Southwest Airlines Brings Back Fun with "Shark Week" Promotion

July 24, 2023: Southwest Airlines, known for its troubles with labor issues and customer perception, has decided to change the narrative and lighten the mood. The airline recently brought back its annual “Shark Week” promotion in collaboration with Warner Bros., adding some fun to its operations.

The airline faced challenges with its workforce, with pilots and flight attendants negotiating new contracts more contentiously than before. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s leadership, leading to potential strike risks.

To address its problems and restore confidence, Southwest invested $1.3 billion in new technology, personnel, and equipment, showing early signs of improvement during the 4th of July holiday. However, the fallout from the previous holiday season’s meltdown still lingered, and the airline recognized the need to maintain efforts to regain customer trust.

During these challenges, Southwest decided to bring some enjoyment to its passengers. “Shark Week,” a week-long event showcasing special programming about sharks, returned to select airports and onboard flights. Despite its peculiar fit for an airline, the partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery has proven successful over the past decade.

Southwest Airlines passengers were treated to “Shark Week” content on its flights, allowing them to enjoy Discovery Channel’s exclusive programming before its network premiere. The airline’s initiative to engage customers with trivia games and airport giveaways adds excitement.

By embracing the “Shark Week” promotion, Southwest Airlines aims to create positive passenger experiences while navigating labor unrest. The partnership adds a touch of entertainment and excitement during the journey, which could be a strategic move to uplift customer sentiment during challenging times.

Overall, Southwest Airlines’ decision to bring back the “Shark Week” promotion offers a welcome distraction for passengers amidst ongoing labor issues. As the airline works to address its internal challenges, providing enjoyable experiences can be a step towards rebuilding customer loyalty and improving its public perception.