United Airlines has a new commercial out highlighting its international route map through a light-hearted tale of a man trying to learn catch phrases in several languages. The ad is targeted toward New York City flyers and was filmed at Newark Airport.
I also like to learn a few phrases at least wherever I am in the world, so this ad struck a chord with me. Still, it seems a bit indirect in terms of distinguishing United Airlines from competitors. Matt Damon’s narration highlights all the international and U.S. destinations served by United, but route map alone is not enough, nor is the quick glance at the business seat a sufficient differentiator.
But it does seem that United is beginning to revert back to the ad campaign of yesteryear, at least in non-animated format, that tries to play on nostalgia and suggest that United is always there for you.
What are your thoughts about the new ad?
Reminds me of your United travel stories, prior to getting the boot for taking a simple photo, and thus your continuing complex relationship with United.
I hate United, but that’s a nice ad.
I liked the new commercial and agree it has a nostalgic feel.
I’m a sucker for Rhapsody, and most any creative airline commercial. Like you, I can relate to the attempts at learning a few phrases of a local language. It is a lot of fluff, but I appreciate the focus on the global reach that United provides but the small print of “May include service by United Express” is a minus. I also like the final joke about American regional accents although to my eyes this is supposed to be a Texas or similar BBQ restaurant where a “Pee-can” pie order would likely not be corrected like that.
even though UA serves 3 destinations in China but excludes it in the commercial, now that getting too political.
Ah, Brad…you have made two common mistakes…first, thinking that Texas is part of America…Texas is another planet altogether…second, nowhere in the true south would accept that which might indeed be accepted in Texas…for a true southerner, the pie is pe-can, a pee-can is something that goes under the bed at night.
That’s what everybody likes, coming home from a trip to have his pronunciation corrected by a server with a snide look on her face.
Some of you are missing the point. It isn’t only ‘pecan’ pronunciation that goes awry in the commercial. For example, in French we say “How goes it?” as “Comment ca va?” and the actor says “Comment c’est va?” which is meaningless. Also in Italian, he uses the Spanish ‘por’ when he should actually say ‘per favore’.