IFE selections might be coming to airports
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: YXU
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IFE selections might be coming to airports
I did a survey for Air Canada after receiving an email following a July 21 flight I took. This question jumped out as I hadn't heard this being mulled anywhere before:
Air Canada is evaluating a new entertainment offering. It would allow customers to watch TV and movies on personal devices in the airport for free –– the same premium TV and new release movies enjoyed on board Air Canada flights that are not yet available on streaming services such as Netflix.
How likely are you to watch these TV and movies in the airport, if available for free and on demand?
How likely are you to watch these TV and movies in the airport, if available for free and on demand?
#3
Join Date: May 2017
Location: YEG, SFO, VCA, JR JY-13
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Posts: 921
I could see myself using this! It would hopefully be a boot in the bum to help airports improve their WiFi. I'd point out YVR but their wireless has improved significantly over the past 3 years
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Canada
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 1,924
Interesting idea. But who gets there early enough to watch a show? Or doesn't travel enough that there's anything good left to watch? But innovation is neat in any form. I wonder if they could build a streaming platform such that it would survive an airport full of people delayed if they choose to use that over Netflix, etc from mobile devices. I'm not one to watch movies on phones or laptops though.
I'd just like my newspapers back for in-airport entertainment.
I'd just like my newspapers back for in-airport entertainment.
#5
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Given that, when flying domestically, I try to arrive at the airport shortly after boarding has started, I understand this comment.
But have you considered layovers? Many times I've flown YYC-YYZ-Europe, YYC-YVR-Oceania, YYC-YYZ-US, etc, and might have enjoyed having access to this between flights.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: YXU
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Posts: 326
#7
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Canada
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 1,924
Given that, when flying domestically, I try to arrive at the airport shortly after boarding has started, I understand this comment.
But have you considered layovers? Many times I've flown YYC-YYZ-Europe, YYC-YVR-Oceania, YYC-YYZ-US, etc, and might have enjoyed having access to this between flights.
But have you considered layovers? Many times I've flown YYC-YYZ-Europe, YYC-YVR-Oceania, YYC-YYZ-US, etc, and might have enjoyed having access to this between flights.
Fair point, the worst is an end of month trip where you start a movie and it's gone on your return flight a few days later.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: Aeroplan E75K, Marriott gold, HHonors silver
Posts: 20
I think this a great idea and would personally see myself using it more during layovers, especially if connecting flights are delayed, or connections missed etc. This being said, I usually download a few episodes or movies on Netflix so always covered to have content, but usually the IFE has more recent releases so that would be the value for me. And, one could start a movie in the airport and continue on board which would be another nice benefit.
#12
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Yeah, me too, but every once in a while I find that my Netflix and Prime downloads are all expired and my Plex content didn't download correctly, and it would be nice not to deal with trying to renew, re-download, etc.
#13
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well, given ACs horrendous OTP stats, probably many. Not to mention misconnects that result.
we were very recently almost treated to an extra-long layover at YVR courtesy of the seemingly always-delayed AC4. Had to hoof it through security, customs and practically the entire TB terminal to make our connection which they held for a few minutes - we were the last ones to board (by far). If we hadn’t made it, I’ll admit that would have helped (esp. since the TB Plaza Premium lounge is still ‘temporarily’ closed.
we were very recently almost treated to an extra-long layover at YVR courtesy of the seemingly always-delayed AC4. Had to hoof it through security, customs and practically the entire TB terminal to make our connection which they held for a few minutes - we were the last ones to board (by far). If we hadn’t made it, I’ll admit that would have helped (esp. since the TB Plaza Premium lounge is still ‘temporarily’ closed.