The Terrorists seem to be taking every last pleasure out of commercial flying; another sad moment for airline travel. The removal of IFE and Channel 9 on inbound international flights is sad indeed, but hopefully in time these features will return.
I am confident that United will push for the return of these features, so long as it serves the safest interests of its passengers.
TSA's motivation behind having such features removed (IFE, Blankets,1 Hr Sit Down before Arrival etc.) all seem to be initiatives which aim to comfort rather than address the real problems. If the policy is 1 hr prior to arrival, what would stop someone from getting up 1.25 hrs prior to arrival? A more proactive approach sounds like it would include more aggressive procedures on the ground prior to departure.