I won the Southwest "Solarbration" Sweepstakes!

[Amie H]

This is the sweepstakes I won: https://community.southwest.com/t5/...-Hotels-amp-Resorts-Partner-for-a/ba-p/169129

I was notified last week, but it's taken some time to get all the ducks in a row. As we are now being ticketed for this kooky adventure, I wanted to share and ask advice.

I've never flown Southwest for a few reasons, the main one being that they only recently began flying out of OHare (were Midway only for Chicago market before that, and MDW is 90min away from my home bc of traffic.) I also don't like the idea of first-come-first-serve seating. I have status on AA and UA and can choose upgraded seats free w every economy ticket I buy. And finally, Southwest (and Delta) are in Terminal 5 at O'Hare which is what seems like miles of walking to get to your gate, and a very congested ticketing area.

I saw an ad for the sweepstakes a few weeks ago on Instagram and ALMOST didn't enter, because, as noted, I don't fly Southwest, and as many of you know, my schedule w work and caregiving is a tad precarious. But for whatever reason, I did, and chose one of two prizes: a flight from Austin, TX to Indianapolis to see the solar eclipse from 35,000 feet.

Last Friday morning at work, I had a weird feeling so pronounced, I mentioned it to my boss.
"I think I'm going to play the lottery or something because I have this gut feeling like I'm going to win something tonight, " I said. NO LIE.

5:26PM Friday I'm casually scrolling through my email and see a message from Southwest Marketing. A few days later they call me, and then over the past week, we've been back and forth with emails and whatnot getting the arrangements in order.

I'm a little stressed because it's bad timing with my other responsibilities, but my husband is *really* excited about it. So we will go.

Unfortunately, our return flight from Indy will take over 6.5 hours because there is no direct flight. Ugh.

I've been told that I will have "media opportunities (?)" and will be photographed and possibly used in future marketing campaigns (that I doubt.)

I am afraid of saying something stupid, blabbering too much, or otherwise not having a good answer (there was something in the affidavit I signed about "no negative" commentary" or whatever. So...

Can anyone share a few good tips on handling media interview questions (it will probably only be someone from one of the sweepstakes sponsors)? Especially how to be succint?

I watched a few YouTube videos on "how to prepare for an interview" and none of them gave any interesting advice.

I was interviewed by NPR's "Marketplace" a few years ago (interestingly enough, about travel for ski trips) and though my pull quote was funny, the reporter distorted my story when explaining the context and I wasn't happy about that.

I should be excited, but the closer this trip comes the more stressed I'm getting! Ack!

 

[Amie H]

Oh, my hubby had a good idea, "We both need new clothes if we're being photographed!"

So I've been on a bit of a shopping bender for the past week! Got some cute things at Chico's for me, and some nice slacks at Eddie Bauer for him, plus a "travel sportcoat" that was a lot more than I wanted to spend for an item he may only wear once a year. But, I reasoned, with my daughter's wedding coming up, he can wear it for social events leading up to that.

I need to get my nails done! (I rarely get my nails done - I don't have time to keep it up!)

Today I finally got myself to the Estee Lauder counter today to have a professional match a skin tint to my face for me (I haven't used foundation in ages!) And again, it was on my "to do" list to have a makeup reassessment and advisement before the wedding so two birds, one stone...

 

[Christy]

Holy sh$$ that is amazing, start to finish. (The premonition!). I found an article about the flight: https://www.stlpr.org/health-scienc...-see-it-from-the-sky-on-this-southwest-flight

I don't fly SW either for similar reasons as you but for this, who cares. I have to think everyone gets a window seat? It wouldn't make any sense to let someone on an eclipse flight then make them sit in the aisle where they can't see anything.

Do you have to get yourself to Austin?

 

[Amie H]

Re: The premonition - my boss was the first one I told after my husband. He even said, "You knew you felt lucky today!"

Haha, re: window seats, you'd *think*. I raised the question, it took them two days to assure me that they will have "staff" escort us aboard early so we can get a good seat.

