The best airline safety videos of all time
Following on from my post about the greatest airline advertisements of all time, I was itching to further share my obsession with another joyous type of airline content: the safety demonstration video.
Safety videos were once incredibly serious and boring. Their only purpose was to share the important safety information ahead of a flight where there were screens available, saving the crew having to perform a manual demonstration each time.
In recent years, airlines have gone all out on these videos, and even spent millions on a single video. They realized it was a fantastic opportunity to convey their brand to a captive audience. Some have even challenged that the airlines have gone too far and put their brand ahead of the safety message.
Wherever you land on this matter, the entertainment value cannot be denied, and here are the best airline safety videos of all time.
Qantas: 100 Years of Qantas (2020)
This new video from Qantas clinches the top spot in my eyes. I've watched it about 15 times since it launched, and I have cried each and every time. I dread to think what will happen when I finally take to skies again and watch this onboard. We all know that those tears flow even more freely on a plane.
Virgin America: VX Safety Dance (2013)
The tune is a hit, and Virgin America brought the vibes from start to finish. Don't miss the rap breakdown in the middle from the absolute boss of a kid. Virgin America is no more, but I have fond memories of watching this video flying Virgin America first class for the first time from New York to Los Angeles one day after meeting TPG himself Brian Kelly for the first time in person in November 2016.
El Al: The Pink Panther (1994)
This may not be one you remember, but in my eyes, it deserves its spot nonetheless. Back in the early '90s, safety videos were not the place to find drama, excitement or indeed celebrity appearances. But El Al was ahead of the curve in 1994 with the Pink Panther and his gang on hand to lead passengers through the safety demo. This was the video that accompanied my many childhood trips to the Holyland and it brings nostalgia in bounds. While the whole video is unfortunately no longer available, I long to hear the Pink Panther theme again boarding a plane.
https://youtu.be/rSCdK8HVL5M
Air New Zealand: The most epic safety video ever made (2014)
Air New Zealand leads the world's airlines in big spend, big production safety videos. This tongue-in-cheek, yet epic video is a dream for fans of the Hobbit, which was of course filmed in New Zealand. They even serve up a slice of Elijah Wood!
Delta: The Internet-est safety video on the Internet (2015)
Delta really upped its game in 2015 with this hilarious video that dives deep into meme culture. See if you can spot and remember each of the references. There are a lot!
BRITISH AIRWAYS: Absolutely fabulous! (2018)
British Airways has taken "star-studded" to the next level with its series of safety videos presented by People Do Nothing star Chabuddy G. The list of cameos across the various videos is endless but includes a-list royalty such as Joanna Lumley, Sir Ian McKellan, Gillian Anderson, Sir Michael Caine, Asim Chaudhry, Olivia Colman, Jourdan Dunn, Naomie Harris, Joanna Lumley and David Walliams.
United: Safety is global III (2018)
I'm always looking for a safety video to hit me right in the feels. United did a fantastic job with its series of "Safety is Global" videos. The crew explain the safety procedures whilst taking us on a journey around the world, from Holi festival in India to the Northern Lights, and everywhere in between.
Air New Zealand: The bare essentials of safety (2009)
Air New Zealand could have an article all of its own on this topic, but this video has to make the cut. The Kiwis took the bare essentials quite literally. Watch as the pilots and cabin crew present the safety information in nothing but body paint!
https://youtu.be/7-Mq9HAE62Y
Air Koryo: Welcome to Air Koryo's aeroplane of Juche-oriented Korea (2010)
I flew Air Koryo in October 2010 from Beijing to Pyongyang and it was probably one of the unique airlines I have ever flown (it was also named the worst airline in the world!). Every aspect had its quirks, but any video that starts with dramatic communist-style propaganda shots and the following announcement deserves a spot on this list: "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Air Koryo's aeroplane of Juche-oriented Korea, vigorously advancing toward the Socialist powerful nation by the Songun politics of the Great Leader King Jong Il."
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees