What I find interesting is that I participated in a survey six months ago where I was asked to walk through the cabin during a Movie flight and count how many passengers were watching the movie.
- How many had their own headsets watching the movie.
- How many had their own handheld Ipod.
- How many were working on a Sudoku puzzle
- How many had their own DVD player
I am sure they have been talking of removing the IFE systems for quite sometime. So my guess is this was not a spur of the moment decision.
I also know that on any given flight, the average headset revenue actually collected is under $20 so the cost of the headsets/movie rights is not cost effective anymore.
It also makes sense as to the cost saving measure by canceling the contract with Rockwell Collins for the repair of the IFE systems (monitors, headset jacks, channel selectors). ANother sign that this has been in the works to eliminate the IFE systems.
Guess we no longer will have to ensure the PES button is left on for the entire flight per instructions from inflight. We will see another "sticker" that says De-activated.
This all now makes sense to why the "NEW" inflight safety demo has been put on hold. Six months ago, the company solicited employees to apply to be the New Stars for the New Video...one of the perks was you would be the FIRST to wear the NEW uniform...then the delay was we were awaiting NEW Safety information cards to be created/printed. Guess we will not see a new Safety video created now that most IFE systems will be removed.
Whats next we all ask?? It just might become like the Mad TV spoof thats being sent around the internet lately...Oxygen masks? Your Seat belt? The air we breathe?
Why not charge for the use of a seat belt extention? Or charging Passengers of size for two seats like WN does??
I still think we will see the Ovens in the galleys being removed next...a vending machine will be installed and passengers will have the opportunity to help themselves at a cost. It cant be much different then flights I hear people talk about where the "crews" have their self serve stations.
I agree that removing the IFE systems will mean that a LIVE demo will be required. Will all FAs be required to learn Spanish to perform an English version followed with a Spanish version..will we be required to wear Sombreros too?
You no longer will be forced to watch all those advertisements about this months featured destination, or Skymall ads. I am sure the FAs will probably be receiving a new inflight announcement booklet with more "Ads" to be read during your flight.
Why not just print out Bingo cards and sell ad space on each square? Anything is possible, who would have thought we would be selling beverages??
I am determined that ANYTHING is possible these days!!
Jet
