I can’t count the number of dreary in-flight safety videos I have sat through, waiting for takeoff. They all seem to have one thing in common – a stultifying lack of creativity; perhaps a direct result of having a captive audience. Before the advent of the ubiquitous video, at least you could amuse yourself watching some poor soul attempt to look dignified whilst wrangling with an inflatable life jacket, but these days, air passengers are subjected to giant onscreen faces chirpily wagging enormous fingers at you, saying “Smoking is not allowed on any Delta flight” – seriously, I can’t be the only one who is a little scared of the uber-sassy lady in the Delta video.
So it is such a joy to see that Air New Zealand have decided to tackle the problem of getting passengers to pay attention during in-flight safety videos. Last year, they raised the bar with their Hobbit-themed video, complete with cameo appearance by Peter Jackson.
Now, they have done it again, this time with a rollicking adventure sequence starring the fabulous Bear Grylls. Enjoy!
How much fun was that? And be honest, when was the last time you watched an in-flight safety video because it was fun; not because you had to? 🙂
Where's my backpack? 
I LOVE it! They’ve done a few great ones in the past, I think one with the All Blacks (NZ Rugby team). Way to make a safety video interesting!
On a related note, I totally feel you on being bored by safety videos. I’ve actually memorized the American Airlines one because I use them for all my work travel. I’m working on memorizing the Spanish version now. Gotta do something to entertain myself while the damn thing is playing!
Haha, memorizing the entire video, now that’s dedication, Lindsay. 🙂
I have to say, Air Canada’s in-flight safety video is a slick piece of work, far superior to some others I’ve seen. Nothing like this NZ one, of course, but it has very good production value.
True, the production values are great, Ricky, but it’s not exactly bursting with innovation. The approach and content is exactly the same as almost every other safety video out there. The thing I like about the Air NZ approach is that they’re re-inventing the concept rather than making just another slick update to what has been, up until now, something akin to a dreary corporate video 🙂
Agreed, definitely!
Hi Ailsa, Air NZ is always in the process of reinventing itself in order to keep things fresh, while delivering a Kiwi spin on things. As a primary promotional billboard for the country, ANZ needs to do some quirky things in an on-going battle for traveller’s minds against pretty formidable competition. Part of this is to attempt create a memorable experience. I haven’t seen this video on a flight yet, but it is the most recent in a string of safety videos with a difference that goes back some ten years, beginning with one featuring US fitness guru Richard Simmons dressed in yellow singlet and tight gym shorts. Some have had a cringe factor not always appreciated by many Kiwis, but they get people talking – just like here! The area where the Bear Grylls video was shot is stunningly beautiful, and the Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”. Cheers, Chris G (NZ)
Oh dear, that Richard Simmons video sounds more than a little scary! 🙂 The Routeburn Track looks amazing, Chris, I hope to see it for myself someday. xxx Ailsa
This is so refreshing. I’ve passed it on. Entirely different from every other safety video I’ve seen, and I fly at least once a month!
Refreshing is the perfect word, Audrey, I love that they have put so much creative energy into finding a new and engaging way to disseminate information.
Ailsa – Now, that was fun. Thanks for posting.
Grin, glad you enjoyed it, Tom! 🙂
Oh yeah, I forgot about the Richard Simmons one! There was also the body paint one. That raised a few eyebrows…
Oh that is hysterical, and slightly disturbing, Jo.
Yeah that’s pretty much how I feel about it too…
The gasp when the oxygen masks dropped, that would probably be my reaction also.
Me too, djdfr, those scouts were awesome! 🙂
I love the Kiwis there are not many of you but you certainly have got your safety act together. Thanks for passing on the videos Ailsa
Glad you enjoyed them, pommepal. They made me giggle. 🙂
We Kiwis have a very irreverent sense of humour and like to take the piss whenever possible. Its also amusing to play “spot the famous kiwi” in these videos as well 🙂 My fave is the bodypaint one tho!
Aha, I think I would like New Zealand, lensaddiction 🙂
I think you should come visit 🙂
The Bear Essentials Is Wonderfully Entertaining!
That part where Bear pops out from behind a tree with loo roll made me crack up. 🙂
Just about to fly with them so looking forward to it. The rugby one was great!
I’m going to have to search for the rugby one, Mrs C. Have a great flight! xxx
Our European carriers have got an awful lot to learn from these!
