Very sad how none of the airlines we see today are what they used to be. AA UA very sad. Each one had a distinct personality. Now there's no pride in the uniform anymore. Standards are out the window. We all worked hard to get our jobs back then, and we beat out a lot of other applicants. We acted like airline employees. That professionalism seems to be a thing of the past.
Tom Dawes in New York wrote this jingle. He wrote many jingles that won Clio awards. Another was “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz” for Alka-Seltzer and “7Up, the Uncola,”. Tom was also a musician that played in the Cyrkle in the 1960'S that recorded the song Red Rubber Ball. Thomas Dawes passed away in 2007 from a stroke. Tom's wife also wrote jingles with him. Jingle writers make royalties just like songwriters. Kudos to the filming crew on this commercial! I'm just a musician. Now you know the rest of the story.
I flew 'unaccompanied child' from LA to NY and back in those days to visit my dad, and most often on American Airlines. Not only did I get to enjoy flying when it was still widely treated as a special occasion, but the crew always made me feel special.
If American was smart, hey would re-air this commercial-- newflash-- nostalgia sells. And if they really wanted to be smart, they would recall all the people in this commercial (as a reunion of sorts)-- including the stewardess (if as these comments suggest she is still active) and the little girl with her family and kids and her parents (grandparents now).. just my 2 cents.. but hey, what do I know?
Joe Kratochvil I’m sure people like you and me would pay for it! I would love the see the original crew again, it probably bring me to tears. This encourages me so much through school right now. I wonder what a re-created one would be like.
Nic Derkez I was about the same age as that little girl was when this spot aired back in 1977. I flew AA with my parents many times and they were a great airline back then....customer service mattered as did the flight experience. The industry has taken the excitement out of flying for passengers as has the TSA.
This commercial made me cry in 1976 and it still does. It really marks the beginning of the end. Flying was a joy, American was the gold standard, and when you landed Hertz had a spotless, low-mileage Monte Carlo waiting. GM ruined the Monte in 1978; American crashed a DC-10 in 1979; deregulation hit in 1980; and in 1981 Reagan fired the controllers, from which the air traffic system never recovered. As bd1976 aptly says, "what the hell happened in this country?!"
This is a good song to listen to if your feeling down about something, especially if you want to fly and your in highschool/ college. The part that always pushes me is the last 15 seconds where the takeoff. The pilot saluting the pushback crew. The flight attendant and her young friend with all the smiles. And the roaring takeoff of that beautiful DC-10. Always pushes me!
I flew with that flight attendant in the 70's. She was based in lax. We were the same height, same smile and short hair. The #1 on our trip did a double take on us. I would have passengers & other flight attendants saying they flew with me. It was a compliment for me.
I give all you Flight attendants a lot of credit what you do every day.I travel a number times a year and i love to fly but i just think that for the job you flight attendants do you do a great job..I was wondering your co-worker just curious is she still with American and what she think about the Commerical that she is in from the 70's
SHS854EVER - She is on reserve, which means she hardly flies anymore. She is now in her mid-60's and has other interests, including doing charity work. She was always proud of the commercials she was in and she certainly enhanced the brands she represented (i.e. American and Toyota).
Bill Delaney thank you Bill i appreciated very much .My first plane trip was with my family in 1977 when i was 10 and it was on American .So i still remember it like it was yesterday .I told my dad the day before we took my first trip i was like i hope we get this flight attendant on our filght but it did not happen lololol.It was a great aircraft that they flew L 1011 .God i miss those days of flying great times so thanks for the information
diane temples Hi Diane i was just wondering did you happen to know any of any of american airlines workers that lost there lives on flight 11 on 9-11.If you had to choose would you say that was it much better working in the 70's compare today for being a flight attendant.I give all of you credit for doing such a great job .Do you know was this commercial filmed out of LAX and did this flight attendant know that she was going to be on a commercial
This was a REAL COMPANY that instilled pride in all of us that had the privilege to work for her... Thanks Kathy for finding this! Man what memories that commercial brings back... and how I long for the days again...
As a F/A for AA, I'd love to show this to the president and the top brass and show them what a GREAT airline we use to be before they ran it into the toilet. Bring back Mr. Crandall!
Sharon was a truly good person. That's what made her an effective and friendly flight attendant. Though she always had a smile on her face, and was good to everyone, she also understood how to be professional and how to best represent American Airlines. She is most likely 62 years old now (2012), but still must be very attractive.
THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE COMMERICALS AND IT JUST GOES TO SHOW YEA HOW MUCH AIRLINE TRAVEL HAS CHANGED .I wish they were bring serivce back like it was back in the great old days of flying
DAMN that was great music....back when you used real instruments, real orchestration and real voices for 60 seconds. And you could actually believe that was the experience. Back then AA was HQ'd in NYC--I worked with three ex-AA people, two in advertising, one in operations and they were all consummate professionals (one of whom became president of the Pan Am Shuttle in its brief existence).
Good ol' days of flying. I remember travelling on Scandinavian Airlines as a child in 1981. The flight attendant took me up to the flight deck. It's a shame (but understandable) that we can't do that nowadays.
@Steve Dwyer Indeed ad agencies seem to be much better at their job back then, and not so dark, ugly, and crass....I love uplifting positive ads like this, and miss them.
This has got to be my most favorite airline commercial of all time. The music is simply excellent, and the epic footage as well as the presentation itself really brings out the pride and the beauty of American Airlines from the 1970's. Commercials like these really show us just how mainstream commercial aviation has become, where we don't see "LuxuryLiner" or "Astroliner" on the side of the aircraft, and we don't receive the kind of hospitality and service that airlines once used to offer.
after all these years this is still one of the most dramatic and exciting airline commercials. The combination of how the music builds along with the editing, its just great. thanks for sharing
This still gives me goosebumps! As a cynical marketer, it still has magic. (Now that we don't do jingles and singers, what was done to death is now dearly missed!) I knew pilots who flew for AA (who collected old Buicks, Cadillacs, and the odd DeSoto) and owe a good chunk of my time in the travel industry to AA management alumni who worked in the Manhattan office--before they moved to DFW.
My fathers friend was a captain for American Airlines for over 20 years. He had to retire when he reached the mandatory retirement age, which I think is 60? He died of cancer just two years after retiring in the early 1990's. The first time I flew on American Airlines was in 1974 from SFO to Dallas on a DC-10.
I positively love this video! The group's harmony is simply fabulous to listen to! I remember this commercial as a kid and still love it today! Very touching musically! They couldn't have picked a more talented group to perform this song! Once again, great job!
Here's the lyrics if you wanna sing Lyrics I love flying far and wide To see the land i love Climb to find the blue horizon The sun and sky above It's my flight and i know its right And i just smiled inside From the sunrise in the east To the sunset in the west We're american airlines Doing what we do best
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶PARA AMAR A MI PAIS VERE... El INMENSO Y LA FRONTALIDAD DEL CIELO... DESDE ARRIBA A LA LUZ DEL SOL VIAJARE....VIENDO EL CIELO AZUL... Y POR DENTRO SONREIRÉ Y SE QUE ES MI VIAJE..... HACIA EL ORIENTE AMANECER HACIA EL OCCIDENTEE ATARDECEEEEEEEER.......... HACIENDO LO QUE SABEMOS HACEEER,SOMOS AEROLINEEAS AMEERIICAAANNAAAAAAAAASSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
I was already interested in aviation in my teens when this commercial came out. It motivated me so much showing the team effort, the Captain's salute I wanted to be part of this culture in my workplace. One of the best airline commercials ever made and the jingle carried on for about another 10 years with some few changes. Those were all actually real American Airlines Employees in the commercial, Bob Crandall then American's CEO wanted it that way and hand picked them. I did eventually find my career with the airlines with Northwest Airlines and was laid off with their merger with Delta in 2009. I made it though and that's all that counts. I was happy with my job for many years how many people could say that? Thank you American and Bob Crandall and the ad agency who thought up the commercial that would ignite my career. Today the airline industry is a far cry from what I grew up in and to all you passengers out there one reminder you get what you pay for. Basically today a seat to your destination not much else unless your flying First or Business Class. So you paid $241 Round trip NY-LA in Economy just remember the folks in business class paid between $2000-2500. So you get what you pay for.
I remember this commercial when I was a kid and then begged my parents to take me on a plane ride. I had to wait another 6 years before I finally got to fly around 1981. Air travel today is pretty safe but there's no pleasure in it anymore. It's just point A to point B and pay your fees and keep your mouth shut. In the 70's people dressed up to fly.
