Southwest, guess what? Women are not easy targets to exploit because you mismanaged your bottom line.

You are sick people. All of you nitwits with empty lives who cheer this on like it's the resurrection of Christ are beyond losers.

We will BOYCOTT Southwest. You should at least plaster male models on your planes if that's how pathetic you've become.

Southwest is NO LONGER the cheapest airline. Fly VIRGIN AMERICA or any other airline. They are all having great deals. WOMEN YOU NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOUR POWERFUL WALLETS. BOYCOTT SOUTHWEST.

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.
Steffany — Wed, 03/04/2009 - 14:22

RE:YOU'RE A FATTY!!! ADMIT IT!!!

whats the big deal , I think its a kick ass plane

I saw the story about some people being against S.W. "bikini" plane. I had to laugh. I would say this is the stupidest thing I have ever heard but with the internet being the free speech platform that it is, I will just say "how ignorant". She is in a bikini laying on the beach. Not in a over sexual way either. Was she suppose to be wearing a snow suit? For anyone who thinks this is outrageous must not go to the beach, read magazines, watch tv, go outside, and use a computer. People need to get over themselves. Unless I am mistaken I haven't seen to many people walkin around in hooped dresses lately. Stop being scared of the human body and scared of questions from your kids and maybe we can get a hold of the teen pregnancy problem.

Everyone needs to RELAX. Since when is a woman in a bathing suite offensive. I really hope that none of you EVER go to the beach or heaven-forbid a water park.

Honestly, lets all stop being prudish conservatives for a moment and think about this rationally. This is a beautiful woman who makes a living off of... well, being gorgeous. She is lovely to look at, for men and women, and it is completely tasteful.

I honestly hope that the parents on this board who are saying how "embarrassed they would be for their children to see this" grow up. I really hope that you don't teach your children to be ashamed of their bodies.

And, please, do NOT attend any public swimming environments. You WILL be offended. There are MEN AND WOMEN in bathing suites there. You are warned!

As for the scandal of the airline throwing a "scantily-clad" woman off of their flight about a year ago.. well, that it rather ironic and funny.

What were you thinking at Southwest..... why!!!!! You have FAMILIES who ride your airlines...... What a great role model for girls..... You too can grow up and take off your clothes!!! I really think you all BLEW IT !!!!! You can rename your airline.... perves will travel.!!!!

Sad, pathetic SWA.

Good god - I don't even know what to say. I am embarrassed for you.

Just think newlyweds going on their honeymoon - families taking a vacation to Disney, having to fly home for a funeral - all on this plan. What a great ad for your daughter - or son for that matter. I honestly am in SHOCK that you could be this ridiculous.

NICE.

Maybe you can reserve this plane for Frat parties ?

What were you thinking at Southwest..... why????? You have FAMILIES who ride your airlines...... What a great role model for girls..... You too can grow up and take off your clothes !!! You would NOT let passengers dress that way, but you plaster this all over your airline........

Thank you, SWA. I think everyone complaining needs to lighten up. What you're seeing on the side of this aircraft is no more shocking than what you'd see at the beach. Families go to beaches too don't they???

Well, I was on southwest and singled out for being fat. I was made to buy another ticket. 2 men on the plane, who were a foot taller and a foot wider than me, were not harassed into purchasing another ticket. I was told I would bother the other passenger sitting next to me. Turns out that was my husband who was 4'11 and weight 109 pounds.( He doesn’t mind sitting next to me.) I guess you just want women that look like this to fly your airline. Good for you and good luck. It is your plane. God knows I will never have to look at it, because I will never fly southwest again.

It's tacky, class-less, and offensive. I would not want to be pushed into explaining THIS to my child as we board the plane.

I actually do not see an issue with SW promoting SI in this fashion. Too many people in this country are wound way too tight. It is not like Bar is naked. I guess all those that have an issue with this must also complain about all the bikin clad persons on every beach and at every pool.
People you need to get a life and stop fretting about what other people do. Relax a little and if your that upset, then go exercise and eat healthy, that way there would not be all the envy over models, also it would eliminate alot of fat americans.

