Consumers lash out at American Airline’s latest campaign

Critics say the company’s YouTube video about the ‘greatest travelers’ puts responsibility (and blame) on the consumers, not the airline.

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Those subjected to air travel with any frequency understand the unwritten flight etiquette.

If you travel often, you probably also noticed how airlines are slightly less comfortable, far less efficient and significantly more expensive than your average city bus.

Consider those elements and you’ll start to understand why American Airlines’ latest ad has sparked such controversy and debate. Watch for yourself:

It’s apparent that American wants to associate itself with savvy travelers—which is understandable. However, nobody likes to be told what to do, even if it’s couched in subtleties.

That includes:

A print ad in this campaign says that the world’s best fliers are “always upbeat” and that they “make the best of their situation no matter where they’re sitting.”

Social media users took to Twitter and voiced their criticism:

Not happy flying crappy American Airlines? New ad campaign puts the blame on you! – The New York Times https://t.co/EiAPSaOSZb

— Ryan Ver Berkmoes (@ryanvb) August 30, 2016

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