While browsing a few of the blogging websites which I frequently visit, I came cross this video by Virgin America:

http://youtu.be/DtyfiPIHsIg
Yes, I know it is 5 minutes long, and on pre-flight safety.  Trust me, it’s worth it.

When I first viewed this video on the day it was launched, I didn’t think much of it, and I sure wasn’t expecting it to go viral in the way it did – I just found it to be a funny, quirky pre-flight safety video.  Boy, was I ever wrong.  After reading numerous comments and reviews raving of how wonderful this video was, I now realize what a clever marketing technique this was by Virgin America.

These days, the flying public are asked to view boring and mundane pre-flight safety videos.  Thus, we tend to tune them out, especially the ‘veteran’ travelers who are basically able to recite the safety video word for word.  However, airlines have begun to slowly alter the typical.  Southwest Airlines was one of the first airlines that began to have fun with their pre-flight safety announcement/videos – they either sing it or rapped it.

Clearly, Virgin America has adopted the Southwest Airline model in trying to make flying enjoyable and a fun experience for everyone.  That is, they focus on customer service and value, as they understand that in today’s society, the customer comes first.  By differentiating themselves from the other boring, mundane airlines, they are able to show off their unique spark and gain an edge over the rest of the market.  However, expect to see other airlines imitating this model for their pre-flight safety videos.  As they say, imitation is the best form of flattery in the business world – which, ultimately, leads to success.