Kinda weird to have a girl in a bikini on the plane. Maybe they should do a plane with a good looking guy on it to balance things out. ;)

One more reason why Southwest is AWESOME.

This is for those of you who seem to have a problem with this plan...so you think it's tacky and all the other crap? and how dare southwest allow such advertisements? you are perfectly intittled to you opinion but come on really? are you going to go to every store that sells or advertises for the famous bikini issue and complain about them having those magazines...no you wont because that would be stupid! so how stupid is it to throw a fit about how southwest chooses to advertise...you don't like it don'e fly with them...but it's dumb to spend your time complaining about something so stupid...it's not like the women is nude...you don't want you children and grandparents bla bla bla seeing that? do you keep them from going to the beach, or the water parks, or for that matter keep them from watching tv or keep them away from the magazine isle at the store...no you don't...and if you do you have your issues and don't make them other peoples issues! get over yourself and find something better to with your time...cause chances are if you do have a child they will see images like that whether they are on a plane or not!

I LOVE IT!

Face it. Even if you are offended, you're not going to stop flying Southwest. You can't beat their customer service, prices, and uncanny ability to avoid delays and cancellations. I was in route to Philadelphia one evening and we had to make an emergency landing in Baltimore because of some problem with the plane. I figured I'd be stuck in Baltimore for God knows how long, at least overnight, but once we landed Southwest already had a plane ready waiting for us. We just landed, walked to the specified gate and got on our new plane. I was only 1/2 hour late to my destination. Bravo Southwest!

The women that are screaming (colohiker) on here about:

"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."

You do realize that this is a WOMAN on the plane right! She did do this willingly as I doubt someone forced her in to getting paid for the advertisement. Further ... she probably reached her climactic goal as a swimsuit model in being on the cover of SI! This is likely the cherry on top.

And yes I can imagine a woman getting on a plan with coworkers ... they won't even be able to see the image as they will be in the plan, for starters, but if you are on a different plane I doubt they look to the woman next to them and think anything other than an SI model on the cover of the magazine that is now on a plane. Get real people, com'on!

Jesus, what is wrong with you people? She is in a swim suit! If you get offended by seeing a girl in a swim suit...then maybe it's because you are fat and/or ugly and have self-esteem issues. I have 2 young daughters and I could care less if they see that plane. We go to the beach every weekend so they are accustomed to seeing women in swim suits. All you are doing is giving Southwest that much more publicity. Thank you. I honestly don't think this marketing campaign will hurt Southwest one bit. Unless all you holier than thous are willing to pay a much higher airfare elsewhere just to show Southwest who's boss. In this economy I doubt anyone is willing to pay more on another airline. I love Southwest because of their low prices as I'm sure everyone else does too. GREAT JOB, SOUTHWEST! I only wish I had to travel just so I could fly on that plane. That would be quite a story to tell. :)

Just so tasteless. Of all the companies and things you could advertise on your planes, you choose a half naked woman? Yes, she's covered, but not exactly a family friendly advertisement. I'll think twice before choosing southwest in the future.

It is really starting to make me laugh reading these comments. It's those in favor of the plane that are being the nastiest and doing the most name calling.

For the record, I am 50 years old, have been married to the same guy for almost 30 years. I am definitely not a prude, have travelled to nude &/or topless beaches, I enjoy wearing my VS undergarments and find no problem with people dressing how they wish in the proper surroundings.

However - I am NOT in favor of this plane. It is an inappropriate venue for the SI picture. And for SWA - of all people - to promote the picture is hypocrisy at it's best. Maybe we should all fly SWA wearing our bathing suits next time, lol!

