DirecTV $7.99!? -- how many of you are buying?
Jun 1, 2011, 11:33 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UACO Plat/1K, DL Plat, Hertz 5*, Avis - PC, SPG Gold, Colorado Pass
Posts: 228
On Transcon out of EWR.. and noticed DirecTV is now a whopping $7.99 to use (before the discount for using the branded CC). $8 seems egregious to me. My own perception is $3.99 is "CO is just being a cheap" (vs. offering it to passengers for free), $5.99 is "let's squeeze you since we have you", and $7.99 is "what is the maximum pain tolerance for our customers without having them laugh out-loud-loud on the plane".
Jun 2, 2011, 12:43 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,628
I paid $5.99 once but for a 6 hour transcon, it was worth it. I still think it should be free for elites and those sitting in premium seats (exits and bulkheads).
At least they have the decency not to require payment until after takeoff; if you're stuck on the tarmac, you get free entertainment.
At least they have the decency not to require payment until after takeoff; if you're stuck on the tarmac, you get free entertainment.
Jun 2, 2011, 4:21 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
I barely watch any TV at home (I dont have cable...just an antenna in case I want to see the weather report or something).
So, no reason for me to buy DTV for any price.
So, no reason for me to buy DTV for any price.
Jun 2, 2011, 5:16 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Continental Onepass Silver
Posts: 12
I buy it every time . . .
Put me in the "Indifferent" camp. If I get an hour of entertainment out of it, well, it's a much better deal than the drink I'll guzzle for $7!
I just plain accept that airports/airlines/airplanes are crazy priced venues, and whatever you may desire costs about 300% of what it would in the normal world. Like living in a convenience store for a couple hours!
I just plain accept that airports/airlines/airplanes are crazy priced venues, and whatever you may desire costs about 300% of what it would in the normal world. Like living in a convenience store for a couple hours!
Jun 2, 2011, 6:37 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
Used to buy every time
At the old price I would buy almost every flight. I just can't stomach paying $6 (using my Chase card) unless there is something I really want to watch. Otherwise I'll watch a movie on my laptop or read.
Jun 2, 2011, 7:40 am
#21
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC and London
Programs: UA 1K; Avis Preferred; PriorityClub Gold; nada anywhere else
Posts: 243
Never buy it and much prefer AVOD. When it's going to be TV I make sure I have something to read.
Jun 2, 2011, 8:18 am
#22
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 690
I purchased DTV on almost every flight for the past 6 months (probably 15-20). I have a bunch coming up in the next couple of months and have already loaded movies on my iTouch. Not paying $6 (with card) for TV that cuts out most of the time.
Jun 2, 2011, 9:53 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 386
At least it worked on your flight. On my last four hour flight, Direct TV did not work and I was willing to pay. The channel could not be changed and it had ESPN 2 on, a very interesting poker marathon on for four hours...
I noticed that Direct TV did not work in about 20-30% of seats, noone was charged. I guess I just got lucky with my seat, and I was on 21C exit row on a 738...
Now, to your question... will I pay $7.99 per flight? probably not
I noticed that Direct TV did not work in about 20-30% of seats, noone was charged. I guess I just got lucky with my seat, and I was on 21C exit row on a 738...
Now, to your question... will I pay $7.99 per flight? probably not
Jun 2, 2011, 10:06 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CO hublette
Programs: UA AU MM,HH Diamond,Hyatt Globalist , Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,281
Bought it twice last month EWR - SAN doing the $20 trips when I didn't get upgraded.
Jun 2, 2011, 11:21 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum; Hyatt Diamond/GLOB
Posts: 738
I normally buy it with the PP credit card if the flight is of any serious length (e.g., 2.5 hours), but that was at the lower price.
I probably would still buy it, but be a little more pissed about it.
However, aren't we getting it free in ELR seats? I think I got it free the last few times, or am I just making that up?
I'm either upgraded or in the exit row on 99% of my flights.
I probably would still buy it, but be a little more pissed about it.
However, aren't we getting it free in ELR seats? I think I got it free the last few times, or am I just making that up?
I'm either upgraded or in the exit row on 99% of my flights.
Jun 2, 2011, 11:26 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: CO hublette
Programs: UA AU MM,HH Diamond,Hyatt Globalist , Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,281
Jun 2, 2011, 11:28 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Hyatt GLOB, Marriott Lifetime PLT, UA 1K 1MM.
Posts: 1,728
usually when i fly, i'm super hungover from partying the night before and i typically just pass out when i'm sitting in Y. immediately. it's generally a "and our estimated flight time i- ......would like to welcome you to newark liberty airport..." situation. when i'm not completely KO'd though and i'm stuck in Y, i do pay the 8 bucks. is it annoying? kinda, yeah. but i want to watch tv. so... i pay it.
Jun 2, 2011, 12:17 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
I think this price escalation is just the tip of the iceberg and that we should all be prepared to pay more for just about everything (that is, if one is unlucky enough not to be upgraded). Ala carte pricing is here to stay, folks.
For example, Tilton made a comment awhile back concerning UA's baggage fees. I believe he stated there was quite a bit more money to be made by the airline via these baggage and other ancillary fees.
Question is: how much more in the way of additional fees are we all willing to put up with?
And as for DirecTV, I'll stick with my CD player & Bose NC headphones.....
For example, Tilton made a comment awhile back concerning UA's baggage fees. I believe he stated there was quite a bit more money to be made by the airline via these baggage and other ancillary fees.
Question is: how much more in the way of additional fees are we all willing to put up with?
And as for DirecTV, I'll stick with my CD player & Bose NC headphones.....
Jun 2, 2011, 1:09 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 330
Me and the Mrs never bother, we hardly watch TV at home either. What amazes me is the folks who pony up for a flight from IAH to MSY, a flight of less then an hour! 
Jun 2, 2011, 1:22 pm
#30
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Belfast, Ireland
Programs: BMI Silver
Posts: 74
When I am on Continental I am always with flying BFS-EWR-SAN and back with my now 3 year old I will always get it for her. We get the international part free. I also stock my ipod with films for both of us just in case it doesn't work. Anything new to entertain for that long trip works for me. I also pay to get my fix of American tv.
