"Best Gift of All"

14 November 2016

70s

Making travel bear-able.

It's fair to say not everyone will embrace Heathrow's Christmas cheer... particularly those living on the site of the airport's planned third runway. The issue will remain divisive into the New Year and beyond, but the airport's festive ad is a cuddly gem.

The film follows Mr and Mrs Bair as they navigate the world's second busiest airport. To the strains of Chas & Dave's 'I'm Going Back', these two offer a bear's-eye view of travel from passport control to baggage reclaim.

Their slow but steady progress through the airport is charming to watch, but once they reach the meeting point, we realise this is a family reunion. It's clear who these children put at the top of their Christmas lists.

Brilliantly realised by The Mill's animation team, the bears are an old married couple straight from the toy chest. While their expressions never move, Outsider's Dom & Nic imbue them with subtly-observed human traits.The way the camera pulls up as the teddies move in for a Christmas kiss is a lovely touch, too.

The 70" ad is the latest effort to strengthen the airport's relationship with the public. Teddy bears won't be enough to sway the anti-runway brigade, but their message of bringing families together with ease should travel well.

UK

Airports