Whether you are being warned of the dangers of getting out of your seat during turbulance at the beginning of a random flight across the country or being reminded, once again, that you cannot smoke or use your mobile phone in a theater, safety videos generally are about as exciting as watching paint dry.

While I will never forget seeing the greatness of John Waters making it abundantly clear you can’t smoke in the theater (while joyfully smoking a cigarette, himself), leave it to the British to take airline safety videos to the next level with spot on British wit.

British Airways’ new safety video takes the form of a British period drama-themed movie to keep customers engaged with important safety messaging . It stars more than 40 of the airline’s colleagues. Filmed in grand country houses across the UK, the film is inspired by Britain’s rich and varied history; made famous through its literature, TV and film. The safety video is called ‘A British Original Period Drama’. 

The five-minute film is directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’ Diary) and will premiere on board British Airways’ long-haul flights from 1 August.  Featuring more than 40 BA staff from across the airline, from pilots and cabin crew to engineers and airport colleagues, who play themselves in the film, as well as period drama characters sharing the stage with a few grand British country estates, including Hatfield House in Hertfordshire and Englefield House Estate in Berkshire.  

BA’s new safety video is brilliantly clever. Just how brilliant is it? Well, I just watched a 5-minute airline safety video and…I’m not on a plane! Well done, BA!