AIR SMILES

‘If I can pretend to have your attention for just a few moments, my ex-husband, my new boyfriend and their divorce attorney are going to show you the safety features aboard this 737 800 series aircraft’

That was just the start of a hilarious safety message.

They listened, they laughed and they relaxed. Fear of flying forgotten – at least for the moment.

Commitment to fly again with the airline cemented for 9 out of 10 passengers.

Those opening words were the start of Air hostess Marty Cobb’s comic version of the standard take-off announcement.

Marty works for Southwest Airlines who positively encourage humour in their mission statement.

‘A warrior spirit and a fun-loving attitude’

Marty’s safety message went viral, and TV came a calling.

What publicity and what a way to spread the message of fun.

Did it work? Of course it did.

1 in 10 don’t like it. They have a choice.

The remaining passengers absolutely love it.

It was Virgin Airways that broke the mould by making flying with them fun.