Airline ads have vast potential. Not just to sell flights, but to ignite curiosity, inspire wanderlust, and spark the imagination of potential travelers.
I’ve dug deep into the archives and curated a list of 12 standout airline ads from brands around the globe. From videos and digital campaigns to print ads and billboards, these airline ads are as varied as they are inspirational, showcasing some of the best-in-class examples of creative and impactful airline advertising.
Ready for takeoff? Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for departure!
1. British Airways – Look Up
Source: bmediagroup.com
Back in 2013, British Airways took billboard advertising to new heights with its innovative “Look Up” campaign. The airline installed two digital billboards in central London, located under a busy flight path near Heathrow Airport. These billboards used advanced technology to track planes as they flew overhead – and when a British Airways flight passed by, that’s when the magic would begin…
The billboard would display a video of a child pointing at the plane, alongside real-time flight information, including the flight number, destination and origin of that particular airplane. This not only showcased the airline’s destinations, but also inspired viewers to explore these destinations – and to book a flight!
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2. Virgin Atlantic – See the World Differently
This beautiful video ad celebrates individuality and authenticity. It showcases a diverse group of characters – both crew and passengers – embracing their unique identities while traveling with Virgin Atlantic. Set to a version of the song “I Am What I Am”, the ad captures Virgin Atlantic’s ethos of challenging the status quo and offering a personalized, customer-centric experience.
The ad campaign also features a series of striking print ads showcasing Virgin Atlantic crew and customers. Accompanying these photographs are bold and empowering taglines like “I am my own captain” and “Born to fly.” This powerful and timely campaign strikes a chord with today’s society where inclusivity and the ability to be yourself are absolute priorities. Hats off to Virgin Atlantic for hitting the mark!
Like the sound of appealing to a modern audience? Discover more travel marketing trends here.
3. Air France – France is in the Air
Source: thedesignair.net
This ad campaign from Air France is the epitome of chic – think haute couture with a playful twist. Launched back in 2014, these print ads mix heritage and modernity to create an all-round elegant and fashion-forward aesthetic.
They remind me of those iconic 1930s travel posters with their bold colors and striking cultural imagery – only this time with high-fashion photographs added to the composition.
With a perfect mix of fun and sophistication, these vibrant and stylish visuals capture the spirit of French elegance, all wrapped up with a modern and playful flair.
If you’re looking for inspiration beyond the category, take a look at our roundup of the top outdoor marketing trends for 2025.
4. Turkish Airlines – Legends On Board
Turkish Airlines went all out with the celebrity casting in this ad, with Lionel Messi and Kobe Bryant taking center stage. This epic travel ad sees the two sporting legends competing to impress a young passenger, not only by showing off their sporting abilities, but other tricks and stunts too.
This combination of star power and creative storytelling worked wonders in building the profile of Turkish Airlines. The ad quickly went viral when it was launched in 2012, which not only elevated the brand’s visibility but also reinforced the message that “the best fly with Europe’s best airline”.
5. Emirates Airline – Featuring Jennifer Aniston
Here’s another celebrity collaboration, this time involving none other than Hollywood royalty Jennifer Aniston. This captivating ad campaign uses the power of humor and comparison to highlight the top-notch first-class experience offered by Emirates vs other airlines.
In this advert, Jennifer Aniston dreams about being on a non-Emirates flight, where she encounters uncomfortable seating, impersonal service, and – worst of all – no shower! Upon waking from this nightmare, she enjoys the luxurious and personalized service that Emirates is celebrated for, reinforcing the message that choosing Emirates means opting for excellence.
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6. Delta Air Lines – The World is Your Kaleidoscope
Why settle for a gray world when you could rediscover a more colorful one? That’s the question Delta Air Lines is asking people with its colorful and uplifting ad, which showcases the diverse and enriching experiences customers can enjoy when flying with Delta.
