Airplanes are known for their luxury seats, delicious food, and entertainment options. But did you know that they also provide an opportunity for businesses to advertise? In fact, one infamous entrepreneur saw this as an opening to get his adult products into the hands of millions of people who were about to fly high. Larry Flynt was a famous pornographer best known for publishing Hustler magazine, which featured explicit photos of women engaging in various sexual acts. He believed that adult products like sex toys and lingerie had just as much right to be sold in airline catalogs as any mainstream brand. However, when he tried to place his retail empire's merchandise in Skymall catalogs, the airlines refused. This sparked a public campaign by Flynt, who accused them of censorship and "corporate prudery."
Flynt's battle with the airlines became another example of how Hustler didn't just push boundaries in print—it aggressively tried to insert itself into every corner of mainstream commerce, no matter how unwelcome. The controversy raised real questions about where the boundaries of adult branding belonged in public and semi-public commercial spaces. It highlighted the power dynamics between big corporations and smaller companies, and whether it is fair to exclude certain types of products from a marketplace.
However, some argued that Flynt's campaign was nothing more than a PR stunt. They claimed that his real goal was simply to generate attention and sales for his company by creating controversy. Others believed that Hustler's products should not be allowed on planes because they would offend passengers or create a distracting environment. Still, others saw this as an opportunity to address important issues around sexism, gender roles, and self-expression.
Overall, the Skymall boycott highlighted how businesses can use media and technology to influence public opinion and shape consumer behavior. It also showed how corporations can wield their power to control what products are available in a given market. Ultimately, Flynt's campaign failed to change the airline industry's policies, but it did raise important questions about the role of advertising in our society.