Selling the Skies: The Rise and Fall of Airline Branding

<p>Airlines used to have personalities. They sold aspiration and exploration. A feeling. Now, they sell...credit cards. And bonus loyalty points. </p><p>In this episode, I trace the full arc of airline advertising — from the golden age, when airlines couldn&#39;t compete on price so they competed on image, through deregulation and the death of Pan Am, to Southwest&#39;s personable brand and the investor that completely dismantled it in under a year. </p><p><em>Note: Since this episode was recorded, Spirit Airlines has ceased operations. On May 2, 2026, Spirit shut down after failing to secure a federal bailout, becoming the first major U.S. airline to go out of business since the September 11 attacks. In the episode, I mention that Spirit could be forced to liquidate. That has now happened. </em>😬</p><p><br></p><p>Want more Stuff About Advertising?</p><p>Get my course for creative thinking: <a href="https://www.stuffaboutadvertising.com/big-idea-bootcamp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Big Idea Bootcamp</a></p><p>Follow on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stuffaboutadvertising" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">⁠TikTok⁠</a></p><p>Follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stuffaboutadvertising" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">⁠Instagram⁠</a></p><p>Follow on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@StuffAboutAdvertising" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">⁠YouTube⁠</a></p>