Closed Captioning on AA (or lack of)
Feb 5, 2015, 3:31 pm
#1
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Closed Captioning on AA (or lack of)
Recently I flew JFK-LAX-KOA on AA on their newest aircraft, and probably one of their oldest, the A321T and 757.
On the A321T I was quite surprised to find there are no options for closed-captioning (or subtitles) on their funky IFE, I thought I must have missed something but the cabin crew confirmed there's nothing at all on the A321T.
I sent an email to their customer relations about this in case I have missed something, or whether there is an option to request a tablet prior to flight or any other ways of getting access to entertainment that others enjoy, pointing out I have a number of J flights coming up this summer. Below is there response.
Is it true, does the vast enterprise of AA only have close captioning on their 773s?
This seems to be the opposite of what I get on BA, QF, MH, CX - even QR had a couple of movies subtitled though it is hard to find.
I can't say I'm looking forward to my flights in the summer now that I know I get zero entertainment.
On the A321T I was quite surprised to find there are no options for closed-captioning (or subtitles) on their funky IFE, I thought I must have missed something but the cabin crew confirmed there's nothing at all on the A321T.
I sent an email to their customer relations about this in case I have missed something, or whether there is an option to request a tablet prior to flight or any other ways of getting access to entertainment that others enjoy, pointing out I have a number of J flights coming up this summer. Below is there response.
Is it true, does the vast enterprise of AA only have close captioning on their 773s?
This seems to be the opposite of what I get on BA, QF, MH, CX - even QR had a couple of movies subtitled though it is hard to find.I can't say I'm looking forward to my flights in the summer now that I know I get zero entertainment.
Originally Posted by AA.com
Thank you for taking the time to write. We regret your disappointment that closed captioning entertainment is not available on our new A321T aircraft. Closed captioned videos are available on our 777-300 aircraft only which can be selected via a Menu Bar. No advance notice is required. Please know your comments have been shared with the appropriate management personnel in Inflight Products to be considered regarding future enhancements.
Mr. Stez, we appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. It is always a pleasure to serve you.
Mr. Stez, we appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. It is always a pleasure to serve you.
Feb 9, 2015, 2:47 am
#3
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Aug 20, 2015, 10:47 am
#4
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Fast forward eight months, and flown again KOA-LAX-JFK on AA, but this time I ended up in F on the A321T three-class plane. Still no subtitles.
Even AS can supply CC on their tablets for a couple of movies.
Even AS can supply CC on their tablets for a couple of movies.
Aug 30, 2015, 10:25 am
#5
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I use a blue tooth system with my newest hearing aids. The blue tooth is not allowed to be used on the plane. That puts me out of the movies, info on the safety videos. Etc. When I asked I a very recent AA flight SFO-DFW for a solution, I was advised to use offered ear bugs and turn up the volume. That was a really dumb idea with no hope of it working.
I'm feeling sad about this.
I'm feeling sad about this.
Last edited by oldpenny16; Aug 30, 2015 at 10:33 am
Sep 19, 2015, 2:33 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I use a blue tooth system with my newest hearing aids. The blue tooth is not allowed to be used on the plane. That puts me out of the movies, info on the safety videos. Etc. When I asked I a very recent AA flight SFO-DFW for a solution, I was advised to use offered ear bugs and turn up the volume. That was a really dumb idea with no hope of it working.
I'm feeling sad about this.
I'm feeling sad about this.
Oct 1, 2015, 8:09 pm
#7
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Thanks
I think this will be a more common issue as more and more folks get hearing aids with blue tooth capabilities.
Oct 7, 2015, 1:20 pm
#8
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Proving safety as required by FAA may be the challenge, as Bluetooth uses as many as 79 channels (via frequency hopping) within the 83 MHz wide 2.4 GHz band. I wonder if hearing aid manufacturers have agreed to use one specific channel?
Nov 10, 2015, 5:04 am
#9
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I use a blue tooth system with my newest hearing aids. The blue tooth is not allowed to be used on the plane. That puts me out of the movies, info on the safety videos. Etc. When I asked I a very recent AA flight SFO-DFW for a solution, I was advised to use offered ear bugs and turn up the volume. That was a really dumb idea with no hope of it working.
I'm feeling sad about this.
I'm feeling sad about this.
Nov 16, 2015, 7:33 pm
#10
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Most interesting!
The FAA amended its rules in 2013 to allow Bluetooth. Not sure why a carrier would not permit its use. https://www.faa.gov/news/press_relea...9&newsId=15254
My new Apple Watch is yet another issue. I've just been wearing it letting it do what it pleases.
Having techie hearing aids with Bluetooth has spoiled me for the old fashioned sort.
Closed caption is not always easy to see and understand. Depends on the size of the airplane and the tech offers.
I'm really left out of information on mist regional jets.
Thanks to all who've helped on this issue!
Nov 17, 2015, 3:05 am
#11
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Once you put your iPhone in airplane mode, turn Bluetooth back on - the phone stays in airplane mode for cellular purposes (which is what the FAA cares about) and you can still use Bluetooth. I do it all the time.
Nov 23, 2015, 8:42 pm
#12
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My Apple Watch has a pairing function which, if turned on puts the watch in airplane mode when that is done to my iPhone. By making sure that pairing isn't on, I can do as you suggest.
Nov 26, 2015, 2:47 pm
#13
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Seems a celebrity on "America's Next Top Model", Nyle DiMarco, who is deaf isn't happy with American Airlines for their lack of subtitles/closed captioning either.
"Hundreds of people have taken to social media to express their disappointment with American Airlines after the airline responded to a query on the accessibility of its inflight entertainment."
http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/latest...-entertainment
https://www.facebook.com/NyleDiMarco...063384063699:0
"Hundreds of people have taken to social media to express their disappointment with American Airlines after the airline responded to a query on the accessibility of its inflight entertainment."
http://www.mediaaccess.org.au/latest...-entertainment
https://www.facebook.com/NyleDiMarco...063384063699:0
Apr 22, 2016, 1:46 pm
#14
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I know the OP is talking about IFE in general, which unfortunately, is not required to be closed captioned. However, even though I'm not hearing impaired I've started noticing more flights with on AA with no CC during the safety briefing. I don't bother with AA customer service and do directly to the DOT complaint page as that is a direct violation of the ACAA, 14 CPR 382.47(b)(1). The airline will be fined each time.
Apr 25, 2016, 10:36 am
#15
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I know the OP is talking about IFE in general, which unfortunately, is not required to be closed captioned. However, even though I'm not hearing impaired I've started noticing more flights with on AA with no CC during the safety briefing. I don't bother with AA customer service and do directly to the DOT complaint page as that is a direct violation of the ACAA, 14 CPR 382.47(b)(1). The airline will be fined each time.