Virgin’s catchy new in-flight safety video is the best thing since hobbits

Ever watched an instructional safety video on an aeroplane and not passed out from boredom? Us neither. Well, it seems the team at Virgin America are trying to change that with what may be the catchiest, most choreographed in-flight safety video in existence.

Following in the footsteps of Air NewZealand, which put a quirky spin on its video in the run up to the release of ‘The Hobbit’ last year, the airline has put together a safety video set to an elaborate song and dance routine which features contortionists, sassy child singers and a rapping pre-teen. It’s not only available in-flight though — it’s racking up the views on YouTube, and has been watched more than 2.7-million times in the three days since its release.

So what’s all the fuss about? It’s your standard video with all the usual routine warnings and instructions (life vest under your seat, oxygen masks drop from the ceiling, no smoking on board, etc) but with some serious musical spin. For example, the part warning you to please switch off your electronic devices, thank you very much, sees a nun sneakily texting and you’re told how to inflate your life jacket by a crew of robotic dancers.

The airline is also offering passengers the opportunity to audition to and win a guest spot in its next safety dance video if they head over to the website and hit Instagram with a video clip of their dance moves and the #VXsafetydance hashtag. That’s if they can ever get the super upbeat song out of their heads.