The Holidays are an emotional time…and they really aren’t about gifts, unless you’re a kid. Nope…with few exceptions, people ultimately just want to (or hope to) be surrounded by family and friends.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a lot of both and am supremely grateful for it. The farthest I have to travel to see my folks is accomplished with a short car ride over the river and through the woods. But for many, it’s a long, expensive and possibly anxiety fueled journey by plane.

More than a few airlines have taken some serious gut punches in recent years and for good reason. So, they apologize, turn the page, and continue to try to connect with the customer and regain their loyalty. This is done through marketing and powerful video storytelling more than anything else. Sometimes these things feels forced, other times, just right. Just the other day, American Airlines sent us this digital Holiday greeting and it got us right in the feels.

It’s a solid use of emotional marketing through Digital Storytelling. It reminds us that those who help you get where YOU need to go, also have somewhere THEY are hoping to make it to…safe…sound…and on-time. We’re all in this thing together.

To all of you traveling for the Holidays, we hope your flights connect and your loved ones rise up to meet you.

Be safe and ENJOY the ride.