No kidding. Maybe a Mr Bean safety video? 🙂
A Bean video would show you exactly what NOT to do! ;o)
That’s about the size of it!
Amazing video. There’s no way i wouldn’t watch this. Very entertaining indeed. 😀
It’s so much fun, and I bet you remember a lot more of the safety instructions after watching that too!
Absolutely. 🙂
I love the video… that will hold anyone’s attention…
So true, a little humour goes a long way when you’re trying to impart dry information. 🙂
Reblogged this on restlesswanderer61 and commented:
The is a must see for any Lord of the Rings, Hobbit fans! I can’t believe I just sat through a safety video! If only I lived in the Shire… (minus the threat of invasions, rogue wizards and motley trolls). Okay, maybe I’d rather live in Rivendell. Enjoy the video and remember to put your tray in the upright position. March 19th is the release date for The Hobbit DVD!
Thanks for the reblog, Debbie. I think I’d prefer the Shire, they always seem to be partying and letting off fireworks! 🙂
Ailsa, thanks so much for posting these, they are terrific. I love that ANZ is working to capture attention. NZ is one of our favorite trips ever – the friendliness and energy of the people is a big reason we loved it and the video is evidence of both!
I have a feeling I’d love New Zealand, Tina. I’ve never been but it’s way up there on my list of places to visit.
Reblogged this on the travelling travelator and commented:
I loved this so much, I had to share. What happens when the Kiwi sense of humour grabs your attention for a serious reason. Why can’t we Brits get our act together for our own version? David Walliams, perhaps?
Oh yes, I’d love to see a British Airways version, how about Blackadder? 🙂
Portable loo?? Lol!! 😀
Love AirNZ! They are very creative 🙂
I know, the portable loo bit was hilarious, Timothy. This would make me want to fly Air NZ. 🙂
I saw the Hobbit one on my flight from Auckland to Melbourne with Air NZ, the week before last! Amazing!
How much fun, Marianne. That’s an in-flight safety video I would watch over and over. 🙂
These are good, I’m forwarding them to our airport safety officer.
Sweet, I’ll be interested to hear their reaction, Mark. 🙂
The Hobbit-themed safety video is brilliant – I would be the passenger you hear laughing loudly behind you and guess what, we actually remember what the instructions are because it is so interesting! I can’t stand most of AirCanada’s propaganda, so dull and boring, everyone looks homogenous and the narrator’s voice makes passengers zone out and yawn – all you have to do is look around the cabin when it is on and you’ll see the effect it has, no one paying the least bit of attention.. pretty much like the response we get to most things in this frozen wasteland…
The Hobbit one is hysterical, the ‘Aragorn’ character with the hairdryer killed me. 🙂
It is worth playing repeatedly just for the laughs!
Reblogged this on I'm tejas.
Thanks for the reblog, tejas! 🙂
Reblogged this on Flying With Life and commented:
Amazing in-flight video!! Best I have definitely seen!
Now I want to fly with Air New Zealand!!
Thanks for the reblog, Gretta. Yes, this would make me want to fly Air NZ too. 🙂
I just love this! Nothing and noone can match their humour and creative minds! I loved the one for last year and then the Hobbit one and now this! GREAT. I’ll reblog!
Yaay, thanks for the reblog, and hats off to the creative team behind these videos. 🙂
Reblogged this on Lagottocattleya and commented:
This is just great! How can you not love New Zealanders?
I hadn’t seen the latest one – that is really good. And Air NZ is one of the best airlines – despite some of the pilots nodding off occasionally…
Eek!
Very cool! 😀 Thank you, Ailsa!
Glad you enjoyed it, Amy, it made me giggle so I just had to share. xxx
I loved these. I would watch them again.
I bet that’s the first time you’ve said that about an in-flight safety video, Joseph. 🙂
This is one of the many, many reasons (don’t tell my Kiwi boyfriend!) that I adore New Zealand: they never seem to notice the staid or old-fashioned limits the rest us put on conventions – like a boring in-flight announcement. Last year, they maximized tourism for the Rugby World Cup by bringing the All Blacks onto the plane (and sport/rugby-themed innuendos). Before that, Richard Simmons led the entire passenger deck in a safety ‘work-out’. Just brilliant!!
I’m going to have to find that rugby one now, dakota85, sounds hilarious. xxx
Those were beyond amazing!!
