The recent thread about flight attendents waking folks during long flights inspired me to post about one of my pet peeves on those long international flights: announcements and interruptions during the first movie.

I frequently fly United between San Francisco and Taipei, but I've seen similiar phenomena on other flights as well.

What typically happens is you get up in the air and near cruising altitude and they start the first movie. (In coach it's usually TV shows, but in First and Business you can choose among several channels.) First problem is that they usually announce the movie is starting right exactly as it is starting. If you aren't prepared, you need to hustle to get out the headphones (and the display in F and C) or you'll miss the beginning.

Then just as you're settling in to the movie, the captain comes on and gives his introduction. Then it's back to the movie... for about 20 seconds, then there's the Chinese translation. Then you sit back, and now it's time for meal service, so you have to divide your attention between the movie and the service. There's often a couple of other announcements (and translations) thrown in during this time.

I'm not sure what could be done better other than having the captain do his introduction before the movie starts, but I've given up on the first movie, personally.

I never experience any of those annoying distractions at the 14-screen multiplex down the street.

What does this have to do with mileage?

Pass on the first movie? No requirement that you watch them all.

Spend the time checking out your fellow passengers and considering which one may be the terrorist and which the sky marshall OR,

Spend the time thinking about the wonderful meal you are about to receive. Consider what beverage you will chose.

Read the Bible, or book of your choice. Most of the movies are to violent anyway. Save the one you really want to see for after the meal and before you sleep.


[This message has been edited by ranles (edited 01-31-2002).]

Is it only me, or does Ranles incessant whining about the applicability of some posts seem to be OTT? Is there some hidden agenda here that I have missed, if so please let me in on the secret.

I am not a heavy poster, preferring to read and learn from the experts and personally like to browse some of the "off topics" for light entertainment.

If it is not relevant I skip it, just like I do the commercials on ReplayTV. This constant complaining from Ranles is like being back at school and I find it more offensive than the posts at which it is directed.

OK, back to my quiet existence and the flame retardent suit.

On better-equipped aircraft, the movies pause whenever a PA announcement is made. It's still a bit of a distraction, but at least you don't miss any of the program.

It's not just you. If only Bose NR headsets could filter out that kind of whining. . .

[This message has been edited by David Reed (edited 01-31-2002).]