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Help Me Decide

I can’t believe it.  Summer is almost over, and Halloween is just around the corner.  This will be my fifth Halloween as Southwest’s CEO, and little did I know what kind of impact my costumes would have.  In 2004, I portrayed mega-rock star, Gene Simmons of KISS,

and the year after that, I rode the range as Wild Bill Hickok. 

In 2005, I took on a nautical air as that rascally Captain Jack Sparrow,

and last year I was the demure Edna Turnblad from Hairspray.

My Halloween Elves are ready to get the 2008 “Gary” set up, and I need suggestions about who (or what) I should portray for Halloween.  It would be really nice if your suggestion doesn’t involve shortterm (and especially longterm!) body modifications like shaving my legs, although I will sacrifice for art—within reason.

So be creative and leave your suggestion, and it’s okay to color outside the lines—the good folks at Spirit Halloween stores will make your idea come to life.

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An obvious choice would be the Joker from Dark Night but that would leave you in a pool of about 1000 people who want to be him for Halloween. Since this summer was about Marvel movies, try an X-Men character or go all out and build an Iron Man suite :-)

I'm thinking Sam (Pierce Brosnan) in Mama Mia would be great fun if you break into song and dance every so often. ;-)

I have to vote for Gary Indiana Jones. Gary would look great in the outfit! Come on Indiana Jones!! Anyone with me?

You could do an Olympics theme and go as Michael Phelps although I don't know how popular you'd be wearing a speedo. Maybe one of the slimming body suits? ;)

Or you could go as Misty May-Treanor / Kerri Walsh...oh nevermind, beware of the bikini.

Good luck deciding!

Hmm...elves during a certain week in August...sounds like an Elvis sighting is in order for Halloween!

Suit up in spangles and prepare to leave the hangar. You know, just takin' care of business for that hunka hunka burnin' love (field).

Don't be cruel, don't return to sender; glue on some 'burns, you great pretender!

A few suggestions from our office:

Batman
a sheik
a barrel of oil

How about Batman! You are the Super Hero of Southwest Airlines, Batman is hot and since you'd be all covered up, no shaving is required!

It might be hard to walk, but I'd go with a Weeble. After a challenging year with soaring fuel prices and Congressional hearings on airline safety, there might have been some wobbles, but no falling down.

I like the Indiana Jones idea! Or, maybe revisiting the "Gary" Potter thought that was around last year....

Seconding Indiana Jones. The stage decor alone sounds like super fun.

How about as the Statue of Liberty. She can take it; she's a harbor chick! Or to celebrate the codeshare with WestJet, why not go as a lumberjack because 'they're okay."

How about Albus Dumbledore?

The Joker from Batman the Dark Knight, but as a nurse like that hospital scene!

http://www.costumzee.com/view/2008/07/29/the-joker-costume-alternatives/

That would be something!

I'm with you Whitney - Indiana Jones!

A little dated, but how about Borat in his swimsuit?

David Barger.

I think Indiana Jones with a whip...

ReenieSR =^_^=

How about David Barger?

How about Pvt. Kelly from Kelly's heros. I'll play Oddball if you like.

How about Hulk Hogan or Herman Munster.

Why not George Clinton from Parliment Funkadelic?
A true leader, an icon and the guy knows how to get DOWN!!
Besides, all the different colored dreadlocks would be fun!
Just a thought!!

I think you should go at the only other "interesting" airline personality-Richard Branson

The scariest thing to be on Halloween this year -- an airline passenger on a legacy carrier. Don't forget to bring your credit card if you want to check a bag, change a ticket, get a pillow and blanket, order a soft drink, or secure a "premium" seat.

the joker from dark night is way too obvious.

how about michael phelps? speedo..gold medals...corn flakes boxes...

