United Airlines

You probably don't... 1984 United States

This author is particularly delighted to show you this commercial because he saw it for the first time at an aviation exhibit in Montreal in the 1990s and absolutely loved it. Just watch as a negative-thinking passenger (the kind we'd hate to sit next to on any flight) is given a wonderful customer service experience when he least expects it. The background song is deliciously relaxing and the lyrics are as caring as the United employees on the commercial. The beauty is not in the conclusion of this film but in the little twists here and there (especially the self-mocking "I know, I wrote it" line!)

View this commercial (downloadable AVI movie, 3.03 MB, from YouTube user)

Speech 1989 United States

In a conference room, a manager announces they have just lost a major long-time client, one too many. It's time for a "face-to-face" policy, in other words, not just call the customer, but also meet him. He starts handing out plane tickets to the other employees... which leaves room for a brilliant conclusion. This is possibly one of the best and most honest commercials around, period. Perhaps it is not the best way to sell an airline, but it's an excellent way to send the message that communication is important.

View this commercial (downloadable AVI movie, 3.43 MB, from the old Leo Burnett agency website)

First day 1982 United States

So, we have a young flight attendant on her first day. She seems very nervous but, taking advantage of the fact that no one but her has boarded the United Airlines DC-10 yet, starts "practising" with imaginary passengers. She takes the "job" seriously while other flight attendants enter the plane without her noticing and look rather amused, then proud... As she flies a real flight with real passengers later, her "amateurism" is quicky replaced by professionalism. The idea is quite charming, but the attitude of Nancy during her whole show can be a tad goofy. The jingle in the background is under the tune of Brotherhood of Man's "United We Stand." which, instead, says "United We Fly." The video now has better sound quality.

View this commercial (downloadable AVI movie, 3.87 MB, from The Night of the AdEaters)

Special passengers 1992 United States

Again, the mystery notion is used here. United Airlines starts showing us a parked Boeing 747, and lets us peek inside and... surprise! We find orcas swimming in harmony along, under United's signature song, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" The off-screen voice informs us about their spacious cabins on their 747s. No need to say more: seeing these marine animals swimming inside something seen by us as a rather small space is already enough! The special effects are excellent, and it really sounds like the orcas were swimming inside a cabin full of water. The only question is: if the cabin is full of water, without air pockets, how can they breathe? They're mammals after all!

View this commercial (downloadable MPEG file, 2.97 MB, from The Night of the AdEaters)

---