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.

[Taz]

Give the girl a burka! I suppose that is the only way to satisfy many of you......

[Norway]

this is awsome, i really like it! whats the big deal?!

[landofozlawyer]

I read elsewhere that the company is saying that the comments about this promotion were overwhelmingly positive. That is, I'm sure, because most of us who are offended (not at the content, but at the in-your-face placement) are the kind who just choose another airline the next time. So for the genius who thought this buddy up--the thirty something fat watercooler hanger with his gut dangling over his pants and the hots for Bar Rafaeli--let me tell you, it's offensive--way, way offensive to have to explain to your kids boarding the airline why there is a half naked woman on the side being objectified. Come on, let's see the watercooler boy half-naked on the side of the plane!!!! Equal rights, right? Fly something else.

[Steven4]

Reading all this, I'm stunned. Almost speechless. Most of the critics seemed to be female, and may I just guess the main reason for them to be ticked off is that they are probably NOT that attractive and no-one would really care to see THEM in a bikini? Just a guess. And to you male hypocrites: Female cattiness is one thing, but what is wrong with you? Would you be happy again if the girl on the plane was covered up in a burkha? Sorry, I have a different definition of the word FREEDOM. Well done, SWA. And very obviously great advertising effectiveness. Congrats to your PR Team!

[J_C_1]

It would apparently be more suitable to the taste and self-image of many Americans to have the picture of a woman wearing a burka on the side of that plane... And to all those women complaing about how offensive this is to them: How many men do you think would complain if there was a man in a swimsuit portrayed? Oh, of course all the gay-haters from the South would raise their voices, but who listens to them anyway, except for you...? As to "family-friendly": My daughter wondered why there was a picture of a girl on a plane. That's it. She didn't ask about the clothing because she doesn't feel embarrassed by looking at a girl in a swimsuit. Why should she? She doesn't have an inferiority complex like all those whining, moaning stuck-ups spraying acid all over Southwest here... What also strikes me is the number of people in their 20's complaining... My, you lost your youth and playfulness very early. Some liken this to porn. Porn! And speak about "the choice not to take children to the beach". Because they might see people in swimsuits? How awful... Think again: Being on the beach might keep them from playing Rambo/Bush/KKK/supremacist brandishing toy guns at other kids... Well, God bless America (?) for being the only country (outside the muslim countries...) where a harmless publicity stunt like this turns into a national debate...

[Anonymous3500]

Its Awesome.....everyone that is upset needs to get a life......its a Pretty Woman like on all the magazines in the stores at check out counter. I would fly that plane any day!! Great work SOUTHWEST!!!!

[Frequent_Flyer111]

I would never want to bring my children on that plane. It's different to go to the beach, there everybody dresses down for swimming and tanning. However, to use a female model like that is a cheap way to market yourself. You're telling you have no more advantages left above the competition, so now you have to use sex to market yourself. And of course, as the cheap values we have putting a young almost naked woman above those with real credentials, this gave a lot of publicity. It's a shame. I'll take my business elsewhere.

[Anonymous3399]

cooL 😉

[Anonymous1460]

an open post to all the fat cow women who are offended: dont be so angry that your husband is not attracted to you because you are not Bar. Its a bloddy plane that you'll only see once, IF you saw it at all. So dont fret. He still loves you, even though you're so fat and bored that you have to make a fuss about everything thats prettier than you. Justin

[carloz]

come on guys/GIRLS, this is not worse than a walk on the beach

[Anonymous4312]

As a proud Southwest Airlines rewards member, I think it is funny. It is just a woman in a bikini. I really dislike when people say stuff like this is porn or soft porn. That is just over reaction. However, more attention is being brought to this by those that are critical which will in turn make more money for SWA. And I am glad it will.

[Anonymous4353]

This is by far the lowest Southwest can go! I'm EXTREMELY disappointed to see SW lower their standards. I will think twice about buying my next ticket from SW, I will start looking at company's with better morals. JetBlue looks very appealing to me. Sorry SW you just lost another customer due to your low standards.

[Knut_Erik]

Only in America is this a problem. The rest of the western world is laughing right now.

[Anonymous684]

That is awesome......three cheers for SWA

[Anonymous474]

I think it looks great! You gotta wonder why people get so upset over a girl in a bikini, have they never been to a sunny beach in California, are there people out there that are really that sheltered or insecure? Thank goodness for beautiful people it helps offset the others. If people are willing to stop flying a low cost, great service airline with employees that have personalities and a smile because of a beautiful woman in a tastefully done photo on the side of an airplane I say good…let them fly the other guys they are probably not somebody I would want to fly with anyway. Southern Cali and smiling

[Duck_Manson]

I think it's awesome! If some fat chicks can't handle it then they can take the train. Everyone is exposed to worse things then this daily, so the two minutes you spend walking to and from a plane shouldn't bother you too much.

