Few weeks ago on LHR-SFO. Initially Ch9 is off, so I ask FA about it. Minute later she's back "Ch9 will be on 45 min into the flight and then 45 min prior to landing". "Is there a specific reason?" I ask. She comes back with answer from cockpit "They say there's nothing interesting in-between". I say: "Tell the Captain that I like boredom". She comes back laughing: "Captain wants to know if you're one of >them< ". I reply: "Yes... with special handshake and all". Last message from cockpit: "Captain says: >May force be with you<".

Result? Ch9 was on for whole duration of the flight.
During first drink service I asked FA if she wasn't bothered by messaging between cockpit and my seat. She said: "Not at all, it was very funny and interesting".

Otherwise, fantastic LHR/SFO based crew... UA needs more employees like them.
I e-mailed UA with commendation.