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Selling the Skies: The Rise and Fall of Airline Branding
Description
Airlines used to have personalities. They sold aspiration and exploration. A feeling. Now, they sell...credit cards. And bonus loyalty points.
In this episode, I trace the full arc of airline advertising — from the golden age, when airlines couldn't compete on price so they competed on image, through deregulation and the death of Pan Am, to Southwest's personable brand and the investor that completely dismantled it in under a year.
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. 😬
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