AirBerlin - #AirStamp

AirBerlin - #AirStamp

With it’s recent #airtramp marketing ploy, airberlin celebrated wanderlust, spontaneity and the road-warrior spirit. On August 11, the airline announced (via its social media channels) that in three days time, a coach bus would drive along a predetermined route in the city of Berlin and pick up ‘hitchhikers’ bound for one of five airberlin destinations: Copenhagen, Rome, Vienna, Abu Dhabi and New York.

People were encouraged to pack a light bag and make a sign showing the destination to which they wanted a lift. The bus made stops along the route, picking up 50 lucky ‘tramps’ and bringing them to the airport for immediate departure. Staff selected hitchhikers based on their originality and creativity.

With more than 1.8 million subscribers, German YouTube star Sarazar made the ideal promotional partner and live reporter for the event, sharing the rules of play through his YouTube channel on August 12 and then joining in the fun on August 14. Additionally, the airline enlisted German Instagram sensation Michael Schulz (handle: Berlinstagram ) to take part and document the excitement with photos.

Several of the 50 Berliners chosen from the roadside turned out to be bloggers as well. Some of them created their own videos of the experience and shared these through their personal YouTube channels and other social media.

USA Today Travel reported on the unconventional campaign in its Road Warrior Voices section, remarking that the promotion was “designed to appeal to Berlin’s anti-establishment artist and youth culture.”