On board a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 traveling between Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), passengers were treated with a unique in-flight experience. All passengers aboard the flight were gifted a ukulele and a free lesson. The experience was the world's first in-flight ukulele class.

Unique partnership

The event was made possible thanks to a joint partnership between Southwest Airlines and Guitar Center. All passengers were gifted a Mitchell MU40 Soprano ukulele and a carrying case. Guitar Center provided the lessons for the passengers. Passengers were taught to play the song "Hello, Aloha. How are you?" The instructor shared how impressed they were at how quickly the passengers picked up the instrument and learned their first song.

The Educational Affairs Specialist for Guitar Center Lessons, Alexandra Windsor, stated,

"I've taught students through Guitar Center Lessons since 2014, but never in an airplane.

"It was inspiring to see how quickly passengers of all ages picked up the ukulele — many with no musical background. The ukulele is the perfect instrument for beginners, and it shows just how fun and easy learning something new can be."

Cultural celebration

The special event promotes Hawaiian culture as Southwest continues to expand its Hawaii network. It chose to use the ukulele as a part of this unique experience as it is one of Hawaii's most popular and iconic musical instruments. The event reminds its customers of its commitment to making their flight experiences unique and memorable.

The Senior Director of Public Relations for Southwest Airlines, Brandy King, said,

"Our Customers anticipate warm Southwest Hospitality throughout their journeys with us, and these Surprise and Delight events are a unique way to create memorable experiences.

"Today's celebration of Hawaiian culture and Southwest Hospitality underscore our everyday commitment to serve and celebrate the spirit of Aloha,"

The airline also offers a Ukuleles Take Flight sweepstakes inspired by the event. The winner will receive two round-trip tickets on any Southwest Airlines flight. They will also receive two of the same ukuleles given to all the passengers aboard the ukulele flight to HNL.

Island expansion

Southwest Airlines is currently working on expanding its network of flights to and between the Hawaiian Islands. This month it has begun its expansion plans to add 12 new interisland weekly flights bringing the number of flights up from 38 to 60. It is also expanding its flight frequency on its routes that connect the contiguous US with Hawaii. The airline's post-pandemic regional expansion has been positively received due to its high flight frequency and low fares.

Interisland travel is essential for many locals and is a huge perk for tourists. Historically interisland air travel has been primarily handled by regional and charter airlines. However, Southwest has managed to be profitable in this market by offering one-way tickets on Interisland flights at a flat rate of $39. This fare includes the airline's guaranteed two free bags per passenger. This was previously a promotional fare set to last during the summer; however, Southwest recently extended this offering through the end of the year.

What do you think of this unique flight experience? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Travel Noire