Southwest Gate Agent Captivates Passengers With Games During Delay

Image: Southwest Airlines plane taking off. (photo via jcheris/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Southwest Airlines plane taking off. (photo via jcheris/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:17 PM ET, Mon August 26, 2019

Passengers waiting for their delayed Southwest Airlines flight were growing tense last week before a friendly gate agent turned the ordeal into a fun game night.

According to People.com, a traveler named Kristen Dundas shared a story on social media that explained how a Southwest employee awarded prizes for the worst driver's license picture last Thursday while travelers waited 2.5 hours for their delayed flight.

Dundas was scheduled to depart from Orlando en route to Washington D.C. when the passengers were informed bad weather had moved into the area and the flight would be delayed. The woman said she was about to get mad, but the unidentified gate agent diffused the situation.

Video of the impromptu games was shared by Dundas on Twitter:

The official Twitter account of Southwest responded to Dundas:

In addition to the worst driver's license picture competition, Dundas said the gate agent also orchestrated a paper airplane contest, both of which earned winners Southwest merchandise and $25 vouchers toward future flights.

In the past, other Southwest employees have used similar ideas to help passengers impacted by delays, including offering free Wi-Fi for the best paper airplane during a 2017 delay in Dallas.

Southwest Airlines spokesperson Dan Landson told people, "The customer service agent in the video is known for putting a smile on our customers' faces by playing games in the gate area while making travel fun and enjoyable for everyone."


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

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

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.
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.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...