BearX:

Thanks for the reply. The technical and editorial lameness of the video/audio program is truly baffling to me, as I cannot imagine that dealing with such concerns need be a major endeavor.

Japanese pop, I have to guess, is on there because it is much simpler to manage a bank of audio programs with only two options: domestic or international. But such a goal should not take precedence (in my view) over the entertainment offered to passengers. This is not the way to save money if one wants to offer a competitive product.

When I first flew CO last year, there was no Japanese pop on flights to Europe. Furthermore, video selections started pretty much as we reached cruising altitude, and did not stop until about 30 minutes before landing. I think they squeezed in 3 movies on the flight from EWR to DUS. Now that's entertainment! They even paused the video program during all announcements over the PA system. It is a small thing to be sure, but when one is stuck in 31-32 inches, every little bone they throw you is appreciated. (And CO has Kahlua so I can indulge in Black Russians - to say nothing of Coke!).

Although service was ok, it certainly was below what I have received from CO on transatlantic flights, and the level of attentiveness was a little lacking. Yet the flight from DTW to DCA in F was simply outstanding. One of the FA's who was in F during boarding worked the coach section, and he was also very friendly and attentive, so I presume that this was not only a F thing for that day.

I am going back to STR on the 17th and will see how it goes. At least this time there will be no double security, as EW flights to Germany are a pretty casual affair.