As a long-term fan, I'm embarrassed by the decision of Southwest Airlines to display a swim suit model on the aircraft. It may have raised a lot of revenue (?) but at the cost of its professional, family-oriented, and generally well-respected image. A sense of humor and flying with fun is fantastic, but this decision was in very poor taste. Counting the days until it's gone....

Wasn't it not that long ago that Southwest employees were so offended by a woman who was wearing a miniskirt that they threw her off of the plane?

So I assume that this means that women can now fly in their underwear?

I wonder how many people will refuse to ride this pantie plane. I know i wouldn't get could dead boarding that plane

This is the MOST ridiculous thing I have ever heard!! You people are going to stop saving money because you're insecure about an amazing looking woman in a bathing suit, really? That is ludicris! And to the lady that said SI is for the dirty perverted men to look at....have you ever opened a SI mag? Obviously not, since it is called Sports Illustrated, guess what you find inside?....wait for it......SPORTS!!! Whoa, slow down let me give you a minute...ok. Now what is the big damn deal? I bet half of your kids right now are sitting at the babysitters watching an episode of Days of Our Lives as we speak, and we all know what kind of stuff goes on on soap operas now. Which is worse? Grow up and get over all of this ignorance! I personally have flown SW only twice and I loved it....great company....please get a life people...

I do think this is in bad taste. She is half naked for god sake and i wouldnt want my young children seeing this and thinking that this type of sexual connotation is okay in everyday life. What exactly makes SWA think this is okay? They fly families do they not? They are going to lose a lot of business from the 'family friendly' flyers. How dumb does your marketing team have to be to completely disregard such a controversial social standard as selling sex on a once family friendly airline? Yes you can see women at a beach in bikini's but that's where they belong and are in the correct context at the beach. Mainly what bothers me with this type of advertising, this just adds to all the sexism in the U.S. towards women. It makes us feel inadequate if we dont look or dress like the women in the media. No young girl should be made to feel like in order for her to get attention or to be considered worth anything she needs to look and dress sexually enticing. Does anyone realize just how much pressure is put on young girls and women to be sexy? ...What about men? Why isn't a near-naked male model plastered on the other side of the SWA plane? Why isnt there hundreds of male strip clubs in a major city like there are with female dancer clubs? Why isnt there sexy men in 90% of TV commercials? Why isnt there a "guys next door" show with half-naked male models constantly running around and showing off? I could go on and on... its just not fair. Women are not just trashy sexual objects! Shame on you Southwest for contributing to an already over-abundant sexism problem in the U.S.

Hi, 1915? Yeah, I think I found your uptight Puritanical viewpoint. What it's doing in 2009, I have no idea.

To those disappointed by, ashamed of, or no longer using Southwest because of this ad, thank you on behalf of those of us that don't find a person's body a perverse, dirty thing, because there will be more seats to choose from now.

There is a place for SI Swimsuit Issue -- for those who buy it and want to see it. I wouldn't show it to my 3 year old son, but thanks to Southwest, the next time we are at at the airport I'll either have to cover his eyes or try to explain the exploitation of women. Southwest, you've cheapened women, and cheapened yourselves. She's a beautiful women that belongs on the pages of a magazine, not on a jet. Grow up and stop playing 14-year old pubescent boy.

There is nothing wrong with putting a beautiful woman on the side of a plane. It would brighten my day to fly on this one. Keep up the good work SW!

This is in poor taste. Is there no such thing as decency and modesty any more? Part of society going down the tubes, it doesn't all happen at once.

I Luv it.

I think this is great!

Southwest... I am at a lost for words. WOW. I could not believe you would stoop so low.
I do not have a problem with women wearing swimsuits in a magazine or at the beach because you can choose to not buy the magazine or avoid the beach. But if you are traveling you are forced to see this plane if it should land at your airport. I wonder if southwest will offer refunds or be willing to confirm a passenger on another plane if they do not wish to board such a plane. I know I would simply walk away from the flight and ask for a full refund. I also now find myself questioning the family friendly position of southwest. I do not have any children but I could only imagine the conversation some conservative parents will have to have with their children over this.