How about Speed Racer or as the Lord of Darkness, played by Tim Curry from the movie "Legend" or as his other famous role as Dr. Frank-n-Farther from Rocky Horror Picture show.
Or even the Hulk. How about a Mummy costume too!

you Shoud Dress up as a Southwest 737 Plane

How about Jim Wright?
Or James Bond as Quantum of Solace hits the threaters November 7?
With Super Tuesday coming up, you could be Barack Obama and Herb could be John McCain!

It's probably time for Elvis, Gary. 70s vintage, with the white leather, the star-spangled cape, and the large sunglasses. Timeless yet cliched and a little macabre -- you could even incorporate a commode in a nod to Elvis's final, strained moments -- perfect for Halloween.

-- Mark

How about an Ompa Loompa?

Bucky Badger, donned at Madison's (in)famous Halloween "Freakfest". Your presence and attire announce desperately desired service to and from Madison (MSN). Alternatively, #4 in a New York Jet's jersey and helmet would certainly garner some attention.

Madison Halloween details:
http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=11431

Dane County Regional Airport (Should you need directions):
http://www.msnairport.com/

Onward!

I say something Harry Potter themed as a protest for WB pushing the movie back... You look like you'd make a good Haggrid.

It's not glitzy or glamorous, but with his height and given our Company's "Symbol of Freedom" ideals, I've always thought Gary would make an awesome Abe Lincoln. "Three score and seven years ago, our Fathers brought forth on this continent, a new airline, conceived in LUV, and dedicated to the idea that air travel should be affordable to all."
Millie Richter

Okay, saw the link to your page off CNET news. I have had this idea for quite awhile and it still stands as my best Halloween costume idea ever.
I will share it with you if you help me find the cattle-attachment so I can also use this costume this year.
The idea is to dress as Javier Bardem from No Country for Old Men. Imagine the hair(wig), clothing, gas tank, and cattle-killing attachment. A chilling but cool costume idea.
Shoot me an email and let me know what you end up choosing.

Here is a picture on IMBD:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2346359040/tt0477348

Thanks,
Ryan M.

I too think you would look GREAT as well as being a hit as Indiana Jones, :):)

Gary: You should dress up as Mini Me from the Austin Powers movies.

I loved last year and think you look great in drag! How about dressing as Colleen and you wouldn't have to shave your legs--she usually wears pants. It would also be a passing of her torch.

How about Cruella DeVille and all of your support staff could be dalmation puppies.... perhaps 101 of them?

Indiana Jones, definitely...

:o)

Indiana Jones would be pretty cool. Make sure to wear the classic hat, trench, boots and whip.

I'm thinking Yoda from Star Wars or Obi-Wan. If not, maybe a Blues Brother.

I Have two suggestions:
1. Herb Kelleher
2. Swa Flight Attendants from 1970's

BIG FOOT! Sasquatch! just stay out of the woods 8~)

I think you should go Old Skool rock and roll and go with Slash from Guns and Roses!

How about Speed Racer.

I think....GEORGE JETSON!

Gary should be Batman. Everyone knows Batman rules and Gary would look awesome in the costume. Batman is a Superhero and Gary is our Superhero!

You could "go green" and dress as a fuel hedge :-) Of course if you are looking for something a bit more recognizable, I'll throw my vote to the Indiana Jones crowd.

I think that Gary should pay tribute to the almighty "fuel hedge". Go with a gas pump body and a live shrub/hedge as a hat. You could have Scott Topping as a sidekick armed with a hedge trimmer. Give Wall St. something to speculate about!

Gary, you're a tall guy, so I propose Chewbacca. If fur isn't your thing, then maybe you could be Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek, the Next Generation. You'll need to shave your head for the authentic look. ;-)

How about Elmer Fudd?

I think Gary would look great as one of those guys in Blue Man Group! Isn't that Canyon Blue that they wear?

I think Micheal Phelps is perfect! An honest, dedicated man! Shawn Johnson, the gymnast, might also be a good idea!

Gary - perfect outfit this year...
BIGFOOT!

