‘Can’t watch’: Aussies in pieces over emotional Qantas vaccine ad

Qantas ads have been known to tug on the heartstrings, but it appears the airline’s latest offering could be its most emotional yet.

Australians say they have been brought to tears by a new Qantas ad encouraging Aussies to get vaccinated so we can travel again.

The ad, which is the top trending video on YouTube since it was launched by Qantas on Monday, coincides with the national carrier’s new rewards incentive for vaccinated travellers.

Set to Tones and I’s heartfelt song, Fly Away, the advert features Australians dreaming of being able to fly again – a mother hoping to relive her childhood Disneyland memories with her kids, a father yearning to visit his daughter, a couple planning their destination wedding and Qantas colleagues keen to return to work.

It shows all of them finally boarding their long-awaited flights after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

“Getting vaccinated is an important step that every Australian can take to bring us that little bit closer to life as we knew it,” the description on the ad said.

A mum reminisces about her childhood travels as her kids beg for a holiday in the heartfelt ad. Picture: Qantas

Another storyline follows a dad who finally boards a flight to see the daughter he’s been separated from during the pandemic. Picture: Qantas

While Qantas is no stranger to delivering ads that tug on the heartstrings – such as its wildly famous I Still Call Australia Home campaign – the new ad has already had a major impact on Australians, millions of whom are stuck in lockdown.

“Can’t watch the Qantas ad. My heart won’t take it. Have cried three times today just reading people’s tweets about it,” author and mental health advocate Jill Stark tweeted.

“Don’t watch the Qantas ad with your kids around unless you want to answer questions like ‘When can we go visit our aunty’ and ‘When can we go to Disneyland?’ and ‘Why are you crying?’” ABC reporter and author Matt Bevan wrote.

Anyone not crying at the Qantas ad?

— Kumi Taguchi | 田口久実 (@kumitaguchi) August 23, 2021

Can’t watch the Qantas ad. My heart won’t take it. Have cried three times today just reading people’s tweets about it.😭 Sending huge love to anyone else who’s missing family overseas. I know there’s a lot of you. We hope and we dream and we hold on for those reunions.❤️

— Jill Stark (@jillastark) August 23, 2021

This ad from @Qantas really hits different. I've missed (and likely will miss) so many important life moments with family and friends over the past 18 months through border closures. So many other young people would feel the same. https://t.co/v3fFqcGToW

— Naveen Razik (@naveenjrazik) August 23, 2021

I am, unfortunately weeping watching the QANTAS vaccination ad

— P K (@loserssaywot) August 23, 2021

THE QANTAS AD 😭😭😭

— Rosie Waterland (@RosieWaterland) August 23, 2021

Yo @Qantas imma let you run your vaccine program but getting us all teary at our wfh desks with that ad ?!?!?! Should come with a heartstrings disclaimer ❤️❤️

— Natali Klasevski (@Nat_Klas) August 23, 2021

Watched it again. Look, I mean we’ve all had a little watery eye when watching a Qantas ad but this was a full-on lump-in-your-throat laugh-to-cover-it-up affair.

— Matt Bevan (@MatthewBevan) August 23, 2021

Brilliant pro-vaccination ad from @Qantas. Why couldn't the government have done something like this? https://t.co/kKzsR697Ux

— Luke Henriques-Gomes (@lukehgomes) August 23, 2021

Radio show Fifi, Fev and Nick tweeted a video of host Fifi Box tearing up at the emotional advert.

Anyone else crying at the #Qantas ad? 😭😭😭 #COVID19Aus#COVID19Vicpic.twitter.com/59z93ITv31

— Fifi, Fev and Nick (@fififevnick) August 23, 2021

It also got the better of The Project panel when it aired on the program on Monday night,

“I find it hard to watch without sort of tearing up,” Steve Price said.

“I’ve got a sister in Western Australia who can’t see me and I can’t see her, I’ve got a mother in Adelaide. I can’t go to any of these places – I’ve been on a plane once in a year, and I imagine I’m not as bad off as most people.”

Twitter users also said Qantas’ ad would do a better job of encouraging Australians to get jabbed than the Federal Government, which was criticised over its graphic vaccination advert that featured a young woman on the brink of death due to Covid-19.

On Monday, Qantas launched its biggest ever giveaway, including a year’s worth of flights, accommodation and fuel, to reward fully vaccinated passengers.

From today, adult Qantas frequent flyers who have received both doses of the vaccine can claim a reward on the Qantas app of their choosing – 1000 Qantas points, 15 status credits or a $20 Qantas or Jetstar flight discount.

In addition, they’ll be automatically into a mega prize draw, where 10 winners will win a year’s worth of flights, accommodation and fuel, including international destinations when the borders open.

Qantas has launched a major campaign to thank fully vaccinated travellers. Picture: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP

One winner will be selected from each state and territory as well as two winners from the national TV campaign.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the vaccine rollout was critical for the travel industry, as well as breaking the cycle of lockdowns and protecting public health.

“Getting vaccinated is an important step that every Australian can take that brings us that little bit closer to life as we knew it,” he said.

“As the national carrier, we want to recognise those who have made the effort to protect themselves and the community.

“This is one of the biggest giveaways we’ve ever done. The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry and our own Qantas Group team members means we have a clear vested interest in the success of the vaccine rollout.”

The announcement follows Qantas mandating the vaccine for its frontline workers. Cabin crew, pilots and airport workers will need to be fully vaccinated by November 15, 2021 and the remainder of employees by March 31, 2022.

– with Ellen Ransley, NCA NewsWire