The national airline of Taiwan, China Airlines, has gained international attention after its humorously honest travel commercial. Rather than depict the fantasy-like aspects of travel, the commercial shows voyagers potential travel mishaps and bad decisions they could make.
The frank honesty of China Airline's commercial show travelers who have the misfortune of getting unexpectedly pregnant, injured, tattooed, married, and even haunted by a cursed keepsake. The video also depicts travelers who are unrecognizable thanks to their new plastic surgery, not fitting into clothing thanks to weight gain, and a surprising Visa bill a voyager receives after shopping abroad.
The ad targets young adults' desire to travel and gain experience, and while they may not always be ideal, the commercial's ability to be relatable has made it a viral. The commercial "invites you to discover what travel brings you."
Humorously Honest Airline Ads
China Airlines' Commercial is Counter Intuitive but Successful
Trend Themes
1. Honest Travel Ads - Opportunity for airlines to market their services in a candid, humorous way, appealing to young adults' desire for transparency and authenticity.
2. Relatable Advertising Approach - Brands can humanize themselves and build trust with potential customers by acknowledging common issues and inconveniences associated with their products or services.
3. Humorous Video Marketing - Comedians and creatives have the chance to curate comedic yet honest ads that become viral and increase brand awareness and engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Airlines - Opportunity for airlines to differentiate themselves from competitors and appeal to a new audience through honest advertising strategies.
2. Travel and Tourism - Tourism companies can join in on the honesty trend by promoting travel experiences realistically and becoming a reputable source of travel information.
3. Digital Advertising - Marketers can utilize the power of storytelling and humor to increase engagement, attract new customers, and build brand loyalty.