Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
The best airline safety announcement videos
Air travelers have all been there -- the plane is about to take off, but first we have to awkwardly look away or bury our noses in magazines to avoid paying attention to the safety announcements. They're the same every time, so we always know that the closest exit may be behind us. But a few savvy airlines have come up with better ways to grab passengers' attention. From stripping down to rapping, here are some of the best airline safety announcements you'll see on board.Thomson Airways
British airline Thomson Airways knows that cuteness always gets attention. When a plane full of adorable kids tells you how to buckle your seatbelt, you're sure to listen:
Air New Zealand
If cute doesn't work, sex always sells. Take this Air New Zealand video, which encourages passengers to "take a second look" at safety -- and the body-painted flight crew:
To further prove they have a sense of humor, Air New Zealand released a blooper reel of the clips that didn't make the safety video. After all, reciting lines wearing body paint can't be too easy:
Delta Airlines
Delta is a little more subtle with its sexy announcements -- but every person in the video is ridiculously attractive, with perfect teeth and not a hair out of place. YouTube commenters have even dubbed the main announcer "Deltalina" for her resemblance to Angelina Jolie:
Virgin America
International airlines aren't the only ones who get to have fun. Take Virgin America's safety video, which pokes fun at the various characters found on a typical flight:
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is known for its funny flight crews. This flight attendant brings the entertainment with a safety rap:
This Southwest attendant makes announcements American Idol-style, singing a parody of Beyonce's "Single Ladies:"
Virgin Atlantic
When in doubt, use flashy graphics. Virgin Atlantic puts passengers at ease with its calming music and intriguing animation:
If cute doesn't work, sex always sells. Take this Air New Zealand video, which encourages passengers to "take a second look" at safety -- and the body-painted flight crew:
To further prove they have a sense of humor, Air New Zealand released a blooper reel of the clips that didn't make the safety video. After all, reciting lines wearing body paint can't be too easy:
Delta Airlines
Delta is a little more subtle with its sexy announcements -- but every person in the video is ridiculously attractive, with perfect teeth and not a hair out of place. YouTube commenters have even dubbed the main announcer "Deltalina" for her resemblance to Angelina Jolie:
Virgin America
International airlines aren't the only ones who get to have fun. Take Virgin America's safety video, which pokes fun at the various characters found on a typical flight:
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is known for its funny flight crews. This flight attendant brings the entertainment with a safety rap:
This Southwest attendant makes announcements American Idol-style, singing a parody of Beyonce's "Single Ladies:"
Virgin Atlantic
When in doubt, use flashy graphics. Virgin Atlantic puts passengers at ease with its calming music and intriguing animation:
Filed under: United States, New Zealand, Airlines, Video
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fiznatty Apr 6th 2010 5:15PM
When I saw the title of this article, I was wondering if I'd see the Delta one here.
I got my fill of it during my trip to and from Argentina a couple months ago... and felt dirty every time I watched it (especially when she wags her finger at me).
Max
John Apr 10th 2010 12:39AM
Yeah, Lucy Lips is a hoot.
I laugh at her every trip.
Incredibly inappropriate
to dangle that digit Lucy....
Kelsey Apr 8th 2010 4:10PM
I have to agree with Max about the Delta safety video...I've had my fill. I make sure to pull out the card way before the thing has a chance to play. Ugh!
While it certainly gets the point across (and i'm sure it's designed to get the passenger's attention...), it's a smidgeon on the inappropriate side, especially with the finger wagging. Gimme a break!
jim Apr 9th 2010 8:42PM
am i wrong or did the pilot of that plane have a sex change during ith video
colonelbleep Apr 10th 2010 2:57AM
I think the sex change happened because of Delta's merger with NWA. It was in the pilot union agreement...
meanvee Apr 9th 2010 9:11PM
The southwest airlines rap was on point, that how you get everybody's attention.
http://www.BestChoicePayday.com
jayreasony Apr 9th 2010 9:46PM
The southwest airlines one was funny...i wish there were more.
http://jaywashere.com
Rachel Apr 9th 2010 9:50PM
The best safety announcement I've had was on a Horizon/Alaska Airlines flight in December. The announcement went perfectly to the tune of "Twas the Night before Christmas" and definitely held my attention, even though I know the routine as well as anyone else. On top of making sure that passengers pay attention, funny or otherwise catching deliveries (like the rap!) keep the flight attendants from getting bored, and that's a plus for everyone!