That is very cool and a very good advertising spot. Some people will complain about anything. Way to go SOUTHWEST!!!!

This is totally distasteful. Having a half-naked woman on a plane sends a HORRIBLE self-image message to young girls everywhere (my own daughters included). You can guarantee Southwest just lost business - this family will fly other airlines instead.

I am disgusted by this low-class decision by SWA to have a 3/4 NAKED female on a plane. Though I've flown you for 18 years, I will NO LONGER fly SWA as a protest. I have plenty of friends who have told me the same. I don't care if I have to pay more for a flight with another carrier - this is so low-rent and desperate for attention. Too bad SWA can't stand on their performance record alone for attention. Too bad, too bad.

I find this VERY offensive!!! My family (with young children) will be flying southwest and I am reconsidering chaing airlines! If people want to look at this garbage....that is what SI is for. You may subscribe to it on your own.....not be forced to look at a plane sized version! This is VERY trashy and I am truly dissapointed Southwest.

I think that this is in very poor taste. I do not get offended by seeing sports illustrated magazines in stores or women dressed like this on the beach because it is to be expected. When you are going to fly on a family vacation, you don't expect to have to fly in an airplane with an almost naked woman painted on it. I agree - how much of your customer base are teenage boys? If they make up a majority of your sales, smart move. If not, bad move. I have a flight scheduled with you in two months but will be calling and cancelling because I do not want to support a company who obviously does not support family values and does not value my patronage.

Agreed that this is extremely tacky advertisting. I've lost respect for my once favorite SW. If people want to see a bikini shot, then they can buy the magazine. We should not have it shoved down our throats. Southwest - you can do better. Fine if you want to partner with S.I., but let's do something tasteful next time. Last I understand, S.I. was a sports magazine - I don't think anyone would have minded some advertisting with a sports theme.

Southwest has lost another customer. I feel this is tacky and distasteful! I am highly offended that a "family friendly" company would plaster it's plane with a picture like this. My family will be flying the competitors. I'll gladly pay more to fly with a company that has integrity!

This sends a completely wrong message. Why not showcase an Olympic athlete or someone who can be admired what what they've DONE, not just the body they were born with. This is just tacky, classless, and immature.

My compliments to the airline managers. This is innovative and hopefully others will do this too.
Nothing disgraceful here.
But it shows the minds of some prudent individuals who keep nagging on everything. I wonder how these individuals were born, dressed or naked. Here I get more concerned for the kids of those parents being so negative on here. I hope their lives dont get so screwed up like their parents minds are.
Welcome to the free world!

You nay sayers need to lighten up!!! I think the plane is beautiful and is not in bad taste at all. I fly SWA every chance I get and would not have one problem with my 11 year old daughter or 6 year old son seeing the plane. Why can't we get over beauty? There's sure more violence than there needs to be in this world!!! Keep up the good work.

Best looking plane ever!

You should give soldiers free rides home in this plane. This plane is cool, kind of cheesy, but cool.

The fact that you actually do this with your planes, ie Shamu, SI, etc. is well regarded as fun and catchy marketing by most folks. I for one say keep up the good work.

Trashy! What does a slutty Sports Ilistrateded ad have to do with an airline? It's as skanky as the piece of trash girl that got kicked off the plan. I am sick of seeing skanky girls everywhere, now I have to see them in the air? When will it stop? Well, I will never fly Southwest again.

Absolutely Beautiful Airplane South West.
Great job. A work of art.
I have to say most of all thanks for being so politically Incorrect. I wish we hade more
Companies like you in the United States. It would be such a better place to live.
Don’t worry about harsh comments about your beautiful airplane, we all know where those comments are coming from ( FULW ) and ( MWNB'S)
No matter what, Don’t stop, don’t look back, just keep moving forward.
And thanks for keeping people working.
Again, Great Job....