They fly us to Austin (luckily that one is a nonstop.) We have to pay our own parking at the airport and our own meals for the 3 days we travel (personally, were I arranging this, I'd have Omni throw in $100 resort credit to use toward dining on-site. When I go on my casino trips, they usually throw in a certain amount of "comps" for food or buying snacks at gift shop or whatever.)

Oh, and I have to pay a petsitter, too. but whatever, no big deal.

 

[santacruz skier]

That is so cool!!

 

[Jenny]

Wow, congratulations! How fun!

 

[Christy]

Haha, re: window seats, you'd *think*. I raised the question, it took them two days to assure me that they will have "staff" escort us aboard early so we can get a good seat.

They fly us to Austin (luckily that one is a nonstop.) We have to pay our own parking at the airport and our own meals for the 3 days we travel (personally, were I arranging this, I'd have Omni throw in $100 resort credit to use toward dining on-site. When I go on my casino trips, they usually throw in a certain amount of "comps" for food or buying snacks at gift shop or whatever.)

But others have paid $$$$ for this, right? It's a special eclipse flight? Or is it a random flight between those 2 cities that happens to cross the path?

We will be in TX for this.

 

[Amie H]

It's a regularly scheduled flight, from what I can find. But they figured that 1) these are in the path to view 2) there are Omni hotels (the co-sponsor) on both ends of the journey.

 

[Amie H]

When I mentioned on this thread about maybe doing a big trip to Bretton Woods next ski season, it's because part of my prize is top tier w Omni, so I could book a basic room at the Bretton Woods/Mt Washington Omni and automatically upgrade to a suite plus get some goodies and whatnot at check in - IF they give me status for a YEAR and not just through December. I'm specifically going to ask when I meet with someone from Omni (it was hinted that they have a special something or other at the Omni in Indianapolis after we land. )

 

[Amie H]

Does anyone have any media advice though?

A college friend who writes for a Texas-based publication was asked if he wanted to cover the story and be on MY flight! I wish he was going to be the person,because I'd be more relaxed.

 

[Knitjenious]

Media advice from my time in nonprofit marketing:

Ask if they will give you some questions in advance.

But I would assume they would ask some things like: why did you enter the contest? How did you feel when you won? What do you think will be/what was the coolest/your favorite/ most memorable thing about this experience? They probably expect you will thank the company/sponsors. So plan a few sound bites in advance and practice them. And remember their goal is to make Southwest look fun and appealing and good.

Three core key messages is enough. Then you can riff on those themes.

E.g. key messages: Once in a lifetime opportunity. It's personal to me for XYZ reason (childhood love of science! Because it makes my husband happy. Etc) Southwest has made this a very easy and smooth experience.

If they ask you a question off camera, restate the question in your answer. E.g. "why did you do this?" "I did this because ..."

That's the best I have off the top of my head!

Love this fun opportunity for you. My home city of Buffalo is also in the path of totality, and it is BIG DEAL here! Lol

 

[Amie H]

@Knitjenious thank you! I'm going to print out your notes and share w my husband. My biggest worry is I'd be asked
"why did you enter" and I'd say, "I dunno."
"What did you think when you learned you won?" "Oh sh*t, now I have to ask my boss for MORE time off!"
"How do you feel about this experience?" "Tired and hungry as usual."

 

[Iwannaski]

I do messaging for a living.

1) what do you want someone who watches you to take away? “Isn’t nature amazing?” or “Isn’t luck funny?” Or “This is an amazing year” or whatever…

2) whatever it is? That’s home base. Everything you say can/should support that. When lost, say that as an anchor.

3) also, short is better. Not terse, but short. Situation. Result. Core message. Repeat. ;)
3a) If you stray from the message, say something about UA or AA immediately, and they’ll have to cut it. ;)

You will be great! Share it if it happens!!!
Congratulations, I’m super jealous. We saw last total eclipse (2017?) in TN, and it was an AMAZING experience. We had the safety glasses, but we also made the cool projection thing and were amazed that it worked. We’ll get to 85% Here, and I’m pretty stoked. I hope you get a good view of the corona.

 

[Amie H]

@Iwannaski thank you!

