It’s been awhile since I put up some good airplane porn, huh? Well, let’s break that streak. Southwest has a long history of painting airplanes to look like the state flags of its biggest operation locations. Texas, Arizona, and California, for example, have them, but there’s been a gaping hole for some time . . . Illinois.
So now they’ve painted a plane to look like the state flag of Illinois. Since Southwest took over ATA’s space at Chicago/Midway, they’ve really grown like a weed, so this seems appropriate. And speaking of weed . . .
Am I the only one thinks this Eagle looks like he’s got a pot leaf in one claw while he tears through someone’s artery with his beak? Ok, maybe I am the only one. Southwest’s PR team sent this to me, and I must admit that the eagle hanging out in front of the plane is a little intimidating.
In case you wondered what the Illinois state flag actually looks like . . .
Hmm, it definitely is a little easier to see what’s going on when you see the flag. That’s not an easy one to put on to a plane, but it’s a lot better than, oh, Maryland.
14 comments on “Southwest’s Crazy Eagle Airplane Porn”
Ha…love it. Also love the fact that I was able to get a $59 (including taxes/fees) one-way to MDW-TPA with them (my girlfriend is making the big move to Chicago, so I’m flying down and driving her up).
Yikes! that is a bit much.
I miss the AWA 757’s. Themes look better on a long canvas.
The A319 doesn’t cut it.
Hey, leave Maryland alone – That one is my favorite of course.
Thats pretty amazing, but no one mention what appears to be a real live eagle, with handler,right in front of the engine. We all know about birds and engines. Nice picture.
Stepehen,
It was a real live eagle. The handler and the bird walked by me after the end of the ceremony.
hey CF,
Lighten up on Maryland, their flag is what it is. Do you know how many state flags contain an image of a ship with either a pair of bears, deer, or horses surrounding the state seal?
Brian – It’s true. The state created the flag and Southwest did the best they could with it. But man, that’s a rough one.
re: Brian
Growing up as a Michigan native I can name one. Standing on their hind legs no less.
well, the Eagle looks like a rip-off of the NFL logo… and angry, too… but otherwise i like it… the ribbon doesn’t look like an artery to me… nor does the folliage look like pot… but here in Connecticut, all we get is grapevines…
James,
I’m surprised the Michigan flag doesn’t portray a wolverine?
What a gorgeous aircraft!
re: Brian — that would make the MSU folks in Lansing livid – who are arch rivals with the U of M Wolverines. Might as well make the flag Ohio State :)
Hmm. Interesting use of my name!!
This is a good effort that was made. Yeah, the eagle does look angry but the painting is very good.
Actually, the Illinois flag reminds me a lot of the Mexican national flag. Eagle standing on a rock in the middle of a lake or something like that.
But I fly S/W a lot and they have a good act going. Reasonable rates, peanuts are fresh, what else could you ask for.