• Bryan Hoeing, the San Diego Padres’s newest pitcher greets two boys at the Southwest airline counter on Friday, August 2. Photo by Hannah Ramirez.
  • Byan Hoeing and Jeremiah Estrada, pitchers for the San Diego Padres, help label luggage at the Southwest Airlines counter on Friday, August 2. Photo by Hannah Ramirez.
  • Bryan Hoeing stand to the left as fellow Padres pitcher, Jeremiah Estrada shakes hands with a fan at the Southwest Airlines counter on Friday, August 2. Photo by Hannah Ramirez.
  • The Swinging Friar, The San Diego Padres’s mascot prepares to unload luggage from newly arrived flight at the San Diego International Airport on Friday, August 2. Photo by Hannah Ramirez
  • Bryan Hoeing (to the left) and Jeremiah Estrada (to the right) walk out of Gate 6 to reveal their appearance at the San Diego International Airport on Friday, August 2. Photo by Hannah Ramirez.

Travelers with Southwest Airlines on Friday may have had their most unique San Diego experience yet. San Diego Padres pitchers Jeremiah Estrada and Bryan Hoeing teamed up with airline staff for the day to surprise fans catching flights and to help with the work.

Hoeing and Estrada were able to shadow employees and learn what it takes to staff the Padres’s official airline. Both pitchers had a full shift checking in luggage, going down to the tarmac to help a flight land, and assisting Southwest passengers board their flights.

Throughout the experience, customers and employees alike couldn’t help but excitedly approach the players. Fans were able to talk to the players, take pictures and even sneak autographs on merchandise they were wearing.

The Padres’ beloved mascot, The Swinging Friar, also tagged along for the day, waving down travelers and joining in on plenty of selfies.

At the end of the day, Estrada and Hoeing made their own special announcement to passengers at Gate 6, introducing themselves and encouraging bystanders to follow the team’s season.

Estrada also took the chance to remind travelers of the Padres’ recent victory against the Dodgers — their first series win against LA since 2010.

It’s safe to say Padres fans now have a new reason to book with Southwest Airlines.