WestJet released an ad on its Instagram account following the results of the recently concluded United States Presidential election. While experts on both sides of the political aisle are busy analyzing the outcome of the race, a major event like this also sometimes attracts cheeky ads and memes, with WestJet’s attempt as one example.
WestJet releases a post-election ad
The second-largest airline in Canada, WestJet, posted a social media ad to capitalize on a popular trend—this time, the US Presidential election. Republican Party candidate and former President Donald Trump beat Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris to be the president-elect of the US.
An event of this magnitude not only invites heavy media attention from across the world but also memes and satire. And WestJet’s latest ad (pictured below) alludes to the recent surge in the online search for ‘moving to Canada’ after the latest election result.
Photo: WestJet
The ad itself was short-lived and was removed by WestJet at 22:00 ET at night, but not before it attracted some funny responses from readers. The airline said that it only ran it in a few cities in the United States. In a statement to a Canadian travel website called Open Jaw, WestJet said,
“We can confirm that the WestJet ad in question was digitally distributed in five cities across California in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election. The ad campaign expired across all digital platforms by 10 p.m. ET last night.”
Tongue-in-cheek ads
WestJet is no stranger to cheeky ads and often uses them to promote or market its brand. Whether it’s the festive season or just to address a generic issue, the airline’s creative team often creates unique ads that go viral.
Photo: Alex JW Robinson | Shutterstock
For example, in 2019, it ran an ad highlighting that it does not overbook flights and treats its passengers respectfully. The ad shows a herd of cattle crowding an airport terminal, seemingly having frustrating encounters with airline staff.
In contrast, WestJet passengers have an easy time navigating the terminal as they make their way to their flight. The ad suggested that passengers at WestJet are treated much better than passengers at other airlines, which can sometimes overbook flights.
Earlier this year, the airline released an ad during April Fools’ Day that spoke about the launch of its new product called MemorEase. The airline said that busy Canadians don’t have to physically travel to enjoy a vacation and can instead wear a headset that uses the latest in AI technology to implant vacation memories directly into guests’ brains. WestJet’s Director of Marketing, Jennifer Callegaro, commented in jest,
“We know how busy Canadians are, and that sometimes – despite best intentions – getting away for a vacation can be tough. Canadians won’t have to choose between work obligations and family memories. Now, everyone – no matter how busy – can enjoy a vacation they’ll never forget.”
Knowing how WestJet’s creative team works, it’s safe to assume that the airline will be looking for the next big event or festival to create more cheeky ads.
