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.

[Mariowife]

I love it! Awsome! Yeah, let all those insecure girls out there complain. I am a girl and I find it very appealing!

[John_Resch]

What is the big deal. Its adverstising, just like you see on billboards and magazines across America. I live in Florida and that is the norm on any beach. I think Southwest should also do a plane with a Hot, Buff male is just swimtrunks. This would even it out and make it fair.

[This_is_wrong]

Thumb down SW. This is a poor marketing choice. I own LUV stock, although not much, I am selling it all tomorrow for principle reasons. I don't want to fly with my wife and children and have them see this. I don't want my young daugthers exposed to this at such a vulnerable age. I will never fly SW again or will my family. Its also hypricritical. You kick girls off for dressing like a hooker but you put a half naked girl on the entire plan. This is now not a FAMILY airline. You lot my business!!!!!

[Dawn11]

If I had her rockin' body, I'd put it on a plane too. To all the prudes out there, grow up and get a life!!! I am so sick of the so-called self-righteous people trying to govern America's morals just because they have nothing better to do. At least she's dressed. Anyone who has a problem with this plane is just jealous they don't look like her. LIVE AND LET LIVE!!!!

[joe_schmo]

I'm 90% sure that it was southwest that humiliated a woman passenger a few years ago for wearing a "revealing" tank top on the plane. They made her cover herself with a blanket and embarrassed her in front of an entire plane. This ad is really just a little too much in light of their past policies. You can ride INSIDE the plane with the naked woman on it but don't show any cleavage or your ass is grass!!!

[Anonymous1015]

To all you offended SWA employees...quit. I need to move up in seniority. To the MORDIFIED SWA flight attendant..have you ever read Song of Solomon? To all you offended people. who are NEVER going to fly us again.. We will see soon, when the next time you book a flight and we have the best fare. Bad taste, maybe. Disrespectful, doubtful. Offensive, hardly.

[Tom_From_Amishl]

After reading the AOL News piece on this issue I discovered the SWA Blog. Great reading! I studied the photos of SI ONE for some time - looking for what would cause such an uproar. I protect my daughters from smutty side of society (who would have guessed that the local big-name bookstore would have Playboy AND Penthouse fully exposed in from of the highly visible top magazine rack!?) but this shot is simply of a pretty girl in a swimsuit that is no more revealing than they will see at the shore. Yes, I would love to see this airliner zipping by - because it is unique and unusual - not because it has its sides plastered with a bikini model. SWA - don't bend on this one. Stay nutty and funky!

[Anonymous3746]

Love the "Bar SI" plane. You folks complaining need to find something important to complain about.

[bobdamedic]

Didn't Southwest once throw a woman off a plane for wearing twice as much clothing?

[imaxcafe]

To all the people who don't like this ad concept. You all need to get a life ! - The Imax! ™

[Alys]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with putting a woman in a bikini on the side of a plane. For the people concerned about their kids seeing it, well, not everyone has or will ever have kids, so that really shouldn't be a concern. Also, the adults are paying for the tickets, and most adults would not be offended by a woman in a bikini, unless they're actually just jealous, and show it by complaining.

[valerie]

Why all the negative talk about Bar on your planes, nice marketing ploy. No different than any other ad, how quickly do they forget about swimsuit clad, burger eating - car washing girls ......... Southwest has done very well historically..... keep going in the direction your going.

[flyer2b]

Very classy SWA! At least this airline is innovative. Go SWA!

[Anonymous4339]

I think it was done in good taste, and it looks great! Good job, Southwest!

[WR1944]

Good show. I wished there were more planes like this. It is a refreshing sight.

[Anonymous3862]

It's better looking than me... 😞

[Lobotomized_Luv]

I wonder if the low speed collision in SAN thursday was the result of the rampers gawking at SI One.

