You know those routine announcements at the airport that just blend into the fluorescent-lit background? They’re about to become more distinct — or at least that’s what airports are hoping. Many are getting rid of the generic automated voices and replacing them with recognizable celebrity voices. A few have already implemented celebrity announcements; for example, country artist Lee Ann Womack greets visitors this way: “This is Lee Ann Womack inviting you to relax and unwind in one of the airport’s many restaurants. Thank you for choosing Nashville International Airport.”
It seems to me that celebrity announcements will tend to sound commercial, as though the airport were a product being pushed on travelers. I don’t care if Lee Ann Womack invites me to relax — it’s not like I chose the airport. It’s far more likely that I chose the cheapest ticket and my route took me through Nashville.
But then again, as airports become destinations in their own rights, with museums and shopping malls, perhaps it is a good marketing ploy to make each airport stand out from the others.
Listen to Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Kennedy, and other celebrities instruct you in airport etiquette here.