Nintendo and Southwest Airlines surprised a full flight today, giving every single Customer on board a free Wii U console. More than 100 passengers on flight 1883 from New Orleans to Dallas Love Field received Nintendo’s HD video game system after they were greeted upon arrival by Mario himself. Mario surprised the Customers with a special announcement during the flight, and Nintendo and Southwest Airlines representatives were on board to share in the fun.

The surprise kicked off a larger partnership between Nintendo and Southwest that will bring big smiles to thousands of travelers through the fun and interactive entertainment of Nintendo video game systems and games during this busy holiday season. As the official video game partner of Southwest Airlines, Nintendo is setting up Wii U Gaming Lounges in some of Southwest’s most heavily trafficked airports between now and Dec. 22. Passengers can pass the time before boarding by playing Super Mario 3D World and other newly released games, if their travels take them through the following airports: Dallas Love Field, Chicago (Midway), Denver, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and St. Louis. Up to four players can join the fun at each game kiosk for free.

“No one is better than Nintendo and Southwest Airlines at bringing friends, families and fun together,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “As Southwest’s video game partner, our aim is to bring smiles to travelers and Southwest Employees through the fun of Nintendo video games.”

Consumers nationwide can also join the fun. Between now and Dec. 25, visitors to http://www.southwest.com/nintendo can enter for a chance to win one of 30 prize packages containing a pair of Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets and one Wii U system. A new winner will be selected every day. Visit the website for full rules and details.