Old (Classic) Slogan, "Come Fly the Friendly Skies Again", Returns to the New UNITED.
Sep 20, 2013, 12:56 am
#31
Join Date: May 2013
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I guess this might explain why the whole crew kept using the "Friendly Skies" slogan on pretty much every announcement on UA765 DEN-LAX flight on 9/12.
Personally, I think the whole slogan is just a bit of a stretch. How does calling the sky friendly differentiate your airline from all the other airlines sharing that sky with you. Is that AA flight 10 miles ahead of us in the unfriendly skies?
As another poster mentioned, it's a bit of trying to force a trait on all the crews with a slogan. If UA was known as a really friendly airline, I could see taking up a slogan such as this to let the rest of the world know. But, honestly, I don't think "friendly" would be one of the first 40 words I would use to describe UA.
Personally, I think the whole slogan is just a bit of a stretch. How does calling the sky friendly differentiate your airline from all the other airlines sharing that sky with you. Is that AA flight 10 miles ahead of us in the unfriendly skies?
As another poster mentioned, it's a bit of trying to force a trait on all the crews with a slogan. If UA was known as a really friendly airline, I could see taking up a slogan such as this to let the rest of the world know. But, honestly, I don't think "friendly" would be one of the first 40 words I would use to describe UA.
Sep 20, 2013, 12:57 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2008
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I'm with the comments at the end of the NYT price...
From the story:
I just can't see the slogan working with today's race to the bottom UAL. It will do more harm than good when the slogan has nothing to do with the current "would you like some freshbrew with that JeffMcMuffen" airline.
Better that they had actually rolled out some product improvements (not more of the recent downgrades) before chosing to toss a valuable piece of corporate heritage into the bonfire of vanity crated by Jeff and Co.
Henry Harteveldt, travel analyst for Hudson Crossing, called the campaign “a very bold move for United,” but said the advertising carried “the risk of failure: If passengers don’t see United fulfilling its promise of being a ‘user-friendly’ airline, the advertising will be seen as hollow and will backfire. ...
Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com, a Web site on travel loyalty programs, was dismissive of the campaign, calling “friendly skies” “so last century. In 2013, the skies are anything but friendly, and to suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of consumers and invite their scorn.
Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com, a Web site on travel loyalty programs, was dismissive of the campaign, calling “friendly skies” “so last century. In 2013, the skies are anything but friendly, and to suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of consumers and invite their scorn.
Better that they had actually rolled out some product improvements (not more of the recent downgrades) before chosing to toss a valuable piece of corporate heritage into the bonfire of vanity crated by Jeff and Co.
Last edited by l etoile; Sep 21, 2013 at 7:16 am Reason: Adding quotes to make clear from story
Sep 20, 2013, 2:36 am
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,615
When I first started watching the new television advertisement, I thought it was something from the 90s. Then I noticed the IFE. Bravo, United. http://nyti.ms/1aXMs0n
I really love the orchestral Rhapsody in Blue association United has. Sure, it may not be the glory days, but still is a great positive link to the brand.
I really love the orchestral Rhapsody in Blue association United has. Sure, it may not be the glory days, but still is a great positive link to the brand.
I think it is a positive move, because at the very least it gets rid of that doofus impressing his SO about how smart he is getting benefits, and the other doofus using benefits to get a better seat. UA's TV commercials of the last 18 months have been the worst among all the airlines. I'm happy to see them up their game, even if they still have a way to go in delivering a consistent product.
Last edited by halls120; Sep 20, 2013 at 3:30 am
Sep 20, 2013, 3:03 am
#35
Formerly known as UATexasFlyer
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I guess they could use the diminutive voice of Mike Tyson for the diminutive "Friendly Skies" of United Express. Something about Mike Tyson's voice and little airplanes go hand in hand.
Sep 20, 2013, 4:25 am
#37
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Sep 20, 2013, 4:37 am
#38
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Fantastic, and it actually would be entirely more appropriate. I've been mildly pleased recently with my UA experience but the airline has a fair amount to correct before the "Friendly Skies" would be reasonable again.
