British Airways unveils their latest ad, tells customers not to fly!

By: Ben Schlappig

Updated: May 7, 2021
Published: June 19, 2012

11 comments

British Airways just unveiled their latest 60 second TV ad promoting the London Olympics, which can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6VzhDE1Wso

I think it’s a great ad to watch with awesome visuals. It’s more of a tourism board type ad than anything else so I doubt it’ll generate a lot of extra revenue, though it’s still “feel good.”

But what really has me scratching my head is the tagline:

For a company that makes a living flying people around the world, would you really want to spend millions of dollars spreading a message telling people to… not fly? I realize it’s probably not intended literally, but seriously? Or am I off base?

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World Traveller Guest

August 24, 2012, 6:05 am

It seems this campaign from BA is already paying some early dividends... A survey out today reveals which brands were most memorable and most associated with the Games. British Airways has been named as the winner in the battle for memorable Olympic campaigns. A PR Week/OnePoll survey of the public this week revealed that the airline's activities, which included a 'Don't Fly' advertising campaign, were cited by 16 per cent of respondents as having the most impact.

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Charles Guest

August 3, 2012, 11:50 am

Growing a positive online sentiment was having an increasing impact on consumer choices and brand reputations This is just one strand of BA's active part of online dialogue. It'll go a long way to help increase brand engagement, strengthen their reputation and ultimately sell more tickets.

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Ozaer N. Guest

June 20, 2012, 2:05 pm

With their fuel surcharges, ill be more than happy 'NOT TO FLY'....(with them)

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Dax Guest

June 20, 2012, 1:33 pm

"That we’re even talking about it shows it is a very clever ad." A little too clever for BA if you ask me. The more "edgy" and "cool" their advertisements become the more stodgy and dull BA itself begins to look.

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Osarumen Osama i. Guest

June 20, 2012, 7:39 am

Clever ads like this one help^s viewers develop affection for the product or brand. The message is a side line item. Much affection is being drawn here by BA from all who enjoy this ad, wheather or not you take on board the side line item.

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