PLEASE NOTE: Some of the links to these videos are no longer valid and I will not be updating them.

My favourite airline TV commercials that are 90 seconds or shorter.

1. British Airways – “To Fly. To Serve.” (2011)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43VxddEYOpE

2.  Cathay Pacific – “New World” (1989)
Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific released this awesome vintage ’80s ad concurrent with their introduction of the 747-400.  Watching it produces a sense of longing.  This was a time when the world probably did seem to be getting smaller.  Is that Michael Chang at 0:24?

3.  Lufthansa – “Everyone’s Fanhansa” (2016)
An English ad for the German airline, which pokes a little fun at England and English football just ahead of Euro 2016.  I also think it interesting that Lufthansa chose to headline a 747-800 rather than an A380 (it has both).  That’s worth bonus points.  The 747 is still the Queen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD9UTBWo51w

4.  Lufthansa – “Germany, It’s Good for Business” (1967)

This is a completely outrageous ad.  You need to click directly on this link in order to see it. (Playback on other websites has been disabled by the host.)

5. KLM – “One Day I Fly Away” (1995)
Also known as the “Swan” commercial.  A classic.

6.  Turkish Airlines – “Kobe vs. Messi: Legends on Board” (2012) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruav0KvQOOg

7A.  Continental Airlines – “If You Can’t Fly Continental, You Might as Well Not Fly” (probably 1970s)

There are several versions of this amusing ad with the sarcastic finale “try to have a nice trip anyway.”  I’ve posted a second one (7B) below.

7B.  Continental Airlines – “If You Can’t Fly Continental, You Might as Well Not Fly” (probably 1970s) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZGFospJAZM

8.  Emirates – “Hello Tomorrow” Featuring Ronaldo and Pelé (2014) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFbryriZ3is

9.  Swissair – Leather Seats in Europe (probably 1990s)

10. Pan Am – Introducing the 747 (1969)
This spot is reserved for the airline and aircraft that perhaps best symbolize the “golden age” of air travel.  Pan Am was the launch customer for the 747.