Okay Gary, this one's the best idea of all. Dress up to look like Howie Mandell, from Deal or No Deal. I can totally see you with the bald head and soul patch! Make the look complete by adding about 20 ladies dressed to the nines carrying metal briefcases. They could follow you around everywhere during the day. You could even get the Employees involved by playing the game somehow. There's lots of potential there for a really fun time!

Please not Elvis! Why, that would be sacrilege!

One of our biggest events this year was Herb and Collen's retirement. What about dressing as one of them.

Also think about: A bag of peanuts

Yes, I agree. A girl gymnast or Michael Phelps

If you decide on Gary Indiana Jones, you'll have to be prepared to sing "Gary, Indiana" from the Music Man. It's the song with hardly any "S's" in it! :-)

Maybe an Astronaught, or a green martian with antenas!

How about Capt America? In the spirit of the election year in November!

I think an outfit that only a Highlander (or his mentor Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez ) can wear that clearly shows that "there can only be ONE!"

Ugly Betty!

How about the Ben Stiller character in "Tropic Thunder"? That looks like it would be fun.

THE TERMINATOR of high ticket prices!!

Bradley

You would make a huge splash (ha-ha) as Michael Phelps--full body swimsuit, swimcap, goggles, and eight shiny gold medals, but it may not be work-appropriate, so, how about a proper Canadian Mountie in honor of our new friends at West Jet?!?

I think it should be Indiana Jones or Sam(Pierce Bronsnan) from mamma mia the movie:)

Another vote for Indiana Jones from me! You'd look great in the costume....and no tonosorial alterations would be required. But one question...how good are you with a bullwhip?

How about one of the "Cavemen" from the Geico commercials.

How about an Indian Tribal Leader in full dress? We are always encouraged to think outside of the box, well this would be. It normally takes about a year to make, but if you contact the right people in New Orleans they could make it happen in time.

Green is in! The INCREDIBLE HULK that is! Be green for conservation, recycling, and profits! Not to mention the strength it takes in 2008 to be a commercial carrier!

I think he should dress up as a ramper. Then see how many people recognize him and how many people treat him differently.

From the looks of it, Indiana Jones may win by a landslide, but, consider this, Gary: You could be Howie Mandell from NBC's Deal or No Deal. I can totally picture you looking super cool sporting a bald head and a soul patch! To top it all off, you could have an entourage of about 20 ladies dressed to the nines carrying metal briefcases. Make a game out of it with the Employees: Pick a case, win what's in it. You would definitely be "The Man!"

I think Gary should go as either Chewie or Darth Vader from Star Wars.

In honor of our new code share with West Jet......
Dudley Do-right and Nell
How about a hockey player....Like a Vancouver Canuck, complete with a mullet wig,
teeth blacked out, black eyes.
What ever you do it will rock.

Being the CEO of SWA, the obvious choice would be the Red Baron.

I think Chewbacca Star Wars. Old character but always charismatic. Not taking anything from you, but you would make a great Chewbacca. No hair cutting required, but you better start growing it today.

Second choice would be Indiana Jones. You would make a great Indiana Jones as well.

Gary, I can definitely see you as Indiana Jones, and Gillian and Nan could choose between Marion Ravenwood and Dr Irina Spalko, but I think this year you deserve to be our Super Hero, so Batman is my choice. (Then Gillian and Nan can be Wonder Woman and Cat Woman!)

Can't wait to see you, whatever the choice!

Considering your industry, and the current situation... what about a barrel of oil?

Gotta be HELLBOY!!!!

How about RICKY BOBBY from Talladega Nights.

Gary-
I Got It !! How about Lurch ( THE ADAMS FAMILY) , better yet, how about Herman Munster (The Munsters) ??
They both come from Fun-Loving Families..HaHa =)

I vote for an early 1900's aviator-riding pants, tall boots, aviator jacket, goggles around the neck since aviation is becoming "new" again with all the changes in the industry

My wife in law thinks you would make a hysterical Hanna - Montanna

I kinda like going back a while and think you would make an amazing Rhinestone Cowboy horse and all of course.