I am a heterosexual female and I think that the plane looks great! It's a beautiful woman and a beautiful image, and it's nice too see. Whoever disapproves is probably insecure and miserable. Though in all fairness, where is the hunky man image? And please spare us from the image of Venus Williams, as one user suggested. Although she looks like a dude, it's not exactly the same.

I dont so much mind the pictures on your plane. But as a parent, I will eschew your lower rates and buy more expensive tickets on another airline so that my young children dont feel that flying your airline is like flying on a Los angeles of las vegas billboard that only glorifies women when they are half undresses. A suggestion.... How about plastering the side of your plane with a clothed, professional looking Bar Rafieli?? That would be just as sexy and welcoming, without being offenssive to families and children that usually travel Southwest and love it.

Kim

Just saw on Inside Edition this short story - they talked about this blog and of course only mentioned the up tight comments in this blog.. I think it is SMART and FUN. People who are offended by a beautiful person in a bathing suit should move to amish country.

I am so disappointed with Southwest Airlines. The naked woman picture is demeaning and disrespectful. As a female adult professional, I obviously do not fall in your target market.
I have been a loyal Southwest flier. Really, you need to apologize and take it off immediately.
When I point to a plane in the air, it is to remind my daughter she can be a pilot NOT a swimsuit model.

Gee, it' s just so fresh when people pretend that rejecting something sexist is "puritanical."
Where's the guy in the speedo?

I have a feeling that the guys complaining, which I can't beleive there are any, could never get a girl like this and they hate the person they wake up next to every morning. The women comlaining obviously don't have bodies like that becasue if they did, they could appreciate the hard work it takes to have a nice toned body. It all comes down to jealousy.

The ad is fine. Why are some people just SO UPTIGHT. Get a life people.

I fail to see why this is so shocking? she's hot! :D

everyone just wants a reason to complain about something. all the united states has turned into is a bunch of whining babies. who cares that there is a Swimsuit model on the side of the plane. You don't even see the side of the plane when you "get on the plane" with your "business co-workers". everyone, mostly media turns everything into a story and all of us just follow the lead so we have something to complain about and feel sorry about ourselves

miss i negotiated my career for 10 years? do you wear a bikini when you go to the beach or is that too akward (or perhaps a one piece is more appropriate for you). do you take the kids to the beach or is it tooooo akward for them to see someone in a bikini. she isn't naked having sex on the side of the plane. quit crying. we're turning into the french. idiots.

This woman is gorgeous and it is a great marketing campaign for Southwest. Smart move.

Are U serious? There's bigger issues than a SI Photo on the side of a plane and some of U think it's offensive? Pump your brakes, if don't like it , don't fly it. Now, how simple it that. Next time SI try a Jumbo Jet and really piss the "I don't have a life, so I'll go whine over nothing idiot".
HAVE A GOOD DAY!

This is fine! There is nothing wrong with having a woman in a bikini on a plane. Seriously, people need to lighten up!

hahahah wow you people really need to chill out. it's a plane and she has clothes on. do you freak out when you go to the beach? this is 2009 have you been living under a rock? i would expect this from mormons in Utah but jeez...it is amazing how so many people complain about every thing possible...if i spent my whole life being negative i would probably understand you people

Way to sexually exploit women, SW. Great job! Promoting the idea that women are objects to be used and abused. Right on! Keep it up!! I think the rape rate will rise to an all time high with the help of SW. Awesome!! Care to include sexual exploitation of children, animal abuse or incest? Why let those plane sit 'blank' when you could paint them all!!!

I think the picture is very beautiful, however my sister
was denied boarding for wearing much, much more
than this. She was wearing a top that the female gate
attendant felt showed too much cleavage. "Making other
passangers feel uncomfortable". Funny.

This is incredibly disgusting. I'm all for beautiful, confident women, but it should not be plastered on the side of a plane. This promotion suggests that women are only worthy of your recognition if they have their breasts popping out of their skimpy tops. Not only that, but you are perpetuating an image of women which is unrealistic and undesirable. I'm glad to know you are promoting this outrageous image so I can never use your airlines again and I will be sure to inform my family and friends about this as well.

