United Airlines ads were pulled at the Tribeca Film Festival after a rather humorous audience reaction to an ad touting the carrier’s great service.
United is a major supporter of the Tribeca Film Festival. Fly United and you’ll find a selection of Tribeca films in the IFE selection each month. Part of the sponsorship package entitled United to show this 30-second spot before each screening at the festival:
But following “a wave of comical reactions” from the audience, the ads were pulled from remainder of the festival. On opening night, the ad “touting United Airlines’ pampering of passengers drew so much derisive laughter it drowned out the next ad entirely.” During subsequent film screenings, the same reaction occurred.
The joint decision to remove the ads does not change that United is still the official airline of the festival. United transported filmmakers from across the country to the festival and back.
Festival spokesperson Tammie Rosen said–
United is a valued partner of the Tribeca Film Festival, and we are grateful for their continued support of our filmmakers and the arts.
That’s a nice way of saying we’ll take your money United but please stay the heck away from us! Just more collateral damage…
Well, like almost all airline adverts, they NEVER show “real life” Economy class seating. Emirates the only exception I’ve seen in the last say 15+ years that shows life in main cabin.