TLC & Southwest Airlines Team Up for New Reality TV Series “On The Fly”

During a time when airlines in the United States have struggled, many very publicly in the eye of the media, Southwest Airlines has not seemed to go through nearly the number of issues that have plagued others in the industry. When other airlines have gone one way, Southwest has seemed to do just the opposite, as when they launched their wildly successful "Bags Fly Free" campaign amidst new fees from its competitors that had passengers seeing red. One might wonder to exactly what the airline that originated out of Texas back in 1971 can attribute its recent success. Now the airline is giving TV viewers a special look into the company's day to day operations in a brand new reality TV series.

On May 24th, 2012 at 9/8 central, TLC and Southwest Airlines premier their first episode of "On the Fly." TLC describes the show concept on their website to encompass the following general premise:

On the Fly gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the large-scale operations and personal customer stories at Southwest Airlines.

Each episode introduces viewers to Southwest Airlines employees who must think on their feet as they cope with weather delays, irate passengers, and more surprising situations.

On the Fly offers a look at the dramatic and uplifting moments that occur while flying the largest domestic airline in the U.S.

This concept might sound similar to anyone familiar with the now defunct A&E series "Airline" that aired back in 2004 and 2005, also featuring Southwest Airlines.

It's a pretty safe bet that one of biggest entertainment factors for this series is going to be conflict with passengers; who doesn't love a good fight? The tag-line for "On the Fly" just happens to be "Stand By for Turbulence." After all, chances are that if you are a passenger talking with an airline's customer service representative, something has gone horribly wrong and restraint isn't likely to ensue. Let's face it, employees who signed on to work the customer service counter for any airline have set themselves up to catch flack all day long; I for one will most likely tune in for a good laugh at their expense. Sorry to all of you customer service representatives out there!

Southwest Airlines has also been know to have some pretty unconventional employees in the past as well. One of their staff, a ramp agent turned flight attendant, has actually become somewhat of a YouTube sensation as he has gained fame for rapping the safety instructions to airline passengers before takeoff. We have to wonder if this type of unique approach by the airline's employees might be taken to new heights as the series searches for ways to entertain TV audiences. Only time will tell but while you are waiting for the new show to lift-off on May 24th, you can give TLC's sneak preview provided below a quick watch to see if this new series is for you.