Persuading passengers to pay attention to airline safety videos is always a challenge. In a novel attempt to combat passenger apathy, Air New Zealand recently created an in-flight safety video showing employees performing "domestic safety briefings naked, with crew buckling seatbelts and inflating life jackets in nothing but body paint," according to a press release.

Having watched the video on YouTube, we applaud the airline's moxie (and beg you not to get your hopes up, as the body paint is rather thickly applied). The nudity, such as it is, is part of Air New Zealand's "Nothing to Hide" ad campaign (something about its fares not coming with clandestine fees). The safety video has gone viral, especially compared with, well, other airline safety videos.

— Washington Post

INFLATABLE COMFORT SUMMER FLYING

BODY PILLOW HELPS YOU NAP UPRIGHT IN AIRLINE SEAT

If you're missing that little pillow that provided at least a smidgen of comfort in an airline economy cabin, try this device from TravelRest: It's a different kind of inflatable pillow that allows your body to lean into it. The ergonomic design attaches to any high-back seat to support the head, neck and upper body and stays in place, minimizing neckache. The pillow also works for long car trips, train rides or as a camping pillow. It weighs 7 ounces, inflates in a couple of breaths, and deflates easily to roll up and attach to your bag handles. In soft-flocked PVC vinyl; gray, blue or red, $26.95 from www.TravelSmith.com.

— Advertiser Staff

SUMMER FLYING

NEW BAGGAGE FEES ADD INCENTIVE TO PREPAY

Just when you thought airlines had finished imposing bag fees, a new crop has sprouted this summer. Airlines clearly want customers to prepay online for checked bags, and in June United started charging an extra $5 per bag if you pay at the airport. Now US Airways is following suit, imposing the extra $5 starting July 9. The fees for both airlines are $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines has started charging for the first checked bag ($15), with a second bag $25 and a third $50. Delta/Northwest is charging $50 for a second checked bag (the first one's still free) for economy tickets to and from Europe. For flights to anywhere else outside the United States, you can still check two bags free.

Is this the beginning of an industry-wide trend?

— Washington Post