Virgin America’s new in-flight safety video will have you dancing in your seat

Published October 31, 2013 at 8:43 am

For most Americans, traveling via airplane isn’t the most enjoyable experience. Baggage fees are exorbitantly expensive, security lines are long, cabins are crowded and some airlines even break passengers’ guitars. Of course, not all in-flight experiences are negative. There was Southwest Airlines’ rapping flight attendant, who not only provided welcome entertainment to weary travelers, but even got them to pay attention to important pre-flight safety instructions.

Now, it appears that Virgin America, though admittedly no stranger to this kind of thinking, has decided to take the in-flight safety video to the next level with this catchy five-minute masterpiece. Directed by filmmaker Jon Chu, known for — wait for it — Step Up 3D and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, the video features music by former “American Idol” contestant Todrick Hall and dancing by folks you may recognize from “So You Think You Can Dance.”

As USA Today notes, “there’s a little something for everyone” in the video, which passengers will be able to enjoy on all Virgin America flights by mid-November.

“How many times have you been on a plane where nobody is watching the safety demonstration?” said Steve Forte, Virgin America’s chief operating officer, as revealed by the news outlet. “People are sitting there reading the newspaper. When you look at this video, you’ll see how it grabs people’s attention.”

Who knows what Virgin America will come up with next. In the meantime, though, brands can learn a lot from the company’s irreverent sense of humor and willingness to have fun. Let’s be honest here. If Virgin America can make an in-flight safety video that commands attention, just imagine what you can do to engage your audience.