Understanding Aerial Advertising Pricing: Key Factors that Influence Cost
TL;DR: There are a handful of factors that affect the pricing of Aerial Advertising. As a very rough general rule, the average starting hourly rate for towing a letter banner is around $1,000/hour while the average starting rate of flying an aerial billboard is $850/hour. Longer flight times make the rates go down. Increased frequency of flights make the rates go down even further. Once you tell us more about your goals, we’ll be able to provide an accurate quote!
In today’s highly competitive marketing landscape, innovative advertising strategies are essential. While digital and traditional print campaigns have their place, many businesses are discovering the unique benefits of airplane advertising, also known as aerial advertising. By flying banner ads, aerial billboards, and even customized logo banners over high-traffic areas, you can capture your audience’s attention in a whole new way. Unlike other forms of media, when a large banner is towed behind an airplane, it naturally draws eyes skyward and away from the crowded sea of online and roadside messaging.
Whether you’re a small local business or a major corporation, these ads offer a distinctive branding moment—particularly in vibrant markets like New Orleans or Baton Rouge, where Pelican Sky Banners is located. Still, as effective as aerial advertising can be, the factors that influence its cost are nuanced and varied. To help guide your planning and budgeting process, we’ve outlined the core elements that determine how much you’ll pay when booking an aerial advertising campaign.
1. The Advertising Medium: Letter Banners, Aerial Billboards, and Logo Banners
One of the most significant cost drivers in aerial advertising is the type of banner you choose to tow. Just as different print materials or digital ad placements come with varying price tags, not all aerial banners are created equal.
a. Letter Banners
Letter banners feature bold, individual letters strung together to form a message. These are often used for short, punchy calls-to-action or memorable, easily legible slogans. Since these banners involve letters (all caps, and usually 5-7 feet tall), the setup is often simpler and more cost-effective than some other formats. The simplicity of a letter banner—just letters, no background image—can make them less expensive to produce. However, keep in mind that while letter banners are straightforward to read, they are often more limited in terms of branding options. If your message is concise and you simply want to say something clear and direct (e.g., “[Company Name, a website, and “Visit Us Now” or “Who Dat!” or “Geaux Tigers!”), a letter banner might be your best bet.
b. Aerial Billboards
For those looking for maximum visual impact, aerial billboards are often the go-to choice. These large banners are similar to a printed billboard, except over three times as big! They provide a broad canvas for intricate branding, photographic images, logos, and full-color visuals. Aerial billboards can truly bring your brand’s personality to life in the sky, making them particularly appealing for high-profile events or product launches. While the complexity of producing and printing a large billboard—complete with high-resolution graphics—can increase costs, aerial billboards are more economical for brands that want to leverage aerial advertising more frequently.
c. Logo Banners (with Optional Letter Extensions)
A logo banner acts as a smaller version of a full aerial billboard, often showcasing a company’s logo and brand colors without the extensive imagery of a full billboard. These are great for reinforcing brand recognition while adding the functionality to change the message or call-to-action every time it flies. While not as large or complex as full-sized aerial billboards, logo banners still require meticulous design and printing processes, making them more expensive than simple letter banners. Nonetheless, they offer a sweet spot between the simplicity of letter banners and the striking visuals of a full-scale billboard. Logo banners are the go-to for any brand that wants to use aerial advertising while being able to customize the message each time.
2. Duration of Flight: Longer Flights vs. Hourly Rate Discounts
The duration of your flight is another crucial factor influencing cost. Generally, the longer the flight, the higher the total expense. That said, it’s not as simple as hourly rate times hours in the sky. Many aerial advertising companies offer discounts or lower hourly rates for longer bookings. This pricing structure incentivizes clients to opt for lengthier campaigns, ensuring that the advertiser receives more exposure over time while maintaining a per-hour cost that may be more attractive than shorter flights.
For example, a 1-hour flight over a popular festival in New Orleans might cost over $1,500. If you decide to book a 3-hour window to ensure continuous exposure, the hourly rate will be reduced, thus rewarding your longer commitment. For that example, the 3-hour flight may cost ~$3,000.
3. Frequency of Flights: Recurring Campaigns and Loyalty Discounts
If you’re planning a multi-day or multi-week campaign, a more favorable rate that reflects your extended partnership can be expected. Just as longer flights can unlock better hourly rates, recurring clients often enjoy price breaks that make aerial advertising more cost-effective over time. If your company plans to run multiple aerial campaigns throughout the year—say, at various seasonal events in Baton Rouge or continuous weekend flights over New Orleans—establishing a long-term relationship with an aerial advertising provider can lead to bulk discounts and loyalty incentives.
Frequent flyers often enjoy:
Reduced Set-Up Fees: Over time, the logistics become more routine for your provider.
Discounted Rates for Additional Campaigns: Returning customers may lock in lower flight-hour rates.
Priority Scheduling: Long-term clients might secure prime flight times during peak events at more favorable prices.
By working repeatedly with an aerial advertising provider, you create a mutually beneficial relationship. The company gets stable, recurring business, and you secure more cost-effective and predictable rates.
4. Timing and Event Popularity: Off-Season vs. Peak Events
The calendar date of your aerial advertisement plays a pivotal role in pricing. High-profile events, festivals, and major gatherings draw huge crowds. These massive audiences are prime territory for aerial advertising, but the increased demand often raises the cost. Consider the difference between flying a banner on a random weekday and doing so during a landmark event like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the LSU v. Alabama weekend in Baton Rouge, Jazz Fest, The Allstate Sugar Bowl, or even national events like the Super Bowl. When audience size skyrockets, so does the competition for coveted flight slots.
