As I am still in a bit of a slutty anti-BA phase, the latest conquest was United Business (as a CO codeshare). Dear oh dear did I ever long for the reassuring voice of a Nigel instead of the drone of a distinguished UA captain, reminding us for over a minute that the flight attendants were primarily there for our safety and security and that the purser, Mr [whoever], would be supervising adherence to rules and he, Captain [whatever], would be receiving all reports from the back and taking whatever appropriate action, etc. I mean, really speaking to us like nobody in the world had ever flown before. Same with landing, trying to make it a "win-win" so that when he puts the seat belt sign on, people stow their carryons, etc. etc.

US Airways the other week was shocking -- shocking I say shocking -- in that an entire trans-Atlantic overnight was being used like a domestic daytime trans-con, ridiculous announcements in all cabins throughout the flight. It was outrageous. So I do think that a bit of Nigel/CSD banter is okay, at opportune times, eg. just after take off and landing.

And I too think that safety video is far too long!