TVs no longer free in EC?
 

I am confused -- Sitting in 19B on SFO-JFK Transcon. I was sure that TVs (HBO, Movies, etc.) are free in EC, but this appears not to be the case. Am I dreaming that they used to be free?

TV - Yes
Movies - No

They were free as recently as yesterday on ATL-SLC. So no, you weren't dreaming.

When did we get this great unannounced best in class enhancement?

On TAPC and TATL, certain movies, not all, were complimentary in economy. HBO movies were not free. However, now, they are free in EC.

So they are free TATl/TPAC but not on the cross country JFK/SFO trips?

Correct. Domestic EC gives you 1) legroom 2) "priority" Boarding

International EC gives you 1) the above 2) Free booze. Movies are free for all international.

Final question: when did this change? When I flew two weeks ago, I am 100% sure that HBO was free in EC on domestic flights.

Are you sure your ATL-SLC plane wasn't used on International?

International flights get free movies but the system doesn't change if the metal is used domestically.

We're comparing apples and oranges.

The OP is telling the truth and I too have been wondering what's going on.

On "regular" domestic flights with PTV's equipped with satellite TV channels like on LAX-ATL, those TV channels are free.

However on "transcon" flights which don't have satellite TV, IE LAX-JFK, DL seems to have begun charging for almost ALL television programming. The only exception seems to be the two lousy "Delta on-air" channels which loop a couple of programs.

I too recall only as recently as June getting all movies and TV shows (except HBO programming) for free whilst in EC. Last week on a r/t LAX-JFK in EC I experienced what the OP did. I don't know if this is the new norm and wish it was clear. If it is the new norm, it's certainly a thumbs down from me.

Are you sure you are sitting in EC? I'm sure movies are free in EC for Transcon flights. Haven't sat in the back in a while though to know.

Thanks for your insightful comment. My seat says economy comfort on it, so I am quite sure.

The JFK-LAX/SFO birds do not offer Live TV - only pre-recorded shows.

Live TV is still free (nose to tail) on flights and aircraft that offer it. The 757s on the premium transcon routes, being equipped for international flying, do not offer it.

On these planes, I have noted that TV content and movies are paid-for, throughout Y.
I suspect they can be made available complimentary when flying internationally (so crew has some discretion) - and likewise, premium content (HBO, games?) becomes accessible for free to EC as well.

Very sure been sitting in EC on the transcon flights.

TVs no longer free in EC?
 

I experienced the same thing last week on my LAX-JFK-LAX flights last week. Everything in EC required payment. Definitely a change.