JetBlue partners with RuPaul's Drag Race in hilarious innuendo-packed inflight-ad
American airline JetBlue and RuPaul's Drag Race are turning up the slay this Pride month with a comical inflight announcement spot to celebrate its newly-named plane, 'Shantay Blue Stay.'
Self-designating itself the title of 'the official airline of fierce,' JetBlue has teamed up with RuPaul's Drag Race as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. It did so to present the airline's new plane, the 'Shantay Blue Stay'. The name was inspired by the TV show and chosen by JetBlue's crew members.
The film features fan-favourite queens 'Bob the Drag Queen' and 'Trixie Mattel.' Onboard the new plane, the pair are JetBlue's 'fiercest new inflight crewmembers' who take a more off-the-beaten-track approach to onboard safety announcements.
Packed with sass and innuendo, the two go through typical safety rules - like putting your bag under the seat in front - to which Bob adds as a humorous side note, "if your item is a little too big to tuck, then God bless you". When it comes to inflight safety features, Trixie must "demonstrate for her life" - a nod to RuPaul's Drag Race and its various performances.
References to the hit show continue throughout, as they spice up the exit announcement with "You can sashay this way, and you can sashay that way. But bear in mind, that the nearest way to sashay is A, B, behind you."
For those not familiar with the show, sashay means to walk in a confident way. To commemorate Pride and the newly named plane, JetBlue took over terminal 5 at New York's JFK airport. Travellers' passing through saw iconic photos, displays and could even get their runway look touched up at hair and makeup stations.
As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the campaign highlights its support to various LGBTQ+ organisations throughout Pride month.
This marks the third year JetBlue has supported The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI). It is also supporting The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Centre, New York Gay Men's Chorus, among others.
Alongside its community support, in 2012, JetBlue launched JetPride - a crewmember resource group that welcomed all LGBTQ+ crewmembers and their allies.
As part of this initiative, the airline provides mentoring to develop career paths, supports external initiatives in the community, while bringing increased visibility to the perspective of its LGBT+ staff members.