Gary Kelly as the LUV GURU---helping to spread the gospel of LUV, FUN, and GREAT SERVICE.

"mariska hargitay"

Okay, Michael Phelps is hilarious, but the outfit is a bit questionable!!!! I'm telling you, with the hat, the work appropriate whip, and the leather jacket...Gary Indiana Jones would be the best! Gillian, Shelley, and Nan could be his adoring students. Dr. Jones!!

I have the perfect costume considering we are the LUV Airline. You have to dress up as the Love Guru!!! You are the luv guru after all. Have fun.

Hi Gary,
I got it!! How about LURCH (The Addams Family) or better yet, Herman Munster (The Munsters) !! They both come from FUN-LOVING FAMILIES !!! HAHA. =)

I think you should dress up as Herb Kelleher

You've got to go Kimbo Slice of Mixed Martial Arts fame!

Gary,

I really think you would make a GREAT Iron man, or even Captain America! I love the "Gary Potter" idea, as if you stopped by my desk on the 3rd floor, you could totally see my affection for all things Harry potter.. but I still think you'd be better as Iron man. :) He was tall, strong, honorable and definitely a born leader!!!

Regardless, I can't wait to see what you go as! Last year was my first halloween at HDQ and I can't wait for this year!!! :)

How about Illinois One? Just a thought...

How about the Incredible Hulk? You're a big guy you could pull him off well!

Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

well, since your getting so many

In honor of "going green", Have you considered The Incredible Hulk? GREEN is Keen!!

Let's lighten up! How about something fun like The Nerd from the play, complete with toilet papers stuck to your shoe. 2nd. suggestion would be Jay Leno or Lucille Ball.

How about going as a PRIUS?

MIB Men in Black. Easy Costume looks great and great symbol for being the only airline in the black and fighting to keep us out of the Red.

We can't decide - either Hellboy or Hannah Montana - it's a tie!! Either one would be hilarious!!

Michael Phelps for sure !!!!

I think Gary should dress up like Captain Sao Feng (Chow Yun Fat) in "Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End".

Since this year is Beijing Olympics 2008, any Chinese characters would be very special.

See the picture here:
http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean_...

Van

GARY SHOULD DRESS AS A MAN, WHO WANTS TO BE A WOMAN, THAT WANTS TO BE A MAN.

I think you should go as the Joker from Batman as you are really mixing up the airline business as they know it!!! We know you're not crazy..just "Nuts" about Southwest! Without us around, the other airlines would be all full of themselves :-)!

Gary it's a no-brainer. Go as the Dark Knight! Yes, get a full Batman costume!

I am thinking Ugly Betty is a good one.

Considering all that Technology has done over the past 18 months and all that we have left to do over then next couple of years, I would love to see Gary decked out in traditional Geek Garb. Should you need an example, you might check out Sheldon on "The Big Bang Theory".

Indiana Jones, but I like the Michael Phelps idea. Get into some skin tight body suit (only from the waist down), shave your chest....that is a must, put your ipod on and go for gold! AND hang a few medals around your neck too.

Nothing/nobody is more popular right now than Michale Phelps. The costume would fit right in with all our cost cutting intiatives. Just a tiny little speedo, a swimming cap and 8 fake gold medals. We probably have somebody working at SWA who could wax all the necessary body parts for free, and bada bing! He's Michael Phelps.
Ciao,
Bobby Giovannoni

Definitely Darth Vader. It would bring me much amusement to see you standing before the media listening to the usual barrage of questions over our financial health only to have you simply reply, "I find your lack of faith disturbing."

And then you just walk away. Unfortunately, you can't force choke the members of the media which I'm sure you've wanted to do on occasion.

