How much do you value AA's now free IFE?
#1
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AAdvantage EXPLAT, Hilton Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Citi Exec MC, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,443
How much do you value AA's now free IFE?
I do utilize AA's free IFE a lot, seen about 10 or so movies in flight now, however, I still value it at about $0, as in, if it's given to me and it's free, I'll use it and enjoy using it, but if I even have to spend a dime on it, then I don't want it. Why? Because I have tons of movies on my iPad, so AA's free IFE just means I can save the movies on my iPad for later viewing. How do the rest of you value AA's free IFE?
#2
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
I do utilize AA's free IFE a lot, seen about 10 or so movies in flight now, however, I still value it at about $0, as in, if it's given to me and it's free, I'll use it and enjoy using it, but if I even have to spend a dime on it, then I don't want it. Why? Because I have tons of movies on my iPad, so AA's free IFE just means I can save the movies on my iPad for later viewing. How do the rest of you value AA's free IFE?
#3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: DFW/LAX
Programs: HH Diamond, AA EXP
Posts: 534
It depends on the length of the flight and time of day. For something under 2 hours I don't care much, but on a 4-5 hour flight it's fairly meaningful to me, especially if I forgot to download something to watch on my ipad. I'll say this, when booking some flights of 3+ hours in the past I've taken a 1-2 hour later/earlier flight to be on a plane with IFE (knowing that I'll usually get upgraded and be in F where it was already free).
#4
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SGN
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVP 75k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 149
There's not much value for reasons already stated in this thread. However, when you don't have your trusty iPad then it's what you're willing to pay in that event. For me, I'm willing to forgo entertainment even for a 5 hr flight. However, I'd probably draw the line for TPAC or TATL flights. But then again, these routes have different standards for IFE altogether.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHL-adjacent
Programs: AA Executive Platinum (but always US in my heart), HH Diamond
Posts: 3,344
I think it is nice...I don't have or want an iPad and sometimes it is nice to see something other than the movies I have seen a million times on my iPod on its teeny screen.
#8
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
$3 per flight, on average. I'm not in the habit of downloading my own movies so I appreciate a preloaded onboard selection.
That said, I would not pay to watch anything in flight, even if it was $0.01. So, depending on your economic school of thought, my valuation may also be $0.
That said, I would not pay to watch anything in flight, even if it was $0.01. So, depending on your economic school of thought, my valuation may also be $0.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,956
I probably would have paid $10-20 to watch the 3-5 movies each way to Sydney. But probably nothing other than that type of situation - I can handle up to 5 hours on my own.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,927
If this problem's been fixed (and the movie is now available free):
a lot. If it's still not fixed after all this time (or if they simply removed it), then not at all.
a lot. If it's still not fixed after all this time (or if they simply removed it), then not at all.
#12
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,355
I value it a lot more on international flights when I don't have Gogo. There is something so important and relaxing about popping on a great movie, eating a good (yes, I know...) meal, and having a drink in hand. It truly sets the mood for my trip, especially on vacation.
In the rare occasions in the past when I have been stuck in trans-con Y, and had not enough room to work thanks to AA's flimsy/too small tray tables in exit rows, I've paid for the wi-fi on the A321S. Of course, I didn't really pay, since my IFE fee was re-imbursed by the Amex Platinum.
In the rare occasions in the past when I have been stuck in trans-con Y, and had not enough room to work thanks to AA's flimsy/too small tray tables in exit rows, I've paid for the wi-fi on the A321S. Of course, I didn't really pay, since my IFE fee was re-imbursed by the Amex Platinum.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP. HHonors Diamond
Posts: 185
I pretty much only use it on international flights, especially in coach ... there are generally a few movies I wanted to see but missed on it ... and the older movies are nice. I did a James Bond marathon on a flight to HKG earlier this year. On long flights it is nice to not have anything on my lap if I want to take a nap/not having my charging cable tangled, having the tray free for meals and drinks
Domestic flights, I just load my tablet
Domestic flights, I just load my tablet