Believe it or not, my first job after college was in the PR dept of an NGO. However, I did a lot more with collateral like slides - remember those? No, NOT PowerPoint pages; actual photographic SLIDES! And I was a writer, so I was on the other side of the pencil! I had my little list, and my fallback questions as well. The hardest part of interviewing was people who were just too shy to talk. I do NOT have that problem.

What do I want someone to take away from what I say? Hmm, all I know is I *don't* want them to think, "Sheesh, what a goober."

 

[mustski]

Awesome! As for answering questions … it’s all about the beginning phrase:
We are so grateful …
I hoped that …
The experience is …
It’s my first time flying Southwest and….
I never imagined…
I can’t even begin to describe…
No words could adequately explain…

 

[Iwannaski]

@Amie H … I taught chemistry in grad school … I remember when the idea of PRINTING FROM A PRINTER onto a transparency was the latest in technology. As an undergrad I taught chem lab with actual chalk. (I had to use one of those chalk holders, b/c my skin coudln’t take direct contact) LOLOL

But yes, I can veer off topic. I find having a few anchor phrases a positive spin will set the tone in ANY setting.

 

[VickiK]

The premonition you had is awesome, worthy of sharing!

 

[skinnyfootskis]

This is the sweepstakes I won: https://community.southwest.com/t5/...-Hotels-amp-Resorts-Partner-for-a/ba-p/169129

I was notified last week, but it's taken some time to get all the ducks in a row. As we are now being ticketed for this kooky adventure, I wanted to share and ask advice.

I've never flown Southwest for a few reasons, the main one being that they only recently began flying out of OHare (were Midway only for Chicago market before that, and MDW is 90min away from my home bc of traffic.) I also don't like the idea of first-come-first-serve seating. I have status on AA and UA and can choose upgraded seats free w every economy ticket I buy. And finally, Southwest (and Delta) are in Terminal 5 at O'Hare which is what seems like miles of walking to get to your gate, and a very congested ticketing area.

I saw an ad for the sweepstakes a few weeks ago on Instagram and ALMOST didn't enter, because, as noted, I don't fly Southwest, and as many of you know, my schedule w work and caregiving is a tad precarious. But for whatever reason, I did, and chose one of two prizes: a flight from Austin, TX to Indianapolis to see the solar eclipse from 35,000 feet.

Last Friday morning at work, I had a weird feeling so pronounced, I mentioned it to my boss.
"I think I'm going to play the lottery or something because I have this gut feeling like I'm going to win something tonight, " I said. NO LIE.

5:26PM Friday I'm casually scrolling through my email and see a message from Southwest Marketing. A few days later they call me, and then over the past week, we've been back and forth with emails and whatnot getting the arrangements in order.

I'm a little stressed because it's bad timing with my other responsibilities, but my husband is *really* excited about it. So we will go.

Unfortunately, our return flight from Indy will take over 6.5 hours because there is no direct flight. Ugh.

I've been told that I will have "media opportunities (?)" and will be photographed and possibly used in future marketing campaigns (that I doubt.)

I am afraid of saying something stupid, blabbering too much, or otherwise not having a good answer (there was something in the affidavit I signed about "no negative" commentary" or whatever. So...

Can anyone share a few good tips on handling media interview questions (it will probably only be someone from one of the sweepstakes sponsors)? Especially how to be succint?

I watched a few YouTube videos on "how to prepare for an interview" and none of them gave any interesting advice.

I was interviewed by NPR's "Marketplace" a few years ago (interestingly enough, about travel for ski trips) and though my pull quote was funny, the reporter distorted my story when explaining the context and I wasn't happy about that.

I should be excited, but the closer this trip comes the more stressed I'm getting! Ack!

That’s awesome, I started filling the raffle out then realized I’m busy out of state that day. Enjoy it!!!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Wow! Congrats! >> Even though the return trip (6.5 hours??) sounds a bit...daunting.

We were regular SWA flyers for many years since moving east - back when it was a “low-cost” carrier (no more), even traveling 160 miles to the nearest airport (worth it for the savings). No problems, no complaints - and always a hoot to score boarding pass A1 : ) (rare!) One sad time, I scored C60. Last seat, last to board <sigh>

 

[Amie H]

Yeah, that's the odd thing about them. At least in my market, they are nowhere near the cheapest option for most routes.