Southwest: Penguins should fly

DeltaFlot · 02-04-2003, 11:34 AM

Southwest: Penguins should fly
Amusement value, lack of pockets cited
Tuesday, February 4, 2003 Posted: 8:56 AM EST (1356 GMT)

DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- Southwest Airlines is seeking the government's approval to bring back its popular SeaWorld penguin tours, in which two of the tuxedoed waddlers are put on jets to promote the amusement park as a summer destination.

The promotion was shut down after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and some security concerns must be addressed before the promotion can restart.

"One of the things that they mentioned was, `Would it be possible that we would be able to wand the animals?"' said Melanie Jones, creative manager for the Dallas-based carrier.

SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines have worked since the 1980s to lure business to parks in San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; and Orlando, Florida. Southwest flew SeaWorld animals -- most often their penguins, but sometimes parrots -- to cities that have nonstop flights to the parks.

"If we can find a way to make this happen, far be it from us to not say yes," said Ed Martelle, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration. "The trick is being able to do this and not compromise security."

Southwest has been informed that whatever animals would be brought would be subject to wanding at the security checkpoint.

SeaWorld officials say that's OK since the penguins travel well and are used to being handled.

"We feel like they really brighten people's days," said Fran Stephenson, SeaWorld's spokeswoman in San Antonio. "Besides, they don't have any pockets to empty."

BHopper88 · 02-04-2003, 11:40 AM

forget the meals on the big carriers i would pay to play with the penguins Talk about a fun flight..... or adults hogging the penguins saying "NO LITTLE GIRL, I PAYED A FULL FARE, SO I GET TO PLAY WITH HIM THE LONGEST"

02-04-2003, 11:43 PM

Lol, actually I like this idea very much, I would certainlly cheer up a gloomy airline industry.

02-04-2003, 11:34 AM	#1
DeltaFlot The Patriot Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Laurel, MD Age: 35 Posts: 3,228	Southwest: Penguins should fly Southwest: Penguins should fly Amusement value, lack of pockets cited Tuesday, February 4, 2003 Posted: 8:56 AM EST (1356 GMT) DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- Southwest Airlines is seeking the government's approval to bring back its popular SeaWorld penguin tours, in which two of the tuxedoed waddlers are put on jets to promote the amusement park as a summer destination. The promotion was shut down after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and some security concerns must be addressed before the promotion can restart. "One of the things that they mentioned was, `Would it be possible that we would be able to wand the animals?"' said Melanie Jones, creative manager for the Dallas-based carrier. SeaWorld and Southwest Airlines have worked since the 1980s to lure business to parks in San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; and Orlando, Florida. Southwest flew SeaWorld animals -- most often their penguins, but sometimes parrots -- to cities that have nonstop flights to the parks. "If we can find a way to make this happen, far be it from us to not say yes," said Ed Martelle, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration. "The trick is being able to do this and not compromise security." Southwest has been informed that whatever animals would be brought would be subject to wanding at the security checkpoint. SeaWorld officials say that's OK since the penguins travel well and are used to being handled. "We feel like they really brighten people's days," said Fran Stephenson, SeaWorld's spokeswoman in San Antonio. "Besides, they don't have any pockets to empty." __________________ Febuary 15, 1898 December 7, 1941 June 8, 1967 September 11, 2001 Never Forget, Never Forgive If you kick the Tiger in the arse, you better be able to deal with the Tiger's teeth.

02-04-2003, 11:40 AM	#2
BHopper88 Master Collector Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Home: Beverly Hills, Michigan (burb of Detroit), School: Grand Forks, North Dakota Age: 30 Posts: 547	I WANNA PLAY WITH THE PENGUIN forget the meals on the big carriers i would pay to play with the penguins Talk about a fun flight..... or adults hogging the penguins saying "NO LITTLE GIRL, I PAYED A FULL FARE, SO I GET TO PLAY WITH HIM THE LONGEST"

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02-04-2003, 11:43 PM	#3
Romania is #1 Guest Posts: n/a	Lol, actually I like this idea very much, I would certainlly cheer up a gloomy airline industry.