Raising the Bar--SI One

[cday]

 

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.

[Anonymous4596]

This is Kick-ass. I want to ride that plane if you know what i mean.

[Anonymous4593]

This is the greatest plane ever made. Congrats Southwest for raising the bar.

[Michelle26]

Why can't there ever be a half-naked man on anything!?! Darn it, guess you have to make your perverted male company heads happy somehow.

[Anonymous3415]

Very poor marketing choice Southwest. I for one will be looking into alternative airline options. This is disrespectful of your female flyers and shows a lack of corporate conscientiousness. I am glad you are happy that some low-brain male customers are happy with your decision and that you choose to ignore that part of your market share that are families and females (funny, I imagined that as a large portion but maybe not). Again, I will be showing you my vote with my dollars and no longer fly Southwest. Thank you.

[WhhyItMatters]

Wow-- I think for me, the reason it matters, is that it's pretty tired to show women in this way and not men. Look around. Why not have a guy on a plane too? I think the reason has to do with society still being much more confortable showing women in this way and seeing women as objects. Southwest played into the same old boring tired junk we have to deal with all the time. For folks worried about their kids or moms, etc., I'm pretty sure they will be ok. To the people here who are slamming larger women, etc. -- you are making the point for the critics more beautifully than they could.

[Michael10]

100% perfection .... that is for the 737 and Bar! What a welcome addition to my town, Las Vegas!

[Really_This_is_]

I dont see why people are upset about this. You cant tell me that these people who are complaining have never seen a chick in a bikini on the beach, in a movie, on a television show or online. Im sure Southwest got a nice check for allowing this giant flying advertisement to be placed on the side of its airplane. In a time when everybody is strapped for cash, we shouldn't judge a company for trying to find a unique way to stay in business. These people need to complain about real issues like wasteful spending by government, genocide in Darfur or the fact the U.S. has yet to catch Osama Bin Laden. Those are real issues!

[Anonymous286]

This is trashy and disgusting. I am disappointed in you, Southwest. I guess everyone has a price, don't they? I hope that next time you're offered the 'opportunity' to support flying porn (and accept a huge payoff for doing it) you choose integrity instead.

[Andy1]

Love the plane and the peanuts! Keep it up - it's good to see a business with passion!

[Anonymous3050]

I think it's quite beautiful.

[Kelly8]

We fly Southwest almost everywhere we go and I do have to say that I am really disappointed. In this day and age we as parents are busy trying to teach respect and healthy self images. I agree Bar is beautiful, but just as I would not promote my 8 year old boy to look through the swimsuit issue, I would be a bit red in the face traveling with him on this plane. As for my daughter, she is faced with images of beautiful people everyday, but I don't ever want her to think that it is necessary to show sexy to be loved enough to be plastered all over the place, nor do I want her fignting weight issues trying to look "perfect". This really puts a lot of pressure and discomfort to those of us who are trying to promote and practice responsible parenting. How about some Olympic champions?

[Anonymous822]

Who cares what a bunch of uptight, fascists think?! They don't even have the money to fly! Keep up the good work SW! The plane looks amazing!

[coolfreaknbeans]

I don't find this to be porn, nor highly offensive. It is simply tacky, low class and cheap looking. I'm not offended by a woman in a bikini, but the saying there's a time and place for everything comes to mind. It comes off very "Hooters" and rather unprofessional. I agree with the other posters regarding SWA coming off as hypocrites. One minute they have strict, modest standards and in the next breath wrap their plane with a sexy, scantily clad model. I guess the two women who were nearly booted off of the plane should have handed over cash first. They have shown that their standards will lower when the price is right.

[eric_bulemia]

i do not appreciate the partially clothed woman on the aircraft. in some way i feel like i am approving this when i buy my ticket. what concerns me more is the lack of inspections for metal fatigue , it only cost 7 million dollars fine from FAA, that money could be used better somewhere else. I love SW and the way they do business but would hope for younger cabin personnel, old really sucks...

[Anonymous990]

Is this really the same southwest that booted a paying passenger off the flight for showing too much skin...too me Southwest is a fake a phony as the politicians.

[Anonymous3924]

I would NOT want my children to see this plane so will take our business else where.

[Mia1]

Tasteless and tacky. Stop peddling smut. Why not show pictures of our troops? I will never use this airline again.

[nomikins]

How about putting a hot looking male on the plane. Us girls need eye candy, too!