[luv_the_dbl_sta]

SWA is obiously using a different set of moral standards when deciding to kicking people off their plane for being half naked.... Bring back the hot mini skirt waearing "stewardesses" you greasy fisted, money grubbin, good for nothing hypocrites! That is the only way you'll get me on another SWA flight... cause somebody has to show some moral fortitude if you can't! LOL

[frequentflyer55]

Is there not enough advertising all over the buildings in LA, so we have to cover the planes as well? It is really bad for woman who are forced to fly on this plane. Of course all the pathetic, sad, men love a swimsuit model on the plane, but as a woman, I plan to boycott southwest for it's use of bad taste and no consideration to half the population! What message are you sending to young girls? Southwest need to learn their lesson and remove this crass advertising from their plane immediately!

[Anonymous3477]

I really don't see what all the hubbub is about. Drive through any metropolitan area in the country and see billboards advertising all sorts of things with women in various states of undress. So, this is so offensive? Think back to WW II when the big thing was to decorate the noses of airplanes with "pin-up" girls. That was OK, but this is not? Come on people. Give a rest already. I travel quite frequently and have seen all types of aircraft decoration. Hat's off to you Southwest. Keep up the good work.

[dick2479]

Wow, what a surprise to see all of this controversy. The hottest model in the world right now is featured on the hottest, most fun airline in the country. It makes logical sense. If you pay any attention to the employees of the airline, almost universally they are young, fun-loving, and enjoy what they do. Like it or not, fashion models are here to stay--as they always have been. Southwest has demonstrated a committment to being an upbeat, current trend, airline. If you don't like what you see inside or outside of the plane, you can always go to the competitors who charge more for the ticket, charge for the checked bag, don't have honey-roasted peanuts, have flight attendants that have the personality of a city government bureaucrat, etc. I like the spunk of the flight crew, the attitude of their management, and would be thrilled to fly on this plane, just like all the southwest flights. You're threatening to stop flying SWA because of this promotion--get real. You'll be back next week because you like it like all of us that fly--good prices, on time performance, and good fun along the way!

[gagged]

To all those trying to pose offended. Stay of the beaches. Quit watching TV. Do not go to the pool. Move to another country. Do anything but please quit acting like this is offensive. It's just aircraft art.

[Anonymous2138]

OMG, people, serious, this is what you see on the beach... what a bunch of prudes... go to Europe, this is on billboards everywhere... why do Americans have an issue with skin? BTW... I am gay

[Larry_W_]

Don't you talk to one another at SWA? How can you plaster such a tacky picture on the side of you plane and escort a passenger off the flight because her skirt was too short? Looks like your standards have a price tag that SI was able to pay and your passenger wasn't.

[Amanda8]

I would just like to say...EXCELLENT job Southwest!!! For the people out there who are "offended" by this plane, they need to get over themselves! Do these people not go to the beach, or watch TV? I could understand if she was completely nude, but she is in a bikini for goodness sakes! This is nothing different than going to the beach or even the mall now a days! People really?! Leave Southwest alone and let them make their money!!

[FlyerDave]

I cannot believe that some people are upset about this. Hey Southwest, I applaud your humor and marketing savvy. It's a shame that something as fun and whimsical as this is labeled offensive. Bring the plane down here to Orlando and I'll gladly fly on it. Blue skies,

[Anonymous780]

I don't really find this offensive, but it does look kind of rednecky. Perhaps it would be more fun if you also put a hot male underwear/swimsuit ad on one of your planes.

[Anonymous517]

GOOD FOR SOUTHWEST!! i if you get down to it the picture can not be compared to anything bad. i don't understand how in a world where there is so much negativity (i.e: starving children, people being evicted out of their life long houses) you could care about how an airline decides to do publicity. maybe you should put some of the energy into some positive actions instead of something that is TEMPORARY in the first place!!!!

[Anonymous2977]

I agree with those who said that there is no shame in publicizing SI, but I think that Southwest should have done this using someone who actually accomplished something (other than posing in a bikini). If that picture is what they are thinking when they think of SI then they are promoting the wrong company. SI is about sports! Victoria's Secret may have been a better fit for this picture.

