If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that travellers don’t like to be cooped up. But even before COVID-19, airlines and loyalty programs didn’t want you to be stuck at home, either. Take another quick Friday morning break from points and join us as we look back at some of the video ads that speak to us the most.
1. Qantas: Closer to the dream trip [2019]
Our first entrant is a moving piece from Qantas. It appeals to us by showing a well-intentioned teacher going through the daily grind, all while hearing about the adventures her students and fellow colleagues are embarking on.
We see that she’s diligently building up her Qantas Points balance along the way. Then, during an evening epiphany, everything clicks into place and she’s soon jetting off to Paris. There’s also an alternative video featuring Pete the cab driver who develops the travel itch while ferrying passengers to the airport.
2. Virgin Australia: We are the Uptimists [2018]
“Here’s to looking up”.
Virgin wouldn’t have known it at the time, but this phrase would mean a lot more as the airline rebuilt itself after voluntary administration in 2020. This ad plays on Virgin’s youthful roots and reinforces its position as a determined competitor. Bonus points for the slick shots inside its Airbus A330 Business Class, which is sadly defunct now.
More recently, the airline released a similarly upbeat promo in late 2020, entitled “You can’t keep a good thing down.”
3. British Airways: You make us fly [2021]
British Airways pulls the heart strings with this simple yet effective piece. After all, we’re all human. We have our reasons for flying, but the staff at BA fly because of us*.
* people in Great Britain, not Australia, for the avoidance of any doubt.
4. Accor Live Limitless: Rediscover the world [2021]
This one caught the eye of our editor Daniel – a flashy reel with a distinctly French flair from Accor Live Limitless. It invites viewers to ‘travel the world again’, ‘dive into the summer’, and ‘wake up the taste buds’ again.
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