Sandy from "Grease"

Oh YES! Indiana Jones FOR SURE!!!

Gary,

You look marrrrrvelous in all your costumes... So I am sure this year will be NO EXCEPTIONS! I think that BATMAN would be a good one since it is popular at the theatres right now or Joker or maybe 2-faced.... I am sure there are many others too in the series that you can try. So no matter what you decide, we can't wait to see it!

I vote for Indiana Jones! He's resourceful and always up for an adventure.

The Incredible Hulk or gas can with a sign that says "I ain't cheap"

Gary, as the CEO of the LUV airline, be a little risque and dress as a French maid!

BATMAN! I think Batman... With The Dark Knight doing so well, Batman would be perfect.

It's a "no-brainer" - Mama Mia is clearly the obvious choice but I would suggest Gary to dress as her friends did with the silver lame' jumpsuits, big hair AND definitely very high heeled boots! So coooooooooollllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Gary...you should dress up like the Chupacabra!

halloween suggestion...go as herb.

My vote is Dog the bounty hunter. Mullet and all!! Or you you could be his wife!!!!

Ok so I thought why not try and top the best and be a spit image of Herb, figure since you took over the position why not try and see if you can match the character. Mighty big shoes but hey were Southwest and why not? Good luck and give it the SWA try...

I think you should go as a Vegas showgirl and show LAS some LUV.

Halloween costumes should be freightful so make sure you have the extra long arms of Freddy Kruger but instead of being mean, you just wrap your luvin' arms around us all!!! Sounds corny but that is why we are, the "luv airlines"!

Dress up as Wacko Jacko from Thriller!

I think you should completely stay away from what everyone else is doing. Dress like a member of the band DEVO. You remember them they had those red planters for hats! That would be fun and retro and not like everyone else. Dare to be different Gary, Dare to be Different! Luv Lynn

The DUDE, Jeff Lebowski!

Gary you should dress up as LEONAIDAS from the Movie 300 Nobody thought that Southwest Was Going to Survive For As it has But they were all wrong look At US NOW WE ARE THE WARRIORS LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY SHOW YOUR WARRIOR SPIRIT In HALLOWEEN
Anything You Choose will Rock The house
It Would Be Great

FLAVA FLAAAAAAAV!!!!!

P.S. To the Flava Flaaav needs to speak ghetto all day long, send him to OAK for the day and we can help him out.

David Branson of Virgin and he can dress up like you...

I vote for Indiana Jones or the male costumes during the Mama Mia credits. Silver Lame', platform shoes, wild hair.

Amy Winehouse-She doesn't look like she shaves......

Considering the success of Southwest's fuel hedging program, my vote would be for a hedge hog

It is an election year. You should dress up as the man with ALL the answers.....ROSS PEROT

Spock............Live Long And Prosper!

Gary:

You should dress up as Herb. And don't ask "Herb who?"

I vote for the Nurse Joker!

Here's a list of ideas for ya.... more to be added soon!

http://www.halloweencostumemall.com/halloween-costumes/2008-halloween-co...

Given the current focus towards Recycling and how you are now "...free to be green." You should do just that. Similar to the Blue Man Group characters. Go as a Green Man... completely painted green. Maybe with a SWA color jumpsuit.

What about Hellboy's costume? ;)

i think you should dress up as Charro!

SHREK DUDE. U GOTTA BE SHREK. OGRES ARE A SMALL BREED AND NEED REPRESENTATION.

Stephen Colbert?

How about a Southwest Airling Pilot

Ohhhh. Or you can be Brittany Spears or KFed. Yea maybe KFed even though brittanys more manly.

The Joker?

I am partial to Gary Indiana Jones, as it is my place of birth.

I vote for the Indiana Jones idea. Or Batman for a close second. Can't wait to see what you pick! :-)

Gary- PLEASE be the shamu plane - no shamu face- herb kelleher face-
handing out free wild turkey!!

