digEplayers, Is There Still the Need?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska airlines 100k
Posts: 923
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.
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.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
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 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.
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 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.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 45
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.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
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 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.
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 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.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
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.
While it would not be tragic, it would not be my favo(u)red outcome. There - no high purr bow lee.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
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Posts: 16,846
I have used them occasionally when in F, but I always travel with my iPad, so if they were eliminated, no big deal. Most of the time I read a book anyway.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to the seat back tablet holders. It seems like the new faux wooden trays extend further to the sides with the curved lip, leaving barely any room for my stand.
I was a big fan of the digiplayers as I usually watched stuff on my smartphone (and often on short hauls without a player). After getting a tablet for Christmas, I’m never going back. So much nicer to be able to start watching from the start of the flight to the end and being able to ignore the digiplayer scavenger hunt before descent now.
I was a big fan of the digiplayers as I usually watched stuff on my smartphone (and often on short hauls without a player). After getting a tablet for Christmas, I’m never going back. So much nicer to be able to start watching from the start of the flight to the end and being able to ignore the digiplayer scavenger hunt before descent now.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
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.
While it would not be tragic, it would not be my favo(u)red outcome. There - no high purr bow lee.
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.
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MM, MVPGold100k, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,475
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".
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
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 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.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
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.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
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.
#15
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SoCal,
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro
Posts: 771