By Josh Cohen
Jan. 25, 2017
ORLANDO – Southwest Airlines customers on flights arriving from Denver and departing to Milwaukee were treated to a unique experience at Gate 121 of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport on Wednesday.
Orlando Magic players Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon showed up to surprise the passengers and help make their flights more fun and festive.
The players joined forces with Southwest employees to work the scheduled flights, direct the aircraft on the apron, assist patrons at the gate podium and hand out snacks and souvenirs. Gordon even got an inside look at the cockpit to learn a bit about the job of the pilots.
“It was a really fun experience,” Vucevic said. “You get to see stuff that you can’t really see as a passenger.”
“I learned how to bring in an airplane and guide an airplane out to take off,” an amazed Gordon said.
Many travelers waiting to board their flights throughout Terminal A made their way over to Gate 121 to meet the players. They took pictures with Vucevic and Gordon and interacted with them.
“It’s nice to see the expressions on people’s faces,” Gordon said. “They are smiling, laughing, it’s really cool.”
This wasn’t Vucevic or Gordon’s first time helping out at the airport. They each did this before and love the opportunity to work with the Southwest crew.
“They are really great,” Vucevic said about working with the Southwest team. “They brought a lot of energy and were really happy helping us and showing us stuff so it was a great experience.”