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Penguin on a Plane: The Story Behind Pete

rnelson
Explorer C

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's your lucky day."
 
Those seven words, kindly provided by the flight attendant, can either make or break a flight.  Are we about to experience copious amounts of turbulence?  Is someone famous on board?  Is the lavatory door jammed?  Will we be receiving an unlimited supply of delicious honey roasted peanuts?
 
Then came the follow-up, "We have Pete the penguin from SeaWorld on board this Southwest flight, and we would like to take him out so he can stretch his legs and walk down the aisle."

The following 15 minutes of Southwest Airlines Flight 583 from San Francisco to San Diego confirmed my love for Southwest Airlines, SeaWorld, and random acts of animals walking on airplanes.  As Pete waddled toward the rear of the aircraft, passing giddy children and business people alike, a SeaWorld representative provided facts and information regarding penguins over the flight PA system.  Pete confidently strutted his way down the aisle while periodically poking his head under seats.

“That's not something you see everyday!" understated the passenger next to me.

"Haha, I thought penguins couldn't fly?!”  I heard from the back of the aircraft.

As Pete made his first pass, I decided to begin recording him by placing my laptop on the ground, where I could record a "bird's eye view," with the hopes of later sharing this experience with my friends and family.  After the curious penguin made his two trips up and down the aisle, he was placed back into his carrier, leaving passengers in a state of "shock and awwwwe."  Pete's tuxedo tour left a lingering buzz the remainder of the flight--it truly was our lucky day.

I later decided to upload the video onto YouTube.  Little did I know, “Penguins on a Plane” had a one-way ticket to viral-town. Within two weeks, Pete became the most popular penguin in the press, waddling his way onto major television networks and acquiring over half a million YouTube views.

Thanks, Southwest and SeaWorld, for letting Pete the Penguin march his way into everyone’s hearts!

11 Comments
Roslyn
Explorer C
This makes me love Southwest even more!
J_Nielsen
Explorer C
Too bad Pete had to go back to animal jail after that 😞
skaizun1
Explorer C
Well, of course it had to go to jail: It left its ID in its other tuxedo!!! 😉
Judy_Elfving
Explorer C
Pete - you're free to move about the country.
bill_mayhew
Explorer C
I wish they would treat ME that well
Dave_Byrd-Stadl
Explorer C
Great publicity for SWA too. Hope you got a free ticket to somewhere!!
Lowanda_Brown
Explorer C
I hate to fly. I like Southwest Airline when I have to fly. I would have gladly flown for this experience of seeing a penquin up close and personal.
A_A__Bala
Explorer C
I seen dogs and parakeets on SWA. They get A-list points too. More fun.
megan
Explorer B
Where was his penguin friend Penny? Don't Pete and Penny travel together?
Jenn7
Explorer C
They don't let you fly your cat or dog with you in a carrier, but they allow penguins to walk down the aisle. Go figure. Yet another reason why I DON'T like Southwest.
tyler-campbell
Explorer C
cool!