I still remember the other long gone airlines themes like Hughes Air West..."Top banana of the West", Or Pan Am, "We fly the world when the world wants fly". Or "PSA gives you a lift!" Western Airlines, "The oooownly way to fly!" But American Airlines had the most catchy song.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS COMMERCIAL! I still sing it once in awhile! LOL This was then, of course, followed up with the still-catchy but less-wonderful...We're American Airlines...something special in the air. Thank you so much for posting this!!!
its funny i was walking to my co-workers today about the good old days of flying and how much it has changed .My first time flying was on AA in 1979 with my grandparents god rest there sole from Boston to LAX went to see mickey in Calf in first class it was a birthday present the only time i every flew first class .The service back then to now forget about it i can just keep playing this song over and over again
Once airlines were forced to report to Wall Street, things changed. Money was all that mattered. But, the world has changed as well. We have lost the integrity and value system we once lived by.
One of the most dramatic and exiting airline commercials ever. And I love that added touch of the flight attendant breaking into an open joyous laugh as she and the little girl have clearly made a sweet personal connection...at .49 - 51 just as the music is really building. thanks for sharing thanks
Brings back great memories, I loved American and the DC-10 then I flew on Delta L-1011 and that became my favourite and a terrific Airline as well and still is! Now has the 747-400 and 747-8. I was fortunate to fly AA 747-100 in 1982 LAX/HNL FC and what an experience!!!! Then they retired that craft and still do not have. Loved this commercial and song, does bring tears for the "good old days of air travel. My Aunt was a "stewerdess" for AA on the DC-3 and what stories she tells me.
I remember seeing these great AA commercials during my early teens when they really meant something,not just a punchline in a commercial. Funny enough it was the pride shown in these that made me want to get into the airline business.I worked as a steward (I never got uptight if I wasn't called an f/a)& showed the same pride in my work for 8 years.Got sick & tired of seeing so many other employees who only saw it as free flights & a paycheck.I left & now show the same pride in 5 companies I own.
Lyrics: I love flying far and wide To see the land I love Climb to find the blue horizon, the sun and sky above It's my flight and I know it's right And I just smile inside (chorus) From the sunrise in the East to the sunset in the West We're American Airlines, doing what we do best (repeat chorus)
This flight attendant really typifies how great American Airlines was in its day. American, United, Pan Am were all at the top of their game. What the hell happened?
sure wish American would bring back some of these old commercials. i never worked for them but they give you such a good feeling. not many commercials do that anymore.
I remembered this commercial when I was a Little Boy in the 70's. Thank you so much for uploading this commercial, it brings back plenty of memories. Back when I enjoyed going to Los Angeles International Airport.
Jiltedin2007 Similar story here, I was the same age or so as the little girl in this spot. I flew AA with my parents many times back then and they were a great airline.
I have fond memories of a decent meal in the sky during these times- 35 years ago. As a kid, I thought, "The future will be amazing." Not always so. I fly first class, and it blows compared to the days of the 70s in coach. Thanks Ron!
My dad worked for American Airlines for over 40 years before he retired. I grew up in the seat of a 747 and was flying before I could walk. Now my niece works for American and I hope her sons will continue in the family business.
@Drew Burk Indeed it has I was a young teen when this ad aired in 1977 or 1978. Everything today has a self conscious, dark , and very sarcastic tone in society. This ad style and positive nature was common in the 1970s and even early 80s.
this was back in the days when flying was something special, and people actually got dressed up to fly somewhere. Now people act like their just getting on a bus. It wasn't the end of the world if a flight wasn't exactly on time. Braniff's Flying Colors were a prime example of going the extra mile for the customer, but they also could not compete with the other carriers. BTW the 747 still is king with the new 747-8. I worked on B-727-200, which was the best aircraft ever built.
buster757 Indeed. It's amazing to me how casual passengers are about flying today. It's still a very amazing and incredible achievement and, I've flown for decades now but always find it an incredible and awesome experience. Agreed about people at least dressing decently when boarding. I think the airlines should enforce minimum dress codes today, at least neat and clean dress clothes, like a dress shirt and slacks for men and women. I
Love this commercial saw it when i was a kid. American was the first airline I flew this commercial was the reason they dont make commercials like this anymore
I remember that catchy commercial theme. American Airlines was always the best. It is too bad the airlines are hurting and you cannot even get a meal on long flights anymore. Flying is terrible these days.
how ironic if that was an UA DC-8 in the background climbing out...that scene also with the music timed to coincide with the plane climbing away from behind the DC-10's tail is yet another example of the very talented, thoughtful and skillful editing/production this and many other era commercials featured
@SuperBrotherBob I remember flying Pan Am from Munich-JFK-SFO in 1967 on a 707 with my parents when I was four. The stewardess gave me a Pan Am wings pin. l still remember the final approach along the San Francisco bay to the airport. I had a window seat behind the wings and I remember the 4 engines and the flaps going down. It thought it was really neat!