When demand is high, aerial advertising providers may charge a premium. This premium reflects both the heightened exposure value you receive and the more complex logistics. Popular events can require additional coordination with local airspace authorities and special clearances. Flight crews and support staff may face more intense scheduling demands, and all of these factors trickle down into the pricing structure.
On the other hand, if your goal is to get your message out there but you’re not tied to a specific event, consider choosing off-peak times. Off-season weekends or quieter weekdays can be significantly more cost-effective. While you may not reach the massive audience of a major event, you’ll still capture the attention of local residents, commuters, or tourists enjoying the scenic views—and you’ll do it at a lower cost. For example, on any given weekday in New Orleans, there are over 170,000 people on Interstate 10!
5. Location, Travel, and Accessibility
Logistics and location also contribute significantly to how aerial advertising is priced. Our aerial advertising base is out of Reserve, Louisiana, which offers easy access to key markets like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These cities are known for their vibrant communities (perfect for Mardi Gras, LSU football games, Saints games, and festivals), bustling tourism (almost 18,000,000 in New Orleans annually!), and year-round events—an aerial advertiser’s dream. Because these areas are close to our home base, travel time for the aircraft is minimal, meaning we can often offer more competitive rates than companies coming from out-of-state.
However, if your desired flight path extends beyond these convenient hubs, additional travel costs come into play. For example, if you request a flight over the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Northern Louisiana, or other out-of-state locales, we’ll need to factor in extra fuel, pilot time, and logistical arrangements. Keep in mind that these added travel costs ensure your brand’s message reaches the perfect audience at the perfect place and time, so consider the geographical priorities of your campaign carefully.
6. Production Quality and Complexity
While we’ve covered the differences in banner types, it’s also worth highlighting that production quality and complexity add layers to the pricing model. High-end materials that are lightweight, durable, and capable of withstanding various weather conditions tend to increase upfront costs. Printing technology and materials for a high-resolution, full-color aerial billboard, for instance, may be more expensive than simpler letter banners. However, investing in quality ensures your message remains vibrant, legible, and professional-looking, even in challenging conditions.
Some advertisers opt for double-sided banners for maximum impact, or choose special materials that minimize glare. Others request custom shapes, unique branding elements, or elaborate color schemes. All of these details enhance your message, but they also raise the complexity—and thus, the price—of the campaign.
With letter banners, companies typically charge a fee per character after a certain number of characters. With Pelican Sky Banners, the first 25 characters are free. After that, we charge $10 per character with a 55 character limit.
7. Regulatory, Permitting, and Airspace Considerations
Flying banner ads isn’t as simple as just throwing a banner behind a plane. There are FAA regulations, local airspace restrictions, and event-specific guidelines that must be followed. If your desired location or timing requires additional permits or coordination with local authorities—especially during major events—these administrative tasks can add to the cost.
In certain cases, securing the necessary permissions may require your aerial advertising provider to navigate complex regulatory waters. This could mean seeking special clearance for flights near congested urban areas or working around restricted zones. The more coordination required, the more these costs may be passed along to you.
Value Beyond the Cost: Why Aerial Advertising is Worth It
As you weigh these factors—medium type, duration, frequency, event popularity, location, complexity—it’s crucial to remember the value that airplane advertising brings. Unlike typical ads that compete in crowded digital or roadside environments, aerial advertising commands a unique, memorable vantage point. When a plane soars overhead with your brand’s messaging, people look up. This combination of novelty, scarcity, and high visibility often delivers higher recall rates and brand impressions than more traditional forms of advertising.
In places like New Orleans, known for its festivals, sporting events, and cultural gatherings, or Baton Rouge, home to passionate sports fans and thriving businesses, your aerial campaign can tap into energized crowds. Whether you’re promoting a local restaurant, a new real estate development, an upcoming concert, or a special sale, a well-planned aerial campaign can help you stand out among the hustle and bustle.
Working with a Quality Aerial Advertising Partner
To ensure you get the best value for your investment, collaborate with an experienced aerial advertising provider. They can advise you on choosing the most cost-effective medium for your message, the optimal event timings, and the best locations to capture your target audience. A good provider will help you break down all costs—from banner production to banner towing logistics—ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
Moreover, if you plan on running multiple campaigns, building a long-term relationship can pay dividends. By understanding your brand’s goals, target audiences, and annual marketing calendar, your provider can recommend pricing models that save you money while amplifying your exposure throughout the year.
In Conclusion
Calculating the cost of aerial advertising involves balancing various factors: the type of banner you choose, how long and how frequently you’ll fly, where you’ll be towing it, and what kind of events you’ll be targeting. While it may seem complex at first, understanding these considerations can help you make informed decisions and maximize your return on investment.
By carefully selecting your banner medium—be it a letter banner, full aerial billboard, or a custom logo banner—timing your flights strategically, taking advantage of bulk or recurring discounts, and working closely with a reputable provider, you’ll set the stage for a successful campaign that elevates your brand above the noise. When done right, aerial advertising turns heads, sparks conversation, and drives meaningful brand engagement in ways that other mediums simply can’t match.
