Each summer, Discovery hosts Shark Week, which is the longest-running, most-viewed cable television programming event in history. Southwest Airlines has partnered with Discovery since 2013 to celebrate the fun week of educational and entertaining content, with surprises for Customers along the way.
(Dr. Craig O’Connell and Chompie in front of Southwest aircraft.)
On July 20, Southwest Employees and Customers took part in a fin-tastic flight and had the opportunity to meet a special guest, marine biologist and Shark Week presenter, Dr. Craig O'Connell, also known as the “The Shark Doctor.” Dr. O’Connell hosted a trivia game in the gate area at LaGuardia Airport, giving away Shark Week swag to Customers, and sharing fun facts about sharks.
(Dr. Craig O’Connell hosting trivia in gate area.)
Chompie, the official Shark Week mascot, even made a surprise appearance to take photos with his fans. Customers onboard a special flight to Dallas (Love Field) received a Shark Week fin hat as they boarded their flight as a fun memento of the celebration. Additionally, Customers on a special flight at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport headed to LaGuardia were also surprised with Shark Week fin hats and trivia in the gate area.
(Southwest Customers onboard a “Fin Flight”)
Since July 1, Southwest Airlines Customers have had exclusive inflight access to sink their teeth into Discovery Channel's 2023 Shark Week programming. “The Haunting of Shark Tower,” is currently available to Southwest Customers to watch ahead of its network premiere on Friday, July 28. This episode, as well as three other fan-favorite Shark Week episodes, have been available for Customers to enjoy nearly three weeks prior to Shark Week 2023. Customers can also tune in to Shark Week 2023 live programming on Discovery beginning Sunday, July 23 through Saturday, July 29, via free live TV onboard Southwest WiFi-equipped flights.
This year marks the 10th year Southwest Airlines and Discovery Channel have partnered on exclusive programming and activations for Shark Week, and Southwest is the only airline to partner with the summer programming phenomenon. Thanks, Discovery for being such great partners!
*Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer. May not be available for the full duration of the flight.