Southwest Airlines to Investigate Pilot's Anti-Biden Remark

Image: Southwest airplane. (photo via Southwest) (Southwest Airplane)
Image: Southwest airplane. (photo via Southwest) (Southwest Airplane)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:59 AM ET, Mon November 1, 2021

Southwest Airlines on Sunday said it will investigate an incident in which one of its pilots used a plane's public address system to share an anti-President Biden remark with passengers.

"Southwest does not condone Employees sharing their personal political opinions while on the job," the airline said in a statement, according to multiple reports including CNN.

The pilot made his remark on a flight from Houston to Albuquerque on Friday night - a flight that just so happened to include a journalist from The Associated Press, who first reported the incident.

The pilot apparently ended the typical pre-takeoff greeting to passengers by saying "Let's Go Brandon." The phrase has become an anti-Biden spin by Republicans and Conservatives, now popular on social media, after an incident following a NASCAR event.

When driver Brandon Brown was being interviewed by a television reporter and the exchange was being broadcast over the PA system at the track, the crowd began chanting "F*** Joe Biden." The reporter, whether trying to deflect the obvious background vulgarity over live television or legitimately misunderstood over what was being said, told viewers the crowd was chanting "Let's Go Brandon."

Hence, among the political opposition to the Biden administration, "Let's Go Brandon" has become a cleaned-up version of the off-color chant.

In the meantime, it appears Southwest is having none of it.

"Southwest is conducting an internal investigation into the recently reported event and will address the situation directly with any Employee involved while continuing to remind all Employees that public expression of personal opinions while on duty is unacceptable," the airline said.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...