digEplayers, Is There Still the Need?
 

I travel with my Smart phone, a lap top and frequently an iPad. I NEVER take the digi player as there is the GoGo library of movies and TV shows for viewing that are the same titles. This is duplicative and unnecessary. There are chargers on the plane so risk of my devices low on charge are low. What’s the real need and value to the elite FF in getting this offered as complimentary. I’ve spoken to many elite level FF and nearly 100% are savvy and experienced enough with travel to have there own devices.

I would much prefer and see as a true valued benefit complimentary GoGo WiFi access for 75K elites as opposed to the clunky Digi player. Who knows it might even decrease cost by decreasing the weight on the plane by not needing to bring as many, decrease hassle for FAs, decrease repair or replacement costs.

I realize GoGo is a separate contracted service provider but I’m sure something could be worked out. Currently I pay the nearly $50 automatic billed monthly pass to access WiFi. I have no doubt that most 75K elites if not offered the Digi player has an alternative personal screen they could, and would prefer to use over a general use touch screen device used by many others. I don’t have an unrational germ phobia but use reasonable precautions with hand hygiene and don’t go out of my way. I just find the digi players as limited value i this current era of screen access nearly universal.

Mr. Fink and I take the digi player on every single flight. While I rarely use it as I don’t often watch movies, he watches one or two every time. But I still take one just in case and sometimes read the magazInes on it.

I have an ipad but it is packed away in my carryon. I never take it out unless I have internet, and no way would I watch anything on a phone. I can’t see it :p On our last flight, the new digis kept dying and they finally ran out of spares when Mr. Fink’s third one packed it in just as he was 2/3 through a movie. I pulled out the ipad but the same film wasn’t available on Beyond. So the digis have way more content as well.

So for us, the loss of the digis would be tragic.

People seem to still use them, atleast on all the flights I am on. If I was the only person who needed one and there weren't any, that would make for a negative flight experience. So, as long as people are still using them and its a revenue stream for Alaska, I am fine with it.

Lol! I actually thought that as I was typing it. My original sentence read ‘...and that would be a tragedy’ and even I thought that was a bit OTT. I toned it down, but not enough, I see. :D

I use them pretty much every time they are offered. I travel with a phone, and a large laptop. I don't want to buy another device "size appropriate" for movies, especially during meal services.

While it would not be tragic, it would not be my favo(u)red outcome. There - no high purr bow lee.

I find that it's more about resolution than screen size. Since I got my S9+ I'm fine watching movies on the phone (and my eyes are not that good) With a 2690x1440 display, though, it's a much better picture than any other device that I own (including my TV)

They should make the entire movie selection available over WiFi. I also think that they should provide free internet access for 75k, first class, and probably gold, but that's never going to happen -- AS is moving in the other direction.

I almost never take the player, I usually just read my Kindle, or play games on my iPhone. If I have to work, then it is just the company laptop. Sometimes my husband travels with me and he used to take it all the time, but lately he has been using one of our iPads with preloaded movies. So for us, it is not "a thing".

Content is different on the digeplayer.

I miss them on the shorter routes already.

Plus it is a perk being removed from G75K travelers. We're not always on transcons. ANC-SEA is the perfect length to watch a flick.

I always use the Digiplayers when they are available....they are especially helpful when traveling with our young children since it's unrealistic to expect entire families to all carry-on movie-sized tablets.

And for those buying into the OP's rationale, the same analysis would go for food. Nearly 100% of frequent travelers are savvy and experienced enough with travel to bring their own food. Who knows it might even decrease cost by decreasing the weight on the plane. It is duplicative and unnecessary when you can easily bring your own food. Especially with a germ phobia, as the food would have been handled by others.

And there you have it. When a creature comfort goes away that many, even if not a majority, of travelers use and enjoy, it is not a good thing, even if others find it of little or no value.