@johnwarman54 Actually, the A300s were retired last year. American used LuxuryLiners for all their widebody jets until the 777, but that is the true LuxuryLiner after the 747.
Tonyny77 - She was stopped often in the airport lobbies by kids who would say ... "Marie, why are you dressed like an flight attendant?" She did not mind it. She would simply smile and correct them. She was actually a lot beter looking than Marie!
From the days when adverts would tune in to human emotion which made you want to be involved with their brand. That wonderful music and beautiful DC-10 😀
If you notice at 0:05, it says "DC-10 LuxuryLiner" on the belly of the plane. After the crash of Flight 191 in 1979, "DC-10 LuxuryLiner" was changed to "American Airlines LuxuryLiner" on all of American Airlines' DC-10's to avoid the negative stigma associated with the DC-10 at the time. A sad little tidbit I thought I might share.
@folzjs i suppose you're right. i don't know about the monte carlo, as i don't have a liscence yet, but yeah, it was the beginnig of the end. in 1976 gas was 50 cents a gallon if that, the 747 was king, airbus did'nt exist yet, the Lockheed Tristar was still around, you could buy a plane ticket for less thatn $100, cars cost less than $10 grand, airlines were still freindly, spacious, and didn't charge you $3 million to check your shirt, and most importantly, PSA was still around spreading joy
I flew on American Airlines at about the same time as this ad campaign was running. It was a nice flight both ways. What really screwed things up was deregulation. Prior to 1978, if you wanted to start an airline, you had to be cleared by the CAB and had to play by the rules. Yes, it was more expensive to fly, but that was offset by the great service. Now flying is like taking a bus, with all the discomfort that entails.
I'm one of the lucky few that can remember what it was like flying when staff were proud of what they did;cared about their profession;f/a's were regarded in high esteem;they didn't see passengers as an obstacle to the end of their day;passengers were polite & dressed up for the occasion. These AA ads personify that era of decorum & refined flying that has given way to employees that only care about their bottom line and passengers that expect everything for a flight they paid $50 for. Very sad!
AA flew 747s from '70-'late '83 including a few freighter Jumbos. I had the misfortune of flying on one ex AA 747 with PA in June '84. She was called Clipper Beacon Light and was a total mechanical lemon. Upon landing at Rome we blew an engine upon reverse, and I mean blew as in loud bang and sheet of flame shooting out the exhaust cone.
I was a flight attendant for AA. Miss my flying days😥 I couldn't do it now..things changed after 9/11. And people flying now are different. I would hate people to start attacking me, like they do now..
@ThomsonAirwaysStaff great attitude! I knew as a child I wanted to fly and the dream came true for me a few years ago. I enjoy it. Almost 40, so I do remember some of the good days of flying... miss those. keep up the great work
I agree. I always thought there color scheme was timeless and really think it was. There reasoning was that with the fuselages of new aircraft being more and more of composite material they couldn't maintain the polished aluminum look of the older aircraft. The chairman of American at the time did put a vote out to the employees whether to maintain the AA logo with eagle on the tail instead of that hideous Red, White and Blue tail but the new tail colors won out.
They also removed DC 10 Luxury liner after the crash of flight 191 that killed all occupants Also ended the camera showing the view from the cockpit that was shown on a screen after that crash. Luxury Liner was written dropping DC 10
I never seen tis commeercial but it's really a great one! Growing up AA was my favorite airline now with all of the penny pinching and post 9/11 flying is a burden.
True, but what is important is that you understand my point. Airlines are not what they once used to be, and it's quite unfortunate to see such a drastic transformation over the years. The lowering of quality, service, and luxury though has made it possible for persons of all backgrounds to fly readily and frequently, which is a positive aspect. But I would still rather see the pride and beauty restored back into our nation's airlines, to make commercial aviation majestic once again.
