VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES ‘ASMR’ VIDEO TO TEMPT FLYERS BACK

Virgin Atlantic has released a ‘ASMR’ video showcasing the sights and sounds we have missed the most during the pandemic. A survey of more than 1000 British adults showed that more than two thirds of Brits are looking forward to their next long haul flight and top destinations include Barbados, New York, California and Florida.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is described as the

euphoric tingling sensation you feel in response to certain visuals and sounds. The feeling often starts in the head, shoulders or spine before spreading to other areas of the body, ultimately creating a blissful sense of relaxation.

The new video captures the flying experience perfectly to give you that tingly feeling by putting emphasis on the sounds related to flying. From the bing-bong of the call bell, the click shut of the seatbelt and the evocative pop of the champagne cork. The survey also revealed 82% missed the pilot speaking over the PA and 78% missed the tinkling sound of the drinks trolley. Some of the other flying moments that are missed include inflight TV and movies, being welcomed onboard by cabin crew and inflight meal experience. The waves lapping on a beach was one of the top sights and sounds that was missed the most on the holiday itself.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin, said: “We have missed looking after our customers onboard this past year and cannot wait to welcome them back once restrictions are lifted and travel resumes at scale. At Virgin Atlantic, we pride ourselves on offering our customers a brilliantly different experience, so the concept of ASMR and giving people that magical tingly feeling, is the perfect tool to remind our customers of the travel experience that awaits them when they come back to the skies with us.

“Whether it’s the ubiquitous clicking shut of the overhead locker, or the familiar routine of the safety demonstration, it’s the sensory memory of these moments that our customers long for, heading off on their well deserved holidays, starting a fabulous adventure.”

Relax with ASMR

Dr Giulia Poerio, Psychology Lecturer at University of Essex commented:“Scientific research supports claims that ASMR is something that can make people feel relaxed. People with ASMR show significant reductions in their heart rates when watching ASMR videos, reductions comparable to other more well-established stress alleviating techniques such as mindfulness and music therapy. We now have more objective evidence that ASMR is relaxing (it’s not just people telling us that ASMR makes them feel relaxed – their physiology is telling us the same thing too). ASMR videos allow people to experience the feeling ‘on demand’ and with greater longevity and intensity. This has meant that people use ASMR videos for insomnia, to reduce stress and anxiety and even to provide relief from loneliness. It’s perhaps no surprise then that many have turned to ASMR content so much during the pandemic.

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“ASMR-tingling is associated with increased activation in brain regions involved in emotion, empathy and affiliative behaviours. As a result, ASMR has been likened to caring behaviours – suggesting that ASMR activates neurological pathways involved in socioemotional bonding. This idea is somewhat supported by research showing that ASMR videos increase feelings of social connection.”

There are 3 versions of the ASMR video including short individual triggers on TikTok, a 3 minute flight experience and for those looking to completely relax there is also an extended 1 hour long video.