Our favorite in-flight safety videos
Nothing against in-flight safety videos, but they’re really boring. I listen to the instructions and take note of certain signs and situations to be aware of, but I’d be lying if I said I paid full attention to the demonstrations—I’m sure my flight seatmates would also agree.
And even when airlines have more creative approaches, they’re mostly displays of cultures and sights that may be breathtaking, but echo the same messages and instructions all the same.
In the aftermath of the Philippine Airlines’ viral in-flight safety video, we’re reminded that these routine parts of our flights don’t have to be the unskippable ads that they are. Instead, they can be experiences that are just as educational as they are entertaining. Here’s a look at similar approaches from other airlines, throughout the years.
Philippine Airlines: A safety novela you can’t miss
Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) latest in-flight safety video, named the PAL Safety Novela, follows the love story of Anton and Luisa, two star-crossed lovers forced apart by parental pressures and Luisa’s arranged marriage with Diego. With in-flight safety instructions in the background, the video goes through the motions of your typical telenovela, from the iconic “itigil ang kasal” to a face-off between the groom and the true love.
The video shown on PAL’s new A350-1000 aircraft was warmly received by Filipino netizens, with several comments singing praises for the creative take on in-flight safety videos.
“The moment you realized that PAL did better at showcasing our country’s culture and tourist attractions than our Department of Tourism,” says one of the comments on PAL’s YouTube channel.
“Kudos to Diego for taking the rejection so well despite his shattered heart. He truly loved Luisa enough to let her go,” says another.
Air New Zealand: Fly safely to Middle-earth
Watching movies is my preferred pastime on flights (besides sleeping), and for those who can’t wait to get started, Air New Zealand thought of making their in-flight safety videos cinematic experiences.
Back in 2015, and in time for the release of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the airline unveiled “The Most Epic Safety Video Ever Made,” featuring cameos by “Hobbit” actors Sylvester McCoy and Dean O’Gorman, Elijah Wood, and the beautiful landscape of Middle-earth.
Now, what would be cooler than seeing Gandalf fly on the eagle Gwaihir? It’s seeing Gandalf fly on the eagle Gwaihir while showing us how to brace in a flight.
Korean Air: SuperM takes to the skies
In 2019, Korean Air partnered with SuperM for the “Let’s Go Everywhere” campaign.
This featured an in-flight safety video starring SuperM members Taemin, Baekhyun, Kai, Taeyong, Mark, Ten, and Lucas, and a K-pop music video viewers couldn’t take their eyes off—now that’s one way to keep your passengers hooked. The video narration was also voiced by K-pop legend BoA.
Virgin America: In-flight safety meets “High School Musical”
While we’re all in our musical eras, all thanks to “Wicked,” let’s take the time to appreciate Virgin America’s 2013 in-flight safety video starring “American Idol” alum Todrick Hall. With hints of “High School Musical” and a catchiness that won’t go away anytime soon, Hall’s take on in-flight safety should be remembered.
Oh, and if you didn’t catch it, the video also features Chadd Smith, the robot-dancing icon from the “Step Up” movies. Now that’s nostalgia.
British Airways: Safety behind the scenes
An in-flight safety video filmed as if it were an audition tape or behind-the-scenes shoot doesn’t sound too revolutionary. That is, until your cast includes the likes of Gillian Anderson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jess Glynne, Sir Ian McKellen, and Gordon Ramsay. Iconic.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Safety made artistic
Not all in-flight safety videos need Hollywood-level cinematography or plots to be engaging. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines found that a good visual aid can be just as attention-grabbing.
Their 2015 instructional video was made using over one thousand hand-painted Delft Blue tiles and presented in stop-motion. The result? A presentation that is direct, serves its purpose, and yet is beautiful to watch.
