There is a new regulation coming into effect, “Don’t mislead passengers.” Let’s call it the “truth in advertising” rule. Understandably, the airlines are incensed. Spirit Airlines is leading the charge. How dare the government mandate that they tell the truth. After decades of being allowed to mislead the public and bury taxes and fees in the fine print, being forced to be honest doesn’t come easily.
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The best things in life may be free, but that apparently doesn’t extend to the airfare on your all-inclusive vacation, at least according to the government.
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JetBlue launched a series of video ads that poke fun at other airlines. The tagline is, “You wouldn’t take it on the ground; why take it in the air?” Here are four videos from this series dealing with baggage fees, non-stop flights, drinks on planes and legroom in coach. Each video is worth a good laugh, or at least a groan as you identify with the victims.
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US Airways decides to put advertisements on their boarding passes, TSA nominee withdraws leaving TSA leaderless 14 months after Obama’s inauguration, Travelocity offers opaque hotel rates alongside normal rates.
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Ned discusses the new Federal “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” as they affect reviews published on the Internet. Ned points out the Guide’s problems, including ignoring reviews in traditional media while imposing large fines on reviews in Internet media which don’t fulfill its requirements.
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This collection of ads, the Continental ones above and the old PanAm and United Air Lines ads below focus on something that we seem to have lost in the airline business — customer service. When we look back at these ads below or even watch contemporary ads made for Continental, the last remaining airline to serve meals in coach on domestic routes, there is certainly a sense of once upon a time.
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Forbes has released what a group of judges have assessed as the 10 Best Travel and Tourism campaigns. These efforts have been lauded for their ability to be memorable and to generate interest in their country, state or region. How many do you remember? I’ve added some of my own favorites.
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Expedia has publicly announced they’re selling individual customer buying habits to advertisers. Other travel websites are apparently doing the same in secret. Ned explores his concerns about the sale of this information.
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What makes you choose one hotel over the other? Is it the rate, the location or your travel agent’s recommendation? I’ll bet it’s most likely not the hotel’s advertising campaign. Hotels continue to spend big bucks on flashy advertising, but is it just wasted money?
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New customized Web ads by Alaska Airlines may be a little Orwellian, but if they lead travelers to a good deal could it be so bad?
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