Originally Posted by
USFreak
I've just heard from a very reliable source that USAirways will be removing In Flight entertainment on all domestic aircraft because it weighs too much....flight62 or Galleywench, could you confirm that this is true?
Well, that IS the rumor. It was brought up in one of the focus groups. The argument is of course the weight issue. Also on the drawing board are the ovens and chillers on the East a/c...all wonderful to have but either not being used or necessary..well, the chillers are nice to keep my butt cool.
Short of a free movie for F/C, there is very little revenue for the company. Most customers have their own headsets and sales don't justify the money for the rights from the movie industry for the rights to show the movies. I have heard that in the future a new lighter fiber optic system will be put in. Also, the new A321's supposedly will not have an IFE. I know, which century?
The good about this is that you will not have to hear constant advertising on the videos...worth it's wait in movie sacrifice.
My suggestions?
Take off pillows and blankets, ovens, chillers
, and IFE.
On 3 hour + flts, provide one cart to sell a pillow banket (like ones in airport) set for $10...free for F/C and rent portable IFE's WITH Bose headsets for $10. The benefit to this is that passengers would now own a quality clean and cooty free pillow and blanket. Also, I average about 10 headsets to sell on a good day. 20 portable IFE's would be less weight and provide for those wanting to see a movie. Again, F/C would be free of charge.
My
DREAM GALLEY
Rip out the current galley. Make it more of a cafe look like Amtrak with a display for snacks/bevs with a counter on top. One part of the counter would flip up so the f/a could man the bar. Beverages, coffee, a sink, and ice would be on one side and snacks on the other, pillows, blankets, and IFE's on the other side., along with the display counter. One f/a mans the counter. One makes sure trash is picked up. Passengers would come to the back to purchase items. One could buy as they choose without the f/a's having carts in the way.
Better yet, put the lavs at the very back, extend the cabin another row and put the galley at exit rows and at 2LR on the 757/A321. Seats forward of the cafe not F/C on the 757/A321 would be reserved for top fliers and provide more privacy, more legroom, and complimentary pillow/blanket, sodas, coffee, and use of IFE for $5.