7 Creative Airline Safety Videos That Are Actually Entertaining

1. Delta Airlines: Party like Its 1980

This tongue-in-cheek video features dozens of now-laughable fashions and technology from the 1980s. The hilarious airline safety video shows a modern central figure reciting all the rules for traveling on the plane that we may have heard many times, but with hilarious accompaniment – when asked to place small items under the seat, a passenger removes his Devo hat and obliges. Two women switch places when their big hair blocks the aisle. When instructions about using the air masks are presented, a passenger helps Alf adjust his mask. It finishes with Kareem Abdul Jabbar reprising his role in Airplane!. You can check out the latest updates from Delta Airlines on their official site.

2. Southwest Airlines: Safety with Sass

Where possible, safety instructions are shown on videos rather than by the flight crew. However, at least one flight attendant has a solid future as a stand-up comedian if she ever decided to switch careers. Passengers are informed that in the unlikely event they needed it, everyone would get their own personal “teeny weeny Southwest bikini” (the flotation device). She mentions that there is indeed a smoking section—outside the plane. “This is a no smoking, no whining, no complaining flight,” she adds, then finishes her presentation with all eyes at attention. You can find more fun travel stories and bookings at Southwest Airlines.

3. Air New Zealand: Barely There

They implore you to take a second look, and you definitely should! The entire cast of this commercial is actually nude, with their uniforms painted on. Set to the highly appropriate “I’ve got you under my skin,” this real-life flight crew shows all the obligatory safety points while cleverly holding props to hide certain aspects of their anatomy. However, one video clip shows a crew member buckling a seat belt and exposing his belly button. The video signs off by saying, “From the airline whose fares have nothing to hide!” Explore more about Air New Zealand and their creative campaigns.

4. Virgin America: do the Safety Dance

Passengers are treated to Virgin’s energetic safety briefing in preparation for the plane’s take off. Complete with catchy music and fun choreography, you get treated to a relatively boring message delivered in an easily digestible and visually pleasing way. The music calms and a gentle rap of instructions begin, then kids deliver messages via rap and one section features futuristic robotic dancers. Overall, it’s a feel-good video that makes you want to pay attention! While Virgin America has since merged with Alaska Airlines, their legacy of fun remains.

5. Thomson Airways: out of the Mouths of Babes

This entire video stars 7-year-old kids conducting themselves in a sweetly adult way. The very mature acting star explains all the details of safe travel, while a bespectacled cutie demonstrates various pieces of safety equipment. Those kids are convincing enough that you can actually believe they know exactly what they are talking about! Thomson (now known as TUI Airways) targeted family travel, and this video chose the right messengers to get the attention of family members with small children.

6. New Zealand Air: Safety Message from Middle Earth

This is the second time New Zealand Air appears on the list of great airline safety videos—you have to give kudos to their marketing group. This one has a Hobbit theme, and the announcer comes complete with a long flowing dress, an Irish accent, and pointed ears. Characters on the plane may have pointy ears as well, or hairy feet, helmets, or epic beards. They may be goblins, hobbits, or other creatures. Of course, there is the requisite gorgeous man, breeze blowing through his hair. At one point a gold ring even makes an appearance. Truly, “The Airline of Middle Earth.” For those who love adventure, these destinations for solo travelers might be right up your alley.

7. Icelandair: Tour without Leaving Your Seat

Okay, so this one’s not funny, but it’s still awesome. The normal safety instruction ensues; however, safety illustrations are superimposed on Icelandic scenery. For example, the exit slide is placed over a waterfall, and when talking about lights that may appear on the floor, we also get treated to the Northern Lights. If you never wanted to visit Iceland, you’ll change your mind after this video. If you're looking for more travel inspiration, don't miss our guide on the most beautiful places in the world.

Don’t you think this is a great way of getting across the message of airline safety? Whether it's through humor or stunning visuals, these airlines know how to keep us engaged. Safe travels!