British Airways Flying Start Comic Relief safety film

thrifty_pete

Does anyone know if the video with Rowan Atkinson / Ian McKellen is going to be permanent?
I have seen it about ten times now and although I am very happy to give my small change to charity, it is becoming annoying. I was sat next to some other passengers who without me saying anything said they were fed up of it too. They thought it was like Ryanair when they used to sell scratch cards.
It is compulsory to watch it, as it is the safety film. It's a bit like if you phoned a customer service helpline and had to listen to a message inviting you to donate money to their favourite charity before you could speak to anyone.
Don't get me wrong, the airline is great, the charity is good, and watching safety videos on planes is also a good idea. Mixing them all together is what I don't like. If British Airways want to donate some of their profits to charity, and print that charity's logo on their tickets, that would be much less annoying! Probably more tax effective too.

gettingtheresometime

I think there's going to be a new safety film but don't know if it's going to include the appeal ....don't ask me when though.


Having watched it a fair few times myself I could probably go on Mastermind with it as my specialist subject


In fairness the comic relief aspect is only a very small part of the safety film and is at right at the end. Yes they do mention it in flight towards the end but I take the attitude if that's all you have to find annoying in your life, you're doing quite well.

stevie11

Accept it for what it is. If it makes you watch the safety film and gets the points over they have done their job to advise on safety. If in the process the video has encouraged people to donate to a good cause even better.

joncombe

It could be worse.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcKkFVDGpT0


I think they've stopped using that video now though, thankfully!

dickydonkin

For those who fly frequently on BA, they may find the old (and the new) videos annoying.

I am one of those (out of courtesy of the crew and to my own safety) who always watch the videos, however, the BA versions are too protracted and the attempted 'comedy' aspect of the video flies over the head of those passengers from different cultures and backgrounds.

Less is more with any safety video - get the key points across in the least time possible or you will lose your audience the longer it goes on - which defeats the intended objective.

thrifty_pete

Yes a large part of the humour is only understandable to a native English speaker. Other people will understand it, of course, just won't be funny. For me it was only funny the first 10 times, now I'm sick of it. I am already dreading my next fligh on BA - perhaps I can use ear plugs and shut my eyes!

gettingtheresometime

dickydonkin wrote: »

For those who fly frequently on BA, they may find the old (and the new) videos annoying.

I am one of those (out of courtesy of the crew and to my own safety) who always watch the videos, however, the BA versions are too protracted and the attempted 'comedy' aspect of the video flies over the head of those passengers from different cultures and backgrounds.

Less is more with any safety video - get the key points across in the least time possible or you will lose your audience the longer it goes on - which defeats the intended objective.

I quite liked the Quantas film (mind you that was the only aspect of the flight I liked)

CardinalWolsey

To say it flies over the heads of those from other cultures/backgrounds is a bit strong. The cast are all known internationally, whilst also showcasing the "Best of British". It wouldn't matter what the video was, those repetitive interruptions on flights for repeat fliers do generally become annoying - whether its the safety video, a look at the charity work 30 minutes before landing, or the cabin service director welcoming you to the flight and interrupting the inflight entertainment ("Your entertainment is paused whilst an announcement is made")... all very sigh worthy.

On the other hand, dropping the loose change from the country you've just been to and won't be able to convert back in to GBP a) gets rid of the random shrapnel and b) does actually go to a good cause. So close the eyes and head back whilst it plays out.

thrifty_pete

I see the logic of it, but the concept hasn't been thought through. Comedy only works if you don't know what is will happen next. Frequent fliers, their best customers, have to see the film many times.
I donated my Australian Dollars to a charity collection box in the airport. I didn't see many other people giving change to the cabin crew.
Perhaps BA could support charities in other ways? Free flights for aid workers?
By sheer coincidence a new film is apparently rolling out from 1st August! https://youtu.be/FQ9Xpzi4qkU
Michael Caine is in full cockney character, sadly he doen't say "blow the emergency doors off" which would be cool! Joanna Lumley finally makes an appearance too.

GibbsRule_No3

Just got back from a US holiday and my plane was a BA one, even though I booked AA. Must admit I did not know who the females in the film were, Ithink I knew all the men, especially when they called Jim, Jim.

gettingtheresometime

Thandie Newton - Mission Impossible 2

Gillian Anderson - X Files