Inflight Entertainment

[Kittyhawk]

A year or 2 back, there was a lot of lip service about bringing in a new inflight entertainment system on all of our mainline aircraft. We where going to test the system on some of our flights. Than the topic died. Is it still in the works, or was the idea canned or put on the back burner. If anyone knows the answer, do tell. If not, someone bring it up during the state of the airline address tomorrow.

 

[Hope777]

I'm sure they will claim that the Wi Fi on the A321's is our new system when pushed for an answer.

 

[Art at ISP]

I believe there was some testing going on which stopped kind of suddenly. I am not aware of any plan to put IFE back in the narrow body fleet, which if true, would further distinguish US from their primary competition, and not in a good way.

 

[phllax]

I think the problem wasTempe wanted the vendor to pay for it and vice versa. They couldn't overcome the stalemate so Tempe pulled the plug.

 

[ebwgs]

I don't see why a vendor wouldn't pay for the installation of IFE in return for a cut of the proceeds. It's my understanding that DirecTV installed the system on CO and gets a hefty percentage of the proceeds in return. It seems to work for CO. I can't see why it can't work for US.

 

[Hope777]

I don't see why a vendor wouldn't pay for the installation of IFE in return for a cut of the proceeds. It's my understanding that DirecTV installed the system on CO and gets a hefty percentage of the proceeds in return. It seems to work for CO. I can't see why it can't work for US.

Interesting Fact, Do You Know who OWNS the Direct TV Airline Version ???????

jetBlue !

 

[ebwgs]

Interesting Fact, Do You Know who OWNS the Direct TV Airline Version ???????

jetBlue !

Hope777 I understand your point about jetBlue, but CO is also a B6 competitor. If it's ok for them to have the service then why not US?

 

[redheadtempe33]

A year or 2 back, there was a lot of lip service about bringing in a new inflight entertainment system on all of our mainline aircraft. We where going to test the system on some of our flights. Than the topic died. Is it still in the works, or was the idea canned or put on the back burner. If anyone knows the answer, do tell. If not, someone bring it up during the state of the airline address tomorrow.

I'm sure they will claim that the Wi Fi on the A321's is our new system when pushed for an answer.

I believe there was some testing going on which stopped kind of suddenly. I am not aware of any plan to put IFE back in the narrow body fleet, which if true, would further distinguish US from their primary competition, and not in a good way.

It was brought up in a state of the airline address (1.5 years ago maybe?). Scott Kirby stated that US just couldn't get a good enough financing deal and that most people these days were bringing their own entertainment.

I know many think Kirby is the Devil incarnate, but in this matter, I agree that it is a waste of money. Most FF's will have a laptop and what person doesn't have an iPod or a Zune these days. With web sites like Hulu and Netflix (plus you can watch shows on every network's web site - from ABC to Sy-Fy - FOR FREE), Wi-Fi is indeed all the entertainment most people will ever need, and as for the competition, the largest domestic airline in the United States has no IFE, and they seem to do ok.

The issue is of course, POWER. My laptop can usually go 4 hours but those with older laptops are lucky to get 2-3. They need to put power ports back in and then "rent" adapters if they really need to show revenue.

I was on a Frontier flight not too long ago and the plane had seat back TV's. Were they cool? Yes, but there is no way I was going to pay $6.00 to watch reruns of Friends.

I would like to see if US could check into renting iPads (or something similar) on flights with Wi-Fi. Maybe $17.99 (including internet access) a segment?

 

[PHL]

I know many think Kirby is the Devil incarnate, but in this matter, I agree that it is a waste of money..... Wi-Fi is indeed all the entertainment most people will ever need, and as for the competition, the largest domestic airline in the United States has no IFE, and they seem to do ok.

If WiFi is all people will need as you suggest, then US needs to re-install/enable the power ports. And, the largest domestic airline - Delta - does have IFE, so I'm not sure what you're referring to there.

 

[redheadtempe33]

If WiFi is all people will need as you suggest, then US needs to re-install/enable the power ports. And, the largest domestic airline - Delta - does have IFE, so I'm not sure what you're referring to there.

I was referring to Southwest since they carry the most passengers domestically in the US. You are correct that Delta is bigger when you count international, and I should have been more clear. I am not talking about T/A or South American flights, as I think IFE is a wise investment for those flights, as people expect IFE and most laptops never hold out that long.

As I said, I agree about the power. They can charge for it if they must, but of course, I'd rather they didn't. Does it really cost us anything or affect the plane's performance if a lot of people plug in? (Serious question - anybody know?).

 

[SparrowHawk]

I don't understand??? US Airways has the best InFlight Entertainment in the industry.

Watch the new demographic that US attracts as they board, fly and deplane. It's like Chris Farley, John Candy, Artie Lange, The entire alumni and current cast of SNL, Mad TV and Chris Rock all rolled into one! 😀

 

[AstroLounge]

I don't understand??? US Airways has the best InFlight Entertainment in the industry.

Watch the new demographic that US attracts as they board, fly and deplane. It's like Chris Farley, John Candy, Artie Lange, The entire alumni and current cast of SNL, Mad TV and Chris Rock all rolled into one! 😀

And let's NOT forget Jack Hannah's Mobile petting Zoo.

 

[Travel Is My Life]

If WiFi is all people will need as you suggest, then US needs to re-install/enable the power ports.

What other domestic airline has power ports on all their wi-fi enabled aircraft? None that I know of. While it would be nice if US were the leader on something like that I doubt youll see them offering it if the competition doesnt.

 

[Dog Wonder]

When Floyd gets back from his vacation he will bring the IFE with him.

 

[MyJ4JjobSucks]

I heard we are adding on board saunas.