[Bob_the_builder]

Great ad!!! If you are prude and can't deal with it, look away!!!

[Anonymous4403]

I will definitely remember this when deciding which airline to choose. I am completely turned off by this advertising campaign.

[Anonymous3721]

coolest plane ever, i will only fly Southwest from now on. they need to start putting this on all their planes.

[Anonymous4049]

Looks awesome you need to do more of your aircraft like that . And if you don't like it don't look at it ,go back in your Bomb shelters and pray.

[Not_offended]

I'm a woman, a Christian, have 4 young children and I find nothing offensive about this plane. This is not soft porn.

[Anonymous3480]

all i have to say is that sex sell whether you like it or not

[KC3]

While I'm neither for nor against this, as I am really indifferent in the matter, I do have to admit that Southwest is being quite hypocritical kicking women who are not wearing "family friendly attire" off their planes, but coating the front in a bikini model. I think the poor woman who was kicked off your flight then hears about this ad definitely deserves a large apology.

[R_K]

A little hypocritical with the whole clothing shenanigans from before... ..but right on for Southwest! I'm a woman and I'm totally for it! People need to lighten up, geez! by the way, sure it might get some neg press, but they're getting press. Sounds like $$ either way to me!

[Renee6]

I would like Southwest Airlines to issue a statement regarding this plane and request that it be directed toward young girls. Almost without exception, young girls are subjected to enormous social pressure to achieve impossible beauty standards...the same standards now being promoted by Southwest. Virtually all research confirms the damaging effects such media portrayals on the health, confidence, performance and self-esteem of girls. As a mother of two of those young girls (and three boys), I am very disappointed that Southwest made this choice. Out of a virtually unlimited number of choices, you chose THIS?!!??!!? Go home and explain it to your daughters, then come forward and explain it to mine.

[Kim27]

YOU HYPOCRITES WHO THREW A WOMAN OFF YOUR PLANE FOR WEARING WAYYYY MORE THAN THIS!!!!! I just canceled the 7 Southwest tickets i had on hold for Spring Break and will be flying a competitor airline - thank you very much! I will boycott South West until they learn that children fly in planes and this is SOOOOOOOOO inappropriate its ridiculous! I AM APPALLED. I dont care if its in Sports Illustrated becxause you can CHOSE to buy that and chose to view it but this plane EVERYONE is forced to see.

[Anonymous4427]

Thanks SWA for this beautiful plane! Great pic! And also great marketing! Maybe it will also help some of the US people to understand it is normal for women to wear bikini in the western world. And why should any kids, women or whoever have a problem with this? She is beautiful and she wears a bikini! Perfect! And if anybody has a problem with it because sex sells: paint a guy in shorts at the other side of the plane! That would be even more fun!

[Tina1]

For those claiming its no different than taking your child to the beach or poll! Get a clue. There women are in bathingsuits and can be active: swim, play volleyball, etc THEY ARENT JUST LAYING OUT SEDUCTIVELY SCREAMING COME YOU KNOW WHAT ME! And what pool are you hanging out at that has girls in bikinis as skimpy as this??? I live in S California for goodness sake and very rarely do girls wear bikinis this skimpy with breasts hanging out.

[SteveRendez]

What the ole saying. "There is no such thing as BAD publicity". I think its great. Fly on wit yer hard on Southwest.

[Cameron]

I think she's a beautiful woman. I also think it's a great photo. However, I'm not sure it's appropriate for the side of an airplane. It has absolutely nothing to do with flying (at least the Shamu plane took you to San Diego). What it says to me is, "We (Southwest) are so in the hole that we've cooked up this ridiculous marketing campaign with SI to make some extra cash...and we don't care how our customers feel about it. So there!"

[Flying_High]

Can I bring my girlfriend wearing a bikini like this on a flight to Vegas?

[Katy3]

Whats shocking to me is how many Southwest employees are writing on here and are totally offended! So Southwest has proved it doesnt care about consumers/families or its employees!!!! BOYCOTT SOUTHWEST!!!

[Anonymous220]

Your planes are sexist and completely inappropriate. I (and my family) will NEVER FLY YOUR PLANES AGAIN!!

[Anonymous1312]

Trashy. I won't be taking my daughter on to that plane

[Bart3]

To all you sexually repressed, hayseed Republicans who are offended by the sight of a beautiful woman, please go back to your basements listening to Rush Limbaugh and having sexual fantasies over Man Coulter and her bulging adam's apple.