I will not be flying Southwest now, I will patronize other airlines that do not encourage the objectification of women.

I don't care about a picture of a girl in a bikini being on the airplane, and anyone who thinks this will harm their kids needs to get a grip.

That said, until Israelis stop using Palestinian kids for target practice and slaughtering whole families, I don't really want to see one of them anywhere.

This is just gross.

As a woman and a feminist I find it completely disgusting that this is plastered across a plane as "advertising". I am a frequent traveler and have earned many, many free flights on SWA over the years but I absolutely will be flying another airline until this is rectified.

Take the ad down and go back to a decent image, SWA. Your female customers deserve better than this.

HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES

Doing this and your flight attendants are making women passengers cover up if they feel their outfits are inappropriate.

HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES HYPOCRITES

this is great! party on!

LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE...it's just a darn airplane for goodness sakes!

As for comments that you would not want your mother or child to see this plane pulll up...well then what do you do when you are in Wal Mart...cover their eyes when you go by the fashion magazines? Do you let them watch TV? If so they see much, much worse than a woman in a bikini.

Get over it. She's hot, it's just an ad, she is covered. Don't you people have anything more important to complain about. Just so you know, this is what advertising is intended to do, get a company or product name TALKED about. Anyone who has a problem with this and blogs, emails or privately gripes about it is only proving that it was a genius marketing/advertising move.

Love the plane! Love the creativity!

Isn't it great to fly around the country in something other than a standard plane with the standard company logo on it. This is exactly what this country needs -- to jazz things up a bit.

And to anyone who thinks it's tacky: remember, it's just an airplane; it's just a girl in a swimsuit. Don't be so ...., whatever. All men love it (whether they admit it or not). Young women love it because that's what they all want to look like the model. Older women -- well, it probably ticks them off because they don't look like that any more and so they respond by hating anyone who does.

Enjoy the plane. Enjoy your flight. Two "perky" thumbs up for SWA.

I for one like the idea... the folks in Strategic PR really hit a home run with this one. It will be a 60-day decal that will be talked about for at least 60 days. :-D

Good job Beth and Ginger.. and Christi for the great blog post!

hi, i am in high school and pictures like this are why me and all my friends don't eat. and most of the ones who DO eat have to make themself sick after. meaning tthey throwing up. because this is the only images of girls we ever see on any tv and magazines. sometimes it sucks being a girl :( i am a size 4 and looking at this picture i feel so fat and gross, i wis i was a size 0.

You people really need to loosen up. ITS A WOMEN IN A BIKINI!! WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL!. She's not naked you people amaze me. Good job southwest you did nothing wrong.

WHAT WILL ALL YOU HOLLY ROLLERS ,DO OR SAY IF THAY PAINTED THE LAST SUPPER ON THE DAM AIRPLANE .I BET YOU WILL NOT BITCH ABOUT IT THEN .AND SW AIRLINES CHANGE THAIR NAME TO HOLLY MOLLY ROLLER ,AIRLINES AND HAVE NUNS AS FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND PRIESTS AS PILOTS. THAT WILL BE OK IN YOUR MINDS BUT DON'T FORGET .YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS AT ALL TIMES ON THIS FLIGHT THEIR ARE PRIESTS ABOARD GOD HELP YOU. I WILL BE TAKEING MY FAMILY ON THE SPORT ILLUSTRATED FLIGHT THANK YOU.

What`s the problem ...... she`s got clothes on! Human skin is the most natural thing in the world..... You live in a crazy country: If a woman show her tits you go nuts and she probably will be punished...., but to own a gun and carry it around is a humen right. How stupid.....

Give the girl a burka!

I suppose that is the only way to satisfy many of you......

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

-------------> 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)

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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???

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.

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

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!!!!!

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!!!

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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. :)

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.

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.

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