Key Apr 9th 2010 9:54PM
Southwest's antics are fine for the occasional traveler... but unbelievably annoying for most business travelers who have to fly 80 or more times a year. It's one reason I haven't flown Southwest for the past 6 years.
freakwent flyer Apr 9th 2010 10:25PM
Deltas' safety announcement:
"if your inflatable vest does not operate, please feel free to use my lips as a life preserver."
(was anyone else able to NOT stare at those carp-lips?????)
Ed Apr 9th 2010 10:31PM
Those are some fun videos about airline safety.
http://www.airtraveltipsandsecrets.com
Yon Apr 10th 2010 12:29AM
Why not get done with it by playing a "commercial legalese bit" version, played full speed while the attendant mouths it and gets it over and done in 5 seconds flat. It would be perfectly legal and in compliance.
Matthew Apr 10th 2010 1:02AM
I used to be a Southwest Flight Attendant and miss that job soo much. Its such a fun company to work for. And for those that claim they should be a little more serious.. You know how many crashes Southwest has had or deaths from a crash?1 That was from landing at Chicago midway in the snow when they shouldnt have been told to land and the plane went thru the fencing and ran into a car killing a little boy. NONE of the other airlines can claim that kind of safety record! Get over it!
Starman51 Apr 10th 2010 2:24AM
Mathew, Yes SWA does have an excellent saftey record. But there's some luck too. That Burbank incident had the aircraft come to rest in an Exxon gas station. No one was hurt. Lucky with a capital L. And in the Midway incident you refer to, the NTSB ruled that SWA and the pilots were primarily to blame; them being "told to land" there was not in the report and not an excuse for a crash (any airline and any Captain can decide NOT to land someplace any time they want). SWA has also been cited repeatedly (and nearly all other airlines too) by the FAA for maintenance-related safety violations. Again, SWA has an excellent safety record, and they're a great airline. But you're lettng your happy years with them cloud your judgement. They're good, not perfect. "Get over it." Now back to the videos...
Mel D. Apr 10th 2010 2:44AM
I believe Deltalina could deliver a baby through those lips.
Mark Apr 10th 2010 3:38AM
Reminds of a Virgin flight from London to Tokyo. A young flight attendent was standing next to me during the safety demonstration. They were only half-way through the announcements when we turned onto the runway and stopped. Then the plane starting accelerating and the attendent fell over - onto my lap!
KT Apr 10th 2010 2:46PM
Maybe I'm just a fuddy duddy but I find the SWA videos distracting and unprofessional from the subject.. Safety. I don't want to feel as though I am on a narrated Disneyland ride or sitting in a comedy club. I prefer a much more professional approach. I fly Virgin once or twice a year and I must say the cartoon safety instructions are quite succinct even more so than the real people videos or even the old way with the fa's in aisle pointing out the saftey devices.
DWT Apr 10th 2010 6:45PM
Continental Airlines used to have a flight attendant who did the safety announcement as a stand-up comedy routine. It began with: "For those of you who haven't been in an automobile since 1957, this is a seat belt and here is how it works..." It continued with comments about the emergency floor lights and disco dancing as well as the smoking section of the plane being outside on the wings, but you have to hold on really tight. A few people were laughing, but most just ignored the whole announcement.
KatieCouric'sNemesis Apr 10th 2010 7:46PM
It isn't about ignoring the announcements. For those of us who fly a lot, we could give the demo ourselves and so, it's a little boring after we've checked out where our seat is and where the exits are.
The fact is, almost everyone on any plane, should it crash land, lose altitude, or have mechanical failure, is going to be screaming and clawing their way to exits. Panic will take over, and a three-minute safety lecture isn't long enough to adapt out the panic reflexes that would be normal for the untrained public in such a situation.
AC Aug 20th 2010 8:39AM
I agree with the above comment that when faced with a crises on the plane, panic takes over. The FAA and the airlines need to challenge their assumptions about why and how they deliver the airline safety announcement. For example, every passenger needs to try on a life vest at least once. Watching a crew member putting on one is no where as effective as doing it yourself. The need to think differently about the over all process, beyond the delivery of the message, is key http://andycohen.com/