[Marla_Gorena_-_]

I really don't care about this except that I read Southwest is getting in trouble over it. I admit, when I first saw it I was a little suprised...then I realized that I never really see what the plane looks like except when they are taxing around the airport. If you go to any beach, or any pool, you will see similarly dressed women, they just happen to not be as beautiful as Bar. This is far from porn, grow up. There is really no reason a child can't see a person dressed in a bikini, this is not the 1920's! Kudos to Southwest for changing it up and keeping people interested in your company.

[Anonymous4049]

DA! IF YOU DON'T LIKE DON'T LOOK AT IT ! BY THE WAY YOU CAN'T SEE IT 34,000 FEET. YOU WILL ONLY SEE IT WHEN YOU BOARD THE AIRCRAFT.

[Patrick11]

i'm just sorry that the sight of a beautiful, clothed woman is so embarrassing and disturbing. to those that don't like it, i politely ask you NOT to permit YOUR inability to appreciate the simple pleasures of other people to encourage you to become rude and demanding. i don't like peanut butter myself and the sight of other people eating eat disgusts me. the smell makes me gag. but i wouldn't insist that peanut butter be banned, simple because i don't like it.

[Jeff20]

Are people really whining about a bikini? Seriously, some of you act like it's the end of the world unless a girl is covered head to toe. Is there nudity? No. Is is done in poor taste? No. If this is a worry to you, I truly feel sorry for your existence.

[Stacey11]

I think the plane is fantastic. More power to u....Southwest !! There is NOTHING wrong with the photo. It amazes me how many narrow-minded people are commenting. It's not hurting anyone..it's just fun marketing. There are plenty more things going on in the world to be angry about.....geez. Get over it! I think it's awesome ! Put a hot guy on the other side....maybe Beckham..

[Anonymous2261]

Love makes me want to fly now. To anyone who thiunks this is porn... Get a life and do something constructive. She has clothes on its not porn. To Tina who posted a comment at — Wed, 03/04/2009 - 13:55 go down to Venice, Hunington, or Newport Beach and you will see these same bathing suits. Its the prudes like you that makes this a crappy world. Why must you complain about everything that you dont like? A vast majority of people like it or could careless what there plane looks like on the outside. I am fed up with all the people whinnig and complaing at every little thing. Get a life and worry about your self, who cares if southwest wants to put a beautiful and classy women on their plane. Everyone who is complaining neeeds to take the stick out of there butt and go watch your kids. I hate all you soccer moms who try and ruin every little thing you dont like. GO SOUTHWEST KEEP IT UP.

[Steffany]

This is so TASTELESS! I am a frequent flyer, but I will most definitely not be flying southwest anymore. Just what I want my young children looking at as we take a trip. Who approved this??? College guys or old perverts? Seriously....classless.

[Anonymous1194]

DA ! YOU CAN'T SEE THE PLANE AT 34,000 FEET.

[colohiker]

Great. I get a master's degree in business. Next I spend 10 years negotiating my career, rising to a decent position where my expertise and viewpoint are valued. Travel becomes essential as I grow the business and find new buyers across the country. And then Southwest reminds me that it's really all about T and A. My accomplishements, hell my value as a woman, is to be 23 and naked as possible. Great. Guys, if you can't understand how humiliating these images can be that's ok. But why not respect women more and not do something so in your face. Can you imaging a business woman getting on that plane with her coworkers? Or the parents of a little girl? At t best you feel akward and embarressed. Badly done Southwest.

[Anonymous3091]

I see nothing wrong with this. The swimsuit and the pose are tasteful. At least with the money they received maybe South West won't need a government bailout. Hopefully they'll put a nice looking guy on the other side for us ladies!

[Anonymous4397]

Awesome!!!! Makes me want to fly South West!

[Anonymous1371]

That looks awesome! I'm booking a flight to Vegas for my husband and I as I write! Some people act as if they have never seen a woman in a swimsuit before. Yet they have a Victoria’s Secret catalog on their counter or their segnificant other gets SI...And what’s in that? Exactly. Don't be afraid, its just a girl, not an illegal alien...or is she??? humm. That is a human body. Gods gift to you. Enjoy it, use it for good and to help others. Southwest thanks for not turning into the Taliban. See you in Vegas.

[reis]

Its not offensive, Its rather tastefully done. Go complain somewhere else and leave the plane alone.