carry and Sports Illistrated and their readers are a big bunch of SW fans.