Lorraine Mace

Write Away! August 2008

Text Box: Flying Words Something ex-pats have in common is a tendency to travel fairly frequently between our new country and the UK. One benefit of this is that it opens up the in-flight magazine market. Using an airline on a regular basis means we have access to the magazines and knowledge of at least one of their overseas destinations and possibly more. In-flight magazines are a very lucrative market and many pay above the average UK rate. Flying Styles You might think all in-flight magazines are the same, and to a certain extent they do follow a pattern, but each one will have its own unique take on the genre. As an initial pitch it might be an idea to use something in an existing copy that you can expand on. Why not pitch a piece on unusual and/or practical uses for the assorted gadgets they have for sale? Interviews Most magazines would be interested in an interview with a celebrity, however far down the alphabet. With so many minor celebrities having holiday homes abroad, the chances are you might have the opportunity to interview one. But celebrity interviews are not the only option. Many passengers are travelling on business, or taking a holiday with an idea in mind of moving abroad and setting up or running a venture. An interview with the equivalent of your local Chamber of Commerce, giving advice or explaining regulations, could be well received by an in-flight magazine. Other Options In addition to travel destination pieces, there are other ideas you could pitch. Why not look around the area where you live and rethink it in terms of articles? Food and drink: Little-known local recipes and/or eateries, or a combination of the two would be of interest to tourist. Adventure: Why not have a look in your local yellow pages and make a feature of all the extreme sport options in your region? Entertainment: A piece on local entertainment, fiestas, dances, casinos, spectacular firework displays – particularly with images – is likely to be a winner. Nature and the environment: This is a hot topic at the moment, so a feature on how your region is dealing with the issue, whether from a negative or positive viewpoint, would interest passengers travelling to that destination. So the next time you are in flight, think in-flight, and if your visitors ask if they can bring you anything, say yes – the in-flight magazine. Write Away! Notes from the Margin


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