We're all living in a world where Virtual Reality is an actual thing now and not just some movie plot line. But how do we best factor this cutting-edge technology into our marketing and advertising campaigns? One airline has come up with an ingenious way to make the most of VR while also encouraging people to use their service.

Using a Branded VR Headset

Promotional Virtual Reality

We've all been on a budget flight before, and while the price is right, it can be tough not getting jealous of slightly more expensive flights with more leg room, food included in the ticket, lots of entertainment options, and plenty of staff on hand. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines decided to pitch their services to people flying one of these less friendly budget airlines by handing out promotional VR headsets to travellers which allows them to experience all the luxury of a trip on one of their planes while still sitting on their budget flight!

VR Flight Experience  VR Headset Branded

Recipients simply need to download the airline's app to their mobile phones, slot together some cool little custom cardboard VR headsets and pop their phone into the device. Then they're encouraged to sit back, relax, and enjoy a virtual tour of an actual KLM flight. What makes this so interesting is that it's being marketed as a "virtual upgrade" -- allowing people to experience the benefits of a more expensive flight at no additional cost. On the downside a campaign like this can only capture so much -- virtual food and beverages don't compare to the real thing (yet, anyway)!

Promotional VR Headset Cardboard VR Movie

But the marketing idea here is solid - allowing potential clients to experience your service at their own convenience and at no cost to themselves. Other industries where this may be useful include; real estate (virtual house tours), travel (see where you're going in VR before you book), and even fashion (check out clothes in 3D before buying). If you've got an experience to pitch, branded VR headsets are an excellent way to captivate your audience and get them hooked on what you've got to offer.

Virtual reality first spotted here: http://www.adweek.com/creativity/klm-gave-vr-headsets-to-budget-airline-passengers-so-theyd-feel-like-theyre-on-klm/