So I was at the tube station recently when I saw this …
Seriously … what the hell is this rubbish?
Do they honestly believe people will believe this?
That they can get on the plane and either:
1. Tell the pilot where they want to go, regardless where the plane is supposed to be going.
Or …
2. Tell the pilot which way to go, like they’re in a cab?
What the hell is wrong with these airlines?
I mean I thought that horrific Lufthansa ad was peak crap, but this is possibly even worse.
At the very least, it’s a tie for plane crash advertising … though, to be fair, Etihad only have one stupid statement on their ad compared to their German competitor, who not only talks about ‘air travel engineered around you’ [lie] but follows it up by suggesting the experience on their plane is better than having a drink on a roof top bar at sunset. [another lie]
Alright … alright … I admit I have an allegiance to Virgin Atlantic after years of working on their ads and having a close relationship with some of the people at the company, but not only have I never proposed making work that suggests the passenger is in control of where they go or how they fly, I know if I did they’d not only not buy it, they’d fire me on the spot.
What are Etihad thinking?
Who is advising them on this rubbish?
Why is it the best airlines – Virgin Atlantic and S7 and occasionally, Delta aside – have the worst advertising?
There is so much to write about air travel.
There is so much to talk about what it enables people to see, feel, experience and learn.
I once read a stat that said air travel is the only method of transportation that has reduced in price [based on average incomes] over the years. Or said another way, airlines are more effective at helping cultures interact and learn about each other than the United Nations.
But what do they end up saying?
Nothing.
They say nothing other than bland lies that no one will believe.
I can help you Etihad. I want to help you. You’re a great airline that deserves so much better.
Call me … I won’t even ask for free upgrades. Probably.