[carroll3]

For those of you who say I will never fly Southwest again I have 3 words for you YOU'LL BE BACK. If you really mean it give away your RR award ceritificates to charity, toss out your RR number and shop around. Let us not forget SW raises millions of dollars for Ronald McDonald House, treated the US troops with more respect than any other carrier. Hundreds of our Troops were stranded over the holidays and SW flew many home in time. SW does not charge for 1st 2 bags to be checked, does not charge for Unaccompanied minors, does not charge for reservation changes on regular fare tickets,you can even speak to a real person who speaks English when you call for information. The SI aircraft is a decale it will be gone after your back. See ya on a LUV jet soon.

[Anonymous1530]

Strange... Here i Norway we are confused... It's Ok i US to let 4 years old kids learn to use a weapon, and to let them see people get slaughtered on TV, and no one says a word.. If you see some skin, all hell breaks loose, like the "superbowl incident"...

[Anonymous__Dall]

-------------> I think it is incredibly tacky. If a woman tried to board the plane wearing a bikini I'm sure she would not be allowed to, so why do they think it's okay to have it on the outside of the plane? Also I have been asked not to kiss my boyfriend on a SW flight....so if there is a dress code and you can't be affectionate why the half naked chick on the outside????? There isn't anything wrong with the swim suit edition but there is a time and a place and the side of an airplane is not one of them. I am a frequent flyer and up and till this point always booked southwest for my destination......I switced airports and booked with American Airlines for this weekend trip. Instead of money being spent to sex up the image of the plane I wish it would go to improvements in the plane......every single SW plane I have been on could use it. Makes you wonder how many men it took to figure out this was a good idea? I know I wouldn't want to have some creep staring at that and then go sit right next to him on those cramped planes for an hour and a half.....gross! (let's admit there is always a few weirdos on the plane, LOL)

[kingle]

I can't remember the last time I paid attention to what was on the outside of my plane. If this kind of advertising works and helps keep the cost of flying down, then keep it up. As for what the kids see, I am sure they will be in contact with this type of "advertising" for the rest of their lives. Get used to it. Half- naked women and good-looking guys help companies sell stuff. Would you honestly buy a product if you saw a 300 pound woman with 3 chins and cankles waddling around in a 2-piece telling you this is the greatest airline or sports magazine or diet drink available? I think we all know the answer.

[Norwegian_guy]

JEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZ... Why is it so dangerous to see a women with little clothes on her?? it's just a natural thing for petes sake. This is ridicolous, I laugh at the people that thinks bad of this!!

[Anonymous1437]

I have always been a huge fan of SW and a chick in a bikini isn't going to change that. I have kids and I would fly SW anytime even if this was the plane. Unfortunately kids are exposed to trashier things just walking down the street. I thing it's time we loosened up a bit and realized that it's just a picture of a woman. She's not naked, nothing is exposed, and I thinks it's a fantastic bit of marketing. I will continue to use SW as my sole airline provider. Keep up the great work!

[Anonymous3889]

I am normally adamant in my disdain for flying Southwest Airlines. Even their lower prices cannot do much to lure me away from other airlines. However, after seeing this I might just change my mind.

[Denise5]

Laying down on a swim suit, wow! I am extremely offended. Where's the near pornographic picture? I don't see any body parts showing, except the ones I USUALLY see when I'm at the beach, which is where this picture was TAKEN at. It's a BIKINI, big deal! Get over yourselves.

[Anonymous2288]

Please...such hoopla over an ad!! I think it is reminiscent of WW11 aircraft who often painted on their favorite pin-ups for luck! In an age of "retro" design, just think of it as "retro" patriotism....pin-ups are as American as apple pie! I don't understand the concerned "moms" who would never fly SWA because they think the ad is indecent?? What? Have they been to a beach....recently...please?? I don't fly SWA because I don't care for their boarding process but to boycott an airline because of this ad is silly. And to the chic sophisticated New Yorker on this blog.....check your demographics. Most "New Yorkers" haven't left their zip code let alone the island of Manhattan. You depend on others,, from all parts of this country, for your tourism revenue!

[Anonymous498]

The beautiful girl is nice but how about a good looking man too? And for the sour grapes, You do have a choice.

[Anonymous498]

Yea, just what I want when I am flying a bunch of screamming brats behind or beside me, you have a choice, what are your kids monks? There is alos bus system with a dog on the side that you could ride.

[Anonymous4049]

I bet all you haters wouldn't bitch or complain about anything if they let you fly for free. we got you on that one.

[DC_fromNorway]

well done, you should decorate the other 737`s as well

[Elle1]

HAHA to everyone against this. This is not tacky. Look at yourselves with a swimsuit on in the mirror. Look at your wives or girlfriends- you'll see the same thing. Although, none will look as great as Bar! Obviously, you can't wear this inside the airplane, due to hygiene reasons. Since when does seeing a woman in a swimsuit offend people? I can't think of anything better to put on the side of a plane, maybe it will encourage the American people to lose a few pounds! (I WISH!) I love the way Southwest Airlines runs it's business, and I doubt that if any of you who are offended by this airplane will be sitting in an airport after a delayed or cancelled flight and NOT get on that airplane!!!! People are taking this "offensiveness" too far and as for advertising reasons, I'm a woman and they made me want to get on that airplane! And I don't think I'll have a very hard time convincing my husband to do the same! Grow up people- everybody has the same body and you need to get over it.

[Anonymous1429]

I don't think is about the picture itself, but mostly what it represents. Hypocrisy! SW throws passengers out of flights for wearing mini-skirts; however, they don't hesitate to use a model in a bikini to promote their company.

[JackM]

Trashy for Southwest - won't be using them any time soon.

[Regular_Guy]

Beautiful. Don't let the prudes get you down.

[Anonymous881]

I think the plane looks great and makes me want to go to warmer climates! I am a mom to three children under 13 and see nothing wrong with the plane.

[lolololololol]

every person who changes their lifestyle as a result of this picture on the internet which they will probably never see in real life is an idiot. It's on one plane, somewhere in the U.S. as an advertisement for the new swimsuit edition of sports illustrated. they're proffitting a ton more money by putting it up for a month than they will lose on maybe 50 tickets from any of you fools commenting here about how you will boycott them. lolololololo

[Anonymous981]

I don't have a problem with Bar being on the plane. I just think you should keep your foot out of your mouth and let someone dressed like that on the plane, since it's already ON the plane.

[SWA_Fan]

All you cyber-geeks & jealous idiots get over it! Go complain somewhere else. This is such a cool joint partnership between SI and SWA- I hope to see more!! If you think your petty comments are going hurt SWA you are kidding yourself: 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index ranks SWA as the #1 airline in! Southwest Airlines Rocks!

[Shana1]

Bar is beautiful and Southwest is my airline of choice! Love it!!

[Anonymous3325]

not kool, we have enough of this junk around. this is all kids see anymore with all the billboards, magazines & moving billboards. enough is enough, think of the little ones for a change!

[skssca]

SWA rocks. The plane rocks, their baggage policy rocks. Good publicity given one of their main destinations is Las Vegas. The women is esthetically beautiful why shouldn't she grace the side of an aircraft? Would some of these people prefer she be in a Berka? You've got my vote, and flying with you soon as a matter!

[Anonymous4538]

awesome... but why is she wearing things? shouldn't she be naked?

[Anonymous2312]

Well Done SouthWest!!!! Great Plane, Great Idea! At least we know that there's one company in America left that isn't just sitting around looking for bailouts.

[AlexLUV]

This is exactly the type of marketing that sets LUV apart from the competition. While all the other airlines are portraying themselves as gray lame-o's only suitable for "business people," Southwest makes traveling FUN once again. For all the people complaining about a woman in a bathing suit being offensive to your kids' delicate sensibilities, please try visiting a beach or a pool. People wear these clothes to expose their skin to the sun -- it is not offensive. Try to relax.

[Anonymous890]

How low can the bar go? I'm sorry, but this is entirely inappropriate. Did a bunch a guys at Southwest sit around and dream this up? Does this represent Southwest's core values?! Pretty pathetic.

[Anonymous1125]

I'm just waiting for the Hugh Jackman version SWA plane. While the young lady is beautiful, she doesn't do a thing for me. The fact that there is a lovely swimsuit clad model on the plane should not offend anyone, as much worse can be seen on the beach testing the properties of spandex.

[Jen111]

This is in poor taste & gratuitous to say the least. Shame on Southwest. I can't believe this decision was approved by their management team unless their target demographic is now college-aged boys???

[thgirbla]

Is THIS really the biggest worry that WE have in THIS country at THIS time??? Get a life folks, it's just temporary and will pass shortly!!! S.W. I'm sure got a load of money from Sports Illustrated for the publicity which was passed along to the customer in the form of continued cheap fares. BTW: Resentment is like swallowing poison and expection someone else to die???

[Anonymous1260]

Absolutely pathetic. If you can't see why this isn't insulting to women there is something wrong with you (Southwest). I'll keep this in mind when making plane reservations and remember to avoid Southwest.

[Alicia]

I don't get how this image is representative of Southwest. It screams "frat boys" and not "wholesome, fun". Why? I hope this plane never makes it to San Diego (my home). Bikini's are for the beach, not the skies. Boo Southwest.

[Anonymous1403]

I can understand SWA wanting to be noticed to maybe generate some revinue. And I think it's perfectly fine, she's in a swimsuit people. But I would say this little (or BIG) stunt didn't work. SWA's stock closed at $5.01 today? Do the people in the Dallas Ivory Tower even have a clue what is going on?? You may have millions in your retirement, but guess what ALOT of us are losing it by the day.