Hi Gary,
I think you would make a beautiful Klinger from M*A*S*H* of course in one of his sexier dresses.

What about Simon Cowell? Maybe not too original but you could really have some fun with his sarcastic comments about what this last year has given us. You could have your supportive cast of Randy and Paula Abdul egging you on with a bunch of groupie want to be's following you around?

Go patriotic and be Uncle Sam. Or, how about George Washington. Get a powdered wig, a three cornered hat and a Continental Army Uniform. That would be great!

you should go as the the JOKER ,, we love your jokes

I think for Halloween, Gary and the whole Southwest Co. should dress from the 70's. Think about it... Southwest started in the 70's, Gary graduated high school in the 70's and that 70's show is very popular!!!

With the recent discovery of a really bad bigfoot costume in the georgia swamps, how about bigfoot. Low fares and great customer service are no myth.

I like the idea about the 70's theme

How about the royal mascot for Burger King--funny and scary!

Gary you would make a great Olympic Gold Southwest Metalist. You would wear the metals proudly.

I can see you as LUKE; PRINCESS LEIA; YODA, etc, Gotta luv heros in STAR WARS!

Lucy...you have some 'spaining to do! Southwest is the airline that LUVS you, so it only seems fitting for Gary to be Desi Arnez aka Ricky Ricardo. So we should all have Gary start on his Cuban accent!

Mark
RDU-Ramp

We LUV Southwest!

I really think of the Idea as Howie Mendel is hilarioius. Especially with all the suitcase girls following him around is genious.

I think you should dress up as the "Birdsnest" stadium in China.

Oh, Gary. It's obvious.....you should go as the best super hero- Colleen!

Gary would absolutely rock Borat's banana hammock.

I like retro stuff to help us keep the good ole memories alive. I would like to see him dress up as Jerry Lewis's Nutty Professor or if you want something not so old, then the Eddie Murphy version of the Nutty Professor. Either could be an interesting treat lol :)

Dr. Frank-n-Farther from Rocky Horror Picture show is a great idea or the Hell Boy suggestion.
Indiana Jones is not much of a costume it's kinda of plain for you Gary. You need something that's going to stand out.

You should obviously be Juno. It's the only choice. I can see it now...big fake pregnant belly, orange striped shirt...a jug of Sunny D....so easy! Have fun :)

I think Gary should show up as Elphaba. The not so good witch from the musical "Wicked -The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz". www.wickedthemusical.com

You are an airline so along that line three famous airline people come to mind. Wiley Post with the famous eyepatch, Will Roger famous side kick of Wiley's and note humorist. And if you want to go far out Amelia Earhart, still missing today.

Definitely Indiana Jones--gotta LUV a good-lookin' guy in a hat!

Why can't he decide for himself?

Since you are one of our Superheroes at SWA, our suggestions are Superman or Hancock (will Smith's character in Hancock) - they both fly!

how about the JOKER??

Robert Plant -- No shaving required, dark suit and tie but mostly cuz... you're addicted to LUV.

Get in touch with some of your staff.... Have them dress you up as an air stewardess and work on a flight.

Darth Vader would be great or.......Elvis would be a riot!!

Go as the MAD HATTER from alice in wonderland because you would have to be absolutely mad to let people fly for so cheap! Its a wild and "out there costume" like some of your past ones.

I think you should be David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust days. He wore some crazy outfits, crazy hair, and fun makeup. Everyone would know who you are, and I think you would have a ton of fun doing it!!!

Palin! She is such a character.

Hi there!

I was wondering if you could help me...

I actually want to go as The Demon from KISS, just like you did back in '04. The problem is that I can't seem to find a wig in his style - did you buy a normal wig and just tie it up at the top? Also, where did you get the costume from?

Hmmmm suggestions...I say you go back to the 70's/80's again and go as Dee Snider (Twisted Sister). :)

Thanks in advance!
Steve

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