photo by Scott Beale
In April I came across this creative advertising by Zappos.com in the form of an ad in a TSA airport security bin at LAX. The ad is generating a wide range of reactions.
UPDATE: Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh contacted me with the following comment about the airport security ads:
We are funding a program that helps travelers get through airport security 16% faster, making the TSA workers’ jobs more ergonomic, and saving taxpayers and airports money.
Here’s a PDF of the Zappos Airport Bin Advertisement Program FAQ.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
clever idea. graphic design, not so much.
So. Fucking. Wrong.
I saw this when I went to Twiistup via LAX. I thought it was a good idea. I twitpiced and @zappos ‘d it.
haha hilarious
Gross. Totally invasive. Like most advertising.
Yet another reminder that every inch of this planet is for sale.
This is terrible that we have to suffer through advertising in government mandated procedures. Despite liking Zappos as a company, I find it deplorable that the TSA is taking in money off ads while making me wait in line. Do they get more money if you have to sit in the security line longer to stare at those ads? Can I get a reduction in my airport security fee since I have to stare at ads?
very clever! unfortunately not as many eyeballs passing through security due to reduced biz travels
I don’t care… advertising is everywhere else and I’ll forget about it anyway. I guess the TSA don’t mind since they get paid. They do mind when you leave your own advertisements in the trays.
Cool and irritating at the same time :p
kudos to zappos for being creative. Shocked by TSA
Consumer branding is all about creating positive emotional associations. I’m wondering whether Zappos really wants their brand associated with a setting that many of their customers feel is unnnecessary, superficial, incompetent, and invasive. I see the connection between the laptop inspection buckets and Zappos’ laptop bags but it seems a little like Victoria’s Secret putting underwear ads in the TSA strip search detention rooms.
On the other hand if you’re trying to sell laptop bags the part of your trip where you take your laptop out of its bag is probably one of the times when you’re most aware of your need to buy a new one, so maybe it works out fine for them.
I’ve seen this several times, great placement. The funny thing here is you’re not supposed to put your shoes in the bins.
I could see this taking off… upon booking into jail you could find an advertisement for condoms on your underwear.
Wow, you got a pic with out getting mugged by the TSA personnel?