I know, Jill, major props to the creative team behind those videos. 🙂
Air NZ is just the best! This is just one example of many little things they do to make the flight experience actually kinda fun. Thank you for gathering these up!
Glad you enjoyed the post, msdulce, I had a lot of fun with it. 🙂
Fantastic.. there was an airline in the past that did a naked briefing.. also innovative.. 2009.. guess what.. also new zealand. They were actually body painted but completely bare..not as fun as the more recent one but still new and different .. and their accents are just wonderful. http://youtu.be/7-Mq9HAE62Y
I hope the crew that appeared in that video got extra generous year-end bonuses. Brave!
My friend is flying on air New Zealand today, I think she’ll get a kick out of the new video!
Those videos make me want to fly Air NZ just for the entertainment factor, Meg. 🙂
Reblogged this on George L. Verge and commented:
🙂
Thanks for reblogging, George, glad you enjoyed it!
Fabulous … and why not?!?
Indeed! 🙂
Hahaha love it ! Gotta love that Southern Hemisphere sense of humour.
I remember being on a Virgin Airways flight from Melbourne to Adelaide – Australia around 10 years ago and the head cabin stewardess did the safety demonstration. There were a few awkward smiles going on amongst the other cabin crew also taking part as well as a few puzzled bemused glances.
At the end of the demonstration the head steward announcing the demonstration states that she completely changed the sequence so the others had no idea what was going on – hence the smiles ! It was very funny !
Virgin Airways are always a lot of fun. I was on a European flight and the captain came on over the speakers and said “If you look out the left window, you’ll see big white fluffy clouds. If you look out the right window, you’ll see the same. That’s all you’re going to see today folks, it’s cloudy out there.” 🙂
we Kiwis like to have a bit of fun…this was one of my favourites
Air New Zealand staff in bodypaint…oh yea
Oh boy, I wonder if they volunteered or if they were press-ganged into appearing in the altogether! 🙂
Many years ago I was on a flight from Melbourne to Aukland–don’t remember if it was ANZ or Quantas–and I had just seen the movie Sirens, with one of my fave actresses, Tara Fitzgerald. So guess who’s doing the safety video? Yup, I always pay attention on flights in that region now. ;o)
Excellent, I love Tara Fitzgerald, very cool lady! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Air New Zealand safety videos – best ever! And I love the fact they constantly change them up too. It’s such a breath of fresh air – and I’m flying with them later in the year again 😀
It makes for a much more interesting flight, that’s for sure. Have a fun trip, progressionofme!
Love it! Also can’t wait to go to New Zealand 🙂
Every photo I see of NZ is drop-dead gorgeous, I can’t wait to make it to those shores!
Can I tempt you some more?
As passengers we really do need to pay attention to the safety features but it is hard when it’s the same yada yada. An attentdant told me that no matter everyone thinks they know it by heart, it is those that actually watch the video who react best if a situation arises. Yay Air NZ for making it fun and interesting as well as informative. Step it up AC.
I try,Lynne, but somehow I always find my attention drifting off. Not during the AirNZ videos though. 🙂
OMG!!!! Like I needed another reason to love New Zealand even more than I already do!!! Thanks for sharing these – they had me smiling!!!!
Excellent, Shelli, mission accomplished. 🙂
Those are so much more interesting than the usual yawningly boring information films. I’d be happy to watch them more than once per flight! 😀
Me too, Elaine. 🙂
Timely post for me as I just caught both these videos flying between Australia and Auckland over the past month!
So much more fun that the usual in-flight videos – happy travels, rovingadobe. 🙂
This is brilliant! I wish more flight companies would follow their example.
Me too, elinerilda, it would definitely brighten up the flying experience 🙂
Yes! I had posted this on my twitter as well! Ended up watching this, the All Blacks one and the Richard Simmons one <– hilarious! Can't wait to see Bear!
I went and did a search for them too, Glamourous Traveller, too much fun! I posted the Bear video in this post, did you get to see it? He’s hilarious.
I’ve seen the hobbit one four times and cringe everytime the ‘wizard’ says ‘bared’ instead of ‘beard’.
Haha, I’ll have to go back and watch it now to listen for that. 🙂
HIlarious!
Grin, I couldn’t resist posting, it was too much fun. 🙂
Oh dear! I had to leave the library as I was laughing so much, even without the sound on.
Love the Kiwis, love their sense of humour. Surely N.Z. must be a most wonderful place to live.
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