Sep 20, 2013, 5:12 am
#39
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When I first started watching the new television advertisement, I thought it was something from the 90s. Then I noticed the IFE. Bravo, United. http://nyti.ms/1aXMs0n
I really love the orchestral Rhapsody in Blue association United has. Sure, it may not be the glory days, but still is a great positive link to the brand.
I really love the orchestral Rhapsody in Blue association United has. Sure, it may not be the glory days, but still is a great positive link to the brand.
But I totally understand the skepticism posted by many. United has a huge credibility gap problem. A bit courageous to proclaim the friendly skies when you can't get above 80% on time, irrops recovery sucks, and every message from United proclaims enhancement while delivering degradation.
Sep 20, 2013, 5:38 am
#40
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Join Date: Sep 2000
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Posts: 20,404
Not only is there champagne in coach, but it's served in glass flutes now! I bet in a year UA puts SQ out of business...nothing wrong with a little "friendly" competition, right? 
Now this is the real friendly skies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOBnfR9WHSk. RIP!
Now this is the real friendly skies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOBnfR9WHSk. RIP!
Sep 20, 2013, 6:09 am
#41
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" Henry Harteveldt, travel analyst for Hudson Crossing, called the campaign “a very bold move for United,” but said the advertising carried “the risk of failure: If passengers don’t see United fulfilling its promise of being a ‘user-friendly’ airline, the advertising will be seen as hollow and will backfire.”
Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com, a Web site on travel loyalty programs, was dismissive of the campaign, calling “friendly skies” “so last century. In 2013, the skies are anything but friendly, and to suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of consumers and invite their scorn.”
I just can't see the slogan working with today's race to the bottom UAL. It will do more harm than good when the slogan has nothing to do with the current "would you like some freshbrew with that JeffMcMuffen" airline.
Better that they had actually rolled out some product improvements (not more of the recent downgrades) before chosing to toss a valuable piece of corporate heritage into the bonfire of vanity crated by Jeff and Co.
Tim Winship, publisher of FrequentFlier.com, a Web site on travel loyalty programs, was dismissive of the campaign, calling “friendly skies” “so last century. In 2013, the skies are anything but friendly, and to suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of consumers and invite their scorn.”
I just can't see the slogan working with today's race to the bottom UAL. It will do more harm than good when the slogan has nothing to do with the current "would you like some freshbrew with that JeffMcMuffen" airline.
Better that they had actually rolled out some product improvements (not more of the recent downgrades) before chosing to toss a valuable piece of corporate heritage into the bonfire of vanity crated by Jeff and Co.
You can put .... on fine china but it is still .... on fine china
Sep 20, 2013, 6:23 am
#42
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
New ad
Well, it is an interesting commercial. But it may play to a deaf ear. To be fair, UA is getting better in operation. This ad may work if there is improvement in other areas, especially those for the most frequent flyers.
Sep 20, 2013, 6:31 am
#43
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,154
I like this ad, and i like my experiences with UA this year overall, despite a few hiccups here and there.
I'm not sure the percussion section belongs in BusinessFirst though - I'd prefer a soothing violin to get me to sleep. Don't timps and crash cymbals belong in E-?
I'm not sure the percussion section belongs in BusinessFirst though - I'd prefer a soothing violin to get me to sleep. Don't timps and crash cymbals belong in E-?
Sep 20, 2013, 6:41 am
#44
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Unless they are planing to do some massive training and otherwise find ways to increase the moral of their airport agents and on-board crew in the next 48hrs I suspect this campaign will be similar to many of JC Penny's failed rebranding attempts.
Sep 20, 2013, 6:42 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Osaka
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier Executive
Posts: 581
United was a great airline in the past. The new United, led by PMCO, has not been friendly. While United advertising was always some of the best in the industry, the new united does not have the friendliness or service levels anymore to make this campaign work.