How long til / will reverse no seatback IFE decision?
#151
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Just reflecting on NPS, I don't think that it actually impacts consumer behavior when it comes to airline purchasing if the price is right for the casual traveler and frankly, if you're hub or contract-captive, even as a business traveler it doesn't matter.
C17PSGR highlights an important point; if NPS is relevant today/truly important when it comes to air travel, WN's ranking could signify that domestic seat-back IFE isn't really that crucial to the success equation.
C17PSGR highlights an important point; if NPS is relevant today/truly important when it comes to air travel, WN's ranking could signify that domestic seat-back IFE isn't really that crucial to the success equation.
Thankfully, AA keeps upgrading me so I don't know who their pretzels compare to the DL pretzel mix I do know the basket of cruddy breakfast snacks on DL and AA are both horrible. The domestic F meals on both are fine and better than on AS. The crews on both are mostly very nice, particularly the junior FA's. Routes with higher seniority on both sometimes have less friendly flight attendants.
But, I'm all for Qatar like soft and hard service on domestic US routes ... I like visionaries!
#152
Well, no kidding. My point (and I think the point of others such as AANYC1981) has been that if seatback IFE is so terrible and so obsolete, why aren’t they racing to get them off of the planes flying the most premium routes first? That would be most logical, if that assertion was true.
In any event, as has been covered ad nauseam, longhaul and short/mid haul are different beasts.
#153
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#154
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And Spirit has one of the highest profit margins out there. I can't imagine their NPS! RyanAir makes as much money as Delta with a very different structure.
Thankfully, AA keeps upgrading me so I don't know who their pretzels compare to the DL pretzel mix I do know the basket of cruddy breakfast snacks on DL and AA are both horrible. The domestic F meals on both are fine and better than on AS. The crews on both are mostly very nice, particularly the junior FA's. Routes with higher seniority on both sometimes have less friendly flight attendants.
But, I'm all for Qatar like soft and hard service on domestic US routes ... I like visionaries!
Thankfully, AA keeps upgrading me so I don't know who their pretzels compare to the DL pretzel mix I do know the basket of cruddy breakfast snacks on DL and AA are both horrible. The domestic F meals on both are fine and better than on AS. The crews on both are mostly very nice, particularly the junior FA's. Routes with higher seniority on both sometimes have less friendly flight attendants.
But, I'm all for Qatar like soft and hard service on domestic US routes ... I like visionaries!
#155
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(I know you probably get this. )
"Visionaries" at EY loading up on lavish soft/hard product (and other failing airlines) have essentially lost millions. VX's lavish soft/hard product on shorthaul (including seatback IFE) was indeed visionary but it did not a thing for their profits their first five years of flying- they completely blew their timeline to make a profit and their VC firms had to shovel more cash in repeatedly. Apparently VX's seatback IFE proposition was so compelling for AS that they are going to rip it all out of every pmVX plane over the next 18-24 months or so. But I guess they don't get the "big picture"?
It's easy enough to have a "I'd like some free ice cream and a pony" wishlist for yourself as a customer. The big picture for an airline CEO is understanding you run a business and you're responsible to shareholders. Doug Parker has had chances at multiple airlines via bankruptcy. AS has never gone bankrupt (lacking seatback IFE and all).
#156
Join Date: Oct 2013
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And of course I understand that things cost money. I know that Dougie will do anything to save a buck, which is kind of the point here. I also have pointed out that the latest technology offers lower costs.
Luckily, I’m not required to fly AA.
Last edited by TXguy; Oct 19, 2018 at 3:06 pm
#158
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I flew a 73MAX that is in the new configuration. No physical divider between first and coach. Felt odd. I was in F just in front of Y pax. Looks more like a Southwest plane now. My seat was fine. Would have preferred IFE, but I was working the whole flight. So only listened to music.
But...enjoy!
#159
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#161
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#162
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Multiple sources are telling me that American is now debating bringing back seat back video screens to the domestic fleet.
Last edited by JDiver; May 18, 2019 at 11:52 am Reason: Activate URL, add content as required by Rules when linking to external site
#163
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Its funny....as I was sitting once again in MCE since I never get upgraded anymore I thought to myself: if upgrades don’t happen anymore on my routes I’d rather just fly and be loyal to Delta with seatback screens and much better operations and better customer service.
Its getting to the point with AA that I’d rather just be Platinum on Delta and enjoy C+ with occasional upgrades but much better service and getting me to my job on time. Plus I can spend more time at home with the smaller elite requirement.
#164
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I personally don't understand why people are so defensive of BYOD-entertainment and are quick to to call for the removal of IFE (see today's a.net thread on the current topic, for example).
I don't even own a TV at home nor do I have any subscription-based streaming services, so seatback IFE is actually something I look forward to when I fly. I don't own a tablet and I prefer not to use my laptop for entertainment purposes on board as it takes up my tray table space. On all of my recent L-AA A32B/319/738 flights within the last month that were equipped with PTVs, the vast majority of passengers seemed to be using the PTV.
I could see AA using the installation of PTVs as a sort of "bargaining" tool to keep the pitch at 30 inches. I personally would be fine with that.
I don't even own a TV at home nor do I have any subscription-based streaming services, so seatback IFE is actually something I look forward to when I fly. I don't own a tablet and I prefer not to use my laptop for entertainment purposes on board as it takes up my tray table space. On all of my recent L-AA A32B/319/738 flights within the last month that were equipped with PTVs, the vast majority of passengers seemed to be using the PTV.
I could see AA using the installation of PTVs as a sort of "bargaining" tool to keep the pitch at 30 inches. I personally would be fine with that.
Last edited by CLT; May 17, 2019 at 10:11 pm
#165
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Dozens of aircraft already have the IFE-less seats installed, with many more seats already on order for future deliveries and retrofits. It would probably be expensive to modify the seat specs to include built in IFE, plus re-do the Oasis aircraft. I don't see Mr Parker agreeing to the costs.
If anything happens, they could have the flight attendants pass out tablets. Maybe charge a fee in economy and complimentary in first class.
If anything happens, they could have the flight attendants pass out tablets. Maybe charge a fee in economy and complimentary in first class.