It’s pretty common for airlines to publish videos around the holidays. After all, they want you to think of them when you’re traveling home to see loved ones, since the best thing you can associate airlines with is the memories they help create.
For example, WestJet is known for their “Christmas Miracle” videos, which are creative.
Earlier I shared British Airways’ “BA Magic” video, which was touching.
Even American’s “holiday greeting” is pretty cute, and is more airline-centric:
Well, Delta and Virgin Atlantic have just published a joint Christmas video which is… unusual. It’s called “The Prodigal Brother,” and has the tagline “Together, We Make Togetherness.” Here’s how they describe it:
3 magical scarves, 2 airlines and 1 uncle unite for a fantastical Christmas tale about what matters most.
Together, with Delta Air Lines, we present a modern take on the classic tale of a Sherpa, a yak, and a magic spider all bringing a family together on Christmas. With over 200 destinations between the UK and the US, together, we make togetherness.
From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
Here’s the video:
That’s certainly an unconventional approach to take towards a holiday video for an airline.
Per AdWeek, here’s the concept behind it:
“Christmas advertising is filled with big, emotional storytelling. We wanted to deliver that feeling, so we went with the classic Christmas story about a dead yak, a magic spider, Socrates and karate.”
I get what they’re going for, but I’m not sure it really resonates with me. It’s not touching, especially funny, or cheeky, and I wouldn’t even call the apology that brings the siblings together much of an apology at all. But maybe I’m in the minority.
What do you make of the joint Christmas video from Delta and Virgin Atlantic?
I actually quite liked it. I thought it as tongue and cheek enough that it wasn't too heavy, but the message still came across.
Very clever. Serious message done tongue in cheek. self deprecating. nice light touch on a serious subject (suicides rocket at this time of year). My all time airline fav ad was the Turkish airlines one with Kevin Costner-that was inspired.
It's totally weird... but I'm with the folks who liked it. I think you have to have a messed up family to get it. They're your family and you love them even when you don't like them. I think @lucky's family is too well adjusted for him to get it.
It’s what Christmas is all about for so many: anticipation, hope, confusion, redemption, sharing, growth and love...
Merry Christmas everyone
I love this video
I’m not kidding when I say it was powerfully emotional for me
It probably only resonates for those who have a similar life situation
It will not be a commercial success because it doesn’t pull on the sappy Christmas “we’re all happy and happy to be together meme”
Those with a charmed life or a great family probably can’t understand this at all
But if you have an...
I love this video
I’m not kidding when I say it was powerfully emotional for me
It probably only resonates for those who have a similar life situation
It will not be a commercial success because it doesn’t pull on the sappy Christmas “we’re all happy and happy to be together meme”
Those with a charmed life or a great family probably can’t understand this at all
But if you have an alcoholic or drug addicted family member then you completely understand this. This IS my family
Christmas is complicated. There’s a reason why suicide rates skyrocket this time of year.
Relationships are even more complicated
Sometimes those we love harm us terribly as they disappoint us
Sometimes we dread getting together
But it doesn’t mean we don’t love them, or want to see them
Saying I’m sorry is hard
Accepting the apology for the 1000th Time is even harder.
If you hate this video or don’t understand it then please go tell your family how much you love them, and how fortunate you really are.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to you all!
@Mike, I agree.
It kept me captivated and who knew there are brothers out there just like mine!
I actually like this. a lot. I actually think it's quite touching. Relationships get hard sometimes, and its beautiful to see people reconcile with each other again.
Just awful. Can’t believe Delta put their name on this.
@Mike - totally agree. It's funny and meant to be awkward.
Great to see something different at this time of the year even if it does lead to the usual schmaltzy ending.
Obviously I'm in the minority but I think it's really good.
Sort of resonates with anyone who has ever been part of, or known, a dysfunctional family. And dysfunctional families are at their least functional during Christmas.
I agree it's a strange marketing move, but I really like it!
I want that 3:27 of my life back.
@Blue Moon
Another tone deaf Christian zealot. Fun.
This is very.......different. Not at all like previous VS or DL campaigns.
I think they missed the mark here! By quite a lot!!!
That story was less coherent than a trump speech
Kudos for WestJet in sticking with “Christmas” instead of “Holidays”!!!!
This concept should have died on the drawing board. Delta + Virgin Atlantic = Clueless.
Ummmmmmmm....... what did I just watch?
Both companies are clueless Delta more than the Virgin
Have to avoid both
When he says the reason I am late today I was hoping he would say cause I flow Delta.
Apology? Or did you mean "Analogy"?
holy crap...based on the first image...i thought DL/VS did a xmas video featuring El Chapo!!! :)