For years, I was the only one to don my Southwest Airlines uniform, until I let my cat try it on for size.
It all started with a post on a Southwest Employee Facebook group. Another Phoenix-based Flight Attendant had the funny idea to dress her dog up in her uniform, take a picture, and share it online. Within a couple of hours, five more Employees uploaded pictures of their animals in airline attire, and I was beside myself with laughter. Everyone, including me, wanted to take part in the game, which I called “Jet Pets.”
Next thing I knew, a photo of my cat looking ready for takeoff had 126 “likes” and 54 comments! I felt like a proud momma, and I continued to “like”—rather, LUV—the hilarious photos of snakes wearing Pilot epaulettes, puppies sporting Southwest ties, and hamsters modeling neck scarves as they flooded my newsfeed.
I’ve really enjoyed how happy it makes my Colleagues to showcase their pets, especially because, as airline Employees, we so frequently have to say goodbye to them when we travel for work. It’s our way of honoring their enduring affection for us whether we’re at home, on the road, or in the air. Uniformed or not, these pets are definitely a valued part of our Southwest Family!
Next thing I knew, a photo of my cat looking ready for takeoff had 126 “likes” and 54 comments! I felt like a proud momma, and I continued to “like”—rather, LUV—the hilarious photos of snakes wearing Pilot epaulettes, puppies sporting Southwest ties, and hamsters modeling neck scarves as they flooded my newsfeed.
I’ve really enjoyed how happy it makes my Colleagues to showcase their pets, especially because, as airline Employees, we so frequently have to say goodbye to them when we travel for work. It’s our way of honoring their enduring affection for us whether we’re at home, on the road, or in the air. Uniformed or not, these pets are definitely a valued part of our Southwest Family!