[Anonymous2977]

I don't now why that Kayla girl isn't suing SW. I would after being treated like that!

[Bill_in_Ill]

Are you people serious???!!! Did all of you stop watching professional sports when Janet flashed the world during the Super Bowl? Do you make you children turn away from magazine racks, beaches, clothing store catalogs, cheer leaders, movies, TV, and bill boards? I've seen more objectionable covers of Tiger Beat and Teen People!!! People, you cannot be that easy to offend. Sure, I think this is a bit unusual, but really???? I mean, do you people go to bed early simply because you're trying to avoid "Girls Gone Wild" commercials. Did you get rid of your medicine cabinet so you wouldn't have to see yourself naked when you got out of the shower? You morally righteous, right-wing zealots need to stop telling people that they need to be saved and how they should live long enough to realize that this country was founded on the principles of freedom. Freedom from religious persecution AND freedom of expression. I am in no way offended by this plane. I am however, embarrassed by the religi-nuts and prudes that have voiced their opinions on this blog. Aren't there more pressing issues in this country than a beautiful woman in a bikini on the side of a plane? Did you know that back in WWII the American combat aircraft that protected your freedom and ended the tyranny of the Axis often had pictures of scantily-clad women painted on the side of them? It was called nose art. Get a life people!

[Anonymous915]

Competitive fares and flexible scheduling make it a great airline for corporate and family travel. I was disappointed to find out about the Sports Illustrated plane promotion. This marketing doesn't reach out to Southwest's customer base - which includes women and children. My boss, who flies exclusively with Southwest has instructed me not to book anymore flights on Southwest until this promotion is over.

[Anonymous2435]

Please understand that many dad's like myself are saddened by this deeply. We had come trust SWA as an affordable family airline. This is tacky, and I plan to reroute ALL of my travel until it is resolved...its not a boycott..its just the free-market. Its a shame you have followed tacky European predecessors like Ryan AIr.

[carroll3]

Too bad for the sad dad. SWA will look golden after you fly the others. Hold onto you wallet sad dad you will be a broke dad after a family trip on another airline. Do not let your children watch any TV, do any work on a computer, open their eyes out in public. I have seen more skin in real time on human flesh in public than on that SI airplane.

[Anonymous1292]

Amazing you will kick a girl off you plane in a mini dress but you put a bikini on the side of the plane...LOSERS that is why i fly American Airlines

[Anonymous966]

Obviously SW has to resort to the objectification of women in order to sell tickets. Tragic. Clearly they do not appreciate their female customers. Good to know--I'll avoid them from now on.

[RK]

I'm generally a prude, (e.g. didn't let my kids watch "R" rated movies till they were actually 17); but, as many have mentioned, this is not an obscene photo, and no racier than you can find in any seatback-pocket airline magazine that advertises flights to Las Vegas; and certainly no more risque than any beach in America; and Southwest IS the best airline to fly (and we've flown a lot), and this just increases my admiration for them, knowing they had the guts and the marketing smarts to do this. And for those of you who will never fly SW again, you must find rudeness and overpricing to be less offensive than the picture of a beautiful woman; because that's what you'll get on other airlines.

[Anonymous1999]

Being from the midwest puts me in probably the most conservative area of the country yet I don't know anyone here offended by this. I go to the local lake I see that same thing, I go to the local pool I see the same thing. I go to volleyball tournaments in the summer I see the same thing. Heck I walk down the sidewalk on 100 degree days and can see the same thing. I go to the local grocery store and I see a very similar pictrue (the cover of SI), I see maxim, I see the new hooters magazine and the list goes on all by the checkout line where anyone can see them. Do the people complaining about this ever leave the house? Everyone brings kids into this discussion, I used to work in a mall have you look at what your kids are actually wearing and buying? From an advertising standpoint which also happens to be my current profession, kudos to Southwest and SI, the amount of coverage they are gettin from this is astronomical and they are not having to pay for any of it. If you really do not want to see this again quit talking about it. Kudos to SI and Southwest, keep up the good work.

