We can’t help but wonder how many passengers take notice of airline safety briefings these days. They might kick off with a command along the lines of “Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, it’s really important that you give it your full attention“, but we bet plenty of minds drift off long before the emergency exits are pointed out.

Well, perhaps not on upcoming Air New Zealand flights. The airline has come up with a novel way of keeping eyes off in-flight magazines and firmly on seat-belt-buckling, life-jacket-donning and brace-position-assuming instructions.

The airline’s teamed up with the makers of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films to create a Middle-earth themed safety video featuring hobbits, elves, orcs and wizards and a couple of cameo appearances from none other than Gollum and The Hobbit director Sir Peter Jackson.

We think this is a stroke of genius on Air New Zealand’s part – the video will definitely capture the attention (and imagination) of passengers. Let’s hope it inspires more airlines to add a little fun and interest to their safety briefings.

As an aside, this isn’t the first time Air New Zealand have called in stars to give a little pizzazz to their in-flight safety video. See our other recent New Zealand-themed blog:

Air New Zealand’s Hobbit-inspired aircraft lands at Heathrow

Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…

(Image courtesy of Air New Zealand)

Brett Ackroyd (580 Posts)

Travel writer for Hg2 | A Hedonist's guide to...™ and contributor to Cheapflights Travel Blogs.

Air New Zealand, Hobbits, New Zealand, Safety Video, slider