Southwest is bringing back their promotion of Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" this July. This year, Southwest will be offering customers some extra entertainment onboard. In 2019, Shark Week is celebrating its 31st anniversary, and this will be the sixth year of Shark Week and Southwest's promotional campaigns. Let's see what Southwest Airlines has in store for Shark Week 2019!

Southwest Airlines and Shark Week

For the past six years, Southwest Airlines has been a partner of Discovery Channel's Shark Week programming. Every year, for one week, the Discovery Channel dedicates television programming to sharks. Shark Week serves as a way to promote shark conservation and educate viewers about the animals. Southwest Airlines is the official airline partner.

Thus, Southwest Airlines does something a little different to celebrate Shark Week. In years prior, Southwest Airlines has painted aircraft in special liveries to celebrate the event.

Shark Week 2019 and the virtual world

Shark Week 2019 will begin airing on Discovery Channel starting on July 28th per a Southwest Airlines media statement. This year, Southwest Airlines is offering an enhanced onboard experience to make Shark Week come alive for passengers. One of the newest additions to Shark Week 2019 is augmented reality. Southwest Airlines has released a new virtual experience that allows users to "swim with sharks" and share the images across social media.

In addition to this programming, Southwest Airlines is also offering Shark Week content on personal devices. These include access to episodes from years past. However, as a special treat, passengers will also get to experience a new episode that is yet to air. Furthermore, come Shark Week 2019, passengers will be able to use Southwest's inflight services on WiFi-equipped flights to watch Shark Week programming.

On the ground

At the gate, employees will offer some Southwest Airlines fun with Shark Week promotions. These include interactive materials, games, and, in the past, some lucky passengers have gotten to take a photoshoot with a shark!

Inflight fun

In addition to accessing onboard entertainment, passengers may also notice some fun in the skies. Previously, sharks have flown onboard Southwest Airlines aircraft. Don't worry, these sharks are approved to fly onboard!

Win a diving trip

Some lucky sweepstakes winners may receive a once-in-a-lifetime vacation! Called "Dare to Dive", Southwest is offering winners a trip to Nassau in the Bahamas for a diving vacation. As part of this package, the winner will be able to fly economy and bring up to three guests with them. Furthermore, the winner will receive a $3,000 gift card to use at a hotel called "The Island House" and another $375 gift card to Stuart Cove's for a diving excursion, as Southwest describes it.

Overall

Southwest Airlines is known for its quirkiness. This promotion is another way Southwest Airlines distinguishes itself from the competition. Also, this promotion raises awareness for sharks and can be an educational experience for those who consume Shark Week media.

Have you tried any of Southwest's Shark Week 2019 activities? Let us know in the comments!