[Anonymous2808]

I luv this plane! To me a lot of people take this beyond what it is, it's just a picture of a model. And for those who think this is geared toward those young boys, I doubt it I know Southwest knows those boys can't afford a ticket just like those whales can't afford a ticket either.....wait, neither can Mickey or Minnie.....LOL A grateful SWA employee

[Anonymous4332]

The aircraft was spotted at SJC yesterday.....without the markings. They've been removed.

[flyguyhere]

Way to go Southwest. Really nice. I found that Southwest has e-mail on their website now (finally!!!). Everyone go to their website and click on "contact us" on the bottom and tell them you love this plane. Maybe they'll do more of them. 🙂

[Anonymous926]

Soooo conservative on your posts. I wonder if you apply that to your lives as well. There's nothing tasteless about this plane.... People actually NEVER get to see the plane... since you board through a tunnel. So, please.... give SWA a break!! Worry about actual problems/issues and let the beautiful girl in the swimming suit alone. I think most of you are JEALOUS and FAT!! or have one of those women (fat and jealous) at home. hahaha

[Anonymous949]

What's appropriate inside SI where a reader makes a choice to pick up a magazine is totally inappropriate plastered across a public transportation airline. We are a multicultural, multigenerational country and a large part of that demographic shouldn't be put into the position of seeing something that offends then when they fly.

[Gloribel-Puerto]

As an Industrial Psychologist, I think that has been a great innovative idea. It shows that is a company that consent to his clients, know its flaf, and offers joy with a potpourri of colors to all sights. There is nothing wrong in that. I congratulate them!

[Eric14]

I can't believe some of the comments that I have read. I never realized so many people are so easily offended. Seriously, you would be afraid your young child would see this? Are you kidding? I guess you better not ever let your young child go to the swimming pool or beach, either. It's quite possible that they could see a *gasp* woman in a bikini. Are you afraid that it's going to scar them for life? Sure, I'm a guy, but I can honestly say that if they wanted to have a Southwest plane with a muscular guy wearing a suit on it, that would not bother me either. Many people consider a tasteful photograph of the female (and male) form art. Good job Southwest.

[Fat_and_Jealous]

SWA should be ashamed. I mean, what with there being real things to be concerned about in the world, they went and distracted us with THIS!! How dastardly. Really... look at the hundreds of enraged comments SWA made us post about this. All the while, a child dies from malnutrition every 7 seconds and 1/6 of Humanity lives without access to drinking water. SWA should be embarrassed at the way they've made us look like we care about such trifling things.

[Doug_Kaplan]

After reading all the blog entries I just had to reply again....Hey Southwest, I applaud your humor and great taste in partnering with SI !! Lets really get all of the USA talking next time! Partner up with " Girls Gone Wild " and put them on "ALL" your planes a month before "SPRING BREAK" LMAO By the way, I want credit for this one with your advertising department! Drop me a line and I'll tell you where to send my commission checks to ;)) All the best and keep up the great work SWA..!!! From one of Hurbs Kellehers close friends from the F/a training class 1992, give me another chance, please!! I sure miss all you guys and gals!! Doug Kaplan

[Joe_from_Chicag]

You keep doing whatever it takes to keep my fares low. Thanks.

[davidbaer]

I think that 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. Experts have talked about this before. How many times have you read about the importance of ‘adding value’ for your audience? How many times have you read about ‘building trust’ with your readers/prospects? Many, many times. You know it well. Every marketing guru has spoken about this topic. I’m sick of hearing it. But it STILL bears repeating. LATEST TREND

[Anonymous281]

Seriously??? I'm appalled that your airline has done this. If you wanted to honor sports or SI, why not have an image of one of the Williams sisters playing instead of this??? And this from the airline that threw a woman off the plan for her immodest clothing, and that woman was wearing more than the model on the plane!!! Looks like SWA is full of double-standards. You are starting to make me like Delta.