The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, and two companies are teaming up to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this cosmic spectacle. Southwest Airlines and Omni Hotels & Resorts have launched a Solarbration sweepstakes that will give two lucky winners and their guests a chance to fly on a Southwest flight in the direct path of the eclipse and stay in eclipse-themed guest rooms at Omni Hotels.
A Spacey Marketing Mission
Southwest and Omni are leveraging the upcoming solar eclipse as a creative way to promote their brands and connect with their customers. The sweepstakes, which runs from February 26 to March 11, 2024, invites enthusiasts to visit www.eclipsesweepstakes.com and enter for a chance to win a prize package that includes air travel and hotel stays.
The sweepstakes winners will enjoy a unique eclipse experience with air travel on a flight predicted to be in the direct path of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. To complete the Solarbration experience, winners will also stay in custom-designed guest rooms designed by Omni’s in-house interior design team. These rooms, inspired by this year’s most significant celestial event, are located at Omni Hotels in the departure cities of Dallas and Austin and the arrival cities of Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.
“The whole world will be looking up on April 8, and we’re over the moon to leverage our place in the sky by extending an opportunity to observe this phenomenon on several Southwest flights in the path of the eclipse,” said Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content for Southwest Airlines.
“At Omni, we believe experiences matter, whether at one of our 50 destinations or 35,000 feet on a Southwest plane,” said Colleen Buckley, Director of Brand Management and Marketing at Omni Hotels and Resorts. “Our partnership with Southwest Airlines allows us to share Omni’s genuine hospitality and connect with their customers through the Solarbration sweepstakes. We’re excited to offer the sweepstakes winners a unique and one-of-a-kind experience in our eclipse-themed Omni guest rooms.”
The Sun, the Moon and the Stars
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the earth. During a total solar eclipse, the sky turns dark, the temperature drops, and the sun’s corona becomes visible. A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular sight that can only be seen from a narrow band of locations on the Earth’s surface.
The April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will be the first one visible from the continental United States since August 21, 2017. The path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun, will cross 15 states, from Texas to Maine. Millions of people are expected to travel to these areas to witness the eclipse, which will last for about four minutes at its longest point.
The following flights, included as sweepstakes prize options, have been identified as having the greatest likelihood of offering customers onboard the best view of the eclipse:
- Southwest Flight #1252: departs Dallas (Love Field) at 12:40 p.m. CDT for Pittsburgh
- Southwest Flight #1721: departs Austin at 12:55 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis
To enter for a chance to win a seat on one of these Southwest flights and a two-night stay at Omni Hotels, visit www.eclipsesweepstakes.com.
A Celestial Stay at Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hotel brand that offers personalized service and memorable experiences at its 50 properties across North America. Omni’s in-house interior design team has created four exclusive guest rooms that reflect the theme of the solar eclipse. These rooms feature dark and moody colors, starry accents, and eclipse-inspired artwork. The rooms also include amenities such as eclipse glasses, a telescope, a star map, and a welcome basket with snacks and drinks.
To commemorate this historic occasion, Southwest and Omni will present customers on select Southwest flights with co-branded eclipse-themed amenities and gift them top-tier status in Omni’s new Select Guest Loyalty Program for 2024. The Select Guest Loyalty Program offers benefits such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary morning beverage delivery, and late check-out.
Southwest and Omni hope that their Solarbration sweepstakes will inspire travelers to explore new destinations and enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. As they say, the sky is the limit.