Through vibrant visuals and dynamic transitions, the advert invites viewers to explore the world in all its richness and glory. This creative approach not only highlights the airline’s extensive network but also inspires a sense of wonder and excitement about discovering new destinations and exploring different cultures.
7. United Airlines – This is the Story of a Better Plane
“You’re going to like this story, because it’s about you”. With its captivating opening line layered over an upbeat soundtrack, this ad from United Airlines instantly draws you in. It goes on to blend humor and relatability to address common pain points associated with air travel – from dealing with challenging toddlers and coping with low phone batteries to racing to secure overhead luggage space.
The ad positions United Airlines as the solution to all these problems – thanks to its planes which are designed with passengers in mind. The overall tone is cheerful and optimistic, engaging viewers and reassuring them that with United, their journey will be more comfortable and more enjoyable.
8. Air New Zealand – Middle Child Day
Taking a different approach to advertising, this witty social media ad campaign by Air New Zealand celebrates the one who’s always forgotten about – the middle child. This tongue-in-cheek digital campaign harnesses that classic New Zealand wit to connect with audiences on National Middle Child Day, granting middle children exemption from the dreaded middle seat on their airplanes.
With the tagline “We see you. Even when your siblings don’t.”, this light-hearted ad positions Air New Zealand as a friendly and personable airline that sticks up for the underdog.
9. British Airways – To Fly. To Serve.
This nostalgic ad is one of British Airways’ most iconic advertising efforts. It was built around BA’s long-standing motto – “To Fly. To Serve.” – which dates back to the 1920s, and it taps into that rich history while also looking at BA’s continued commitment to exceptional service.
The ad is dramatic and cinematic, accompanied by a strong, orchestral score that builds a sense of grandeur and tradition. It focuses particularly on the pilots and emphasizes their rigorous training and expertise, positioning them as modern-day heroes transporting passengers safely through the skies!
10. Emirates – Hello Tomorrow
Source: behance.net
This advertising strategy from Emirates covers a range of formats, from print and billboards to digital and TV. Rather than focusing on the standard services offered by Emirates, this campaign honed in on what was then a relatively new global mindset. Each of the ads acted as an open-arms greeting to a new borderless world.
Emirates used bold, aspirational imagery in its ads, featuring exotic destinations, inspiring characters, and slogans that encourage travelers to explore new possibilities. Like the example I’ve included here, the photography across this tourism campaign uses juxtaposition between tradition and modernity. This highlights the fact that global cities are evolving, and that with Emirates you can enjoy a rich blend of experiences spanning old and new.
11. KLM – To More Memories Together
KLM released this heartwarming ad to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Another nod to nostalgia, the ad highlights the connections that the airline has forged with customers over the years. It tells a multigenerational story of a family whose love for flying is passed down from a grandmother, who was a flight attendant, to a granddaughter, who becomes a pilot.
It’s nostalgic, it’s inspiring, and it positions KLM as more than just an airline, but a maker of memories, traditions, and family history.
12. Lufthansa – Everyone’s Fanhansa
Lufthansa’s “Everyone’s Fanhansa” campaign is a clever and witty take on German stereotypes. Launched during the European Championships in 2016, Lufthansa took the opportunity to break down preconceived notions about the airline and the country itself.
In this particular video ad, two British travelers find themselves on a Lufthansa flight, and the ad plays with the contrast between their expectations of a German airline and the actual experience. Unlike the strict and efficient but somewhat boring flight they’re expecting, the reality is warm, friendly, and full of joy.
This light-hearted approach helped to portray Lufthansa as an airline that’s proud of its heritage while also being modern, fun, and friendly.
Final thoughts
I hope these high-flying airline ads have given you some inspiration for your own ad campaigns. Whether you choose a celebrity collaboration, a nod to nostalgia, to tug at heartstrings, or to tap into cultural trends, by drawing inspo from these effective campaigns you’ll be well on your way to creating an advertising strategy that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
And if you’d like to see how Filestage can help with the review and approval process for your next airline ad, you can start a free trial here.
