ArizonaRoadWarrior

I was expecting them to replace the trivia with ads so that they can generate revenues.

ibrandsguest

I don't understand what US is doing- removing the drop-down video monitors?

So no more safety video, either?

BostonMark

For the longest time safety announcements were done by the FAs pre-flight - I guess it will go back to that.

Did anyone catch the special the other night "A Week in the Life of American Airlines"? One of the things mentioned (and this was shot when fuel was 80-90 a barrel) was about AA's obsession with reducing weight on planes - looking at lighter weight carts and seats, getting rid of pillows and blankets, carrying only partial tanks of water (or no water and just having wetnaps in the lav), all except transcon planes would lose ovens, barf bags, the magazines they used to carry for pax (remember when you could get Time or Newsweek on a plane?), everything - including having the inflight magazine justify its existence by proving that it made more money than it cost to carry it on the planes. The point being that EVERY airline is trying to cut costs where they can.

US is making some decisions that I don't like - but they aren't alone. In some cases, like IFE, they're coming back to the pack rather than setting a new low. I personally think it's short sighted - they should put in Air Canada style IFE where you pay for some of the content if you choose (like games.) However, except on very long segments and transcons, I won't miss it.

Now if only they'd add Channel 9 to make up for it...

vysean

Yes, I've read the same information as you, and I have no doubt it could happen. Fact is, it hasn't been officially announced as of today so it is, by definition, still a rumor.

Debate my semantics as long as you wish - it doesn't change anything.

USPhilly

Where was the special? I'd like to see if they're replaying it.

Channel 9 would be ideal, IMO. It seems like a relatively inexpensive way to keep us FTers happy.

crunchie

I much prefer natural light too but if it means it'll interfere with the comfort of other pax on a long haul, I'll gladly lower the shades. I have the option of using less intrusive lighting for what I'm doing (reading/working) but when the shades are up even the masks provided offer limited cover.

Of course, if it's short-haul (IMHO, transcon is short haul), I really don't think it should matter either way. I've seen pax get into heated arguments over this which I think is both childish and selfish but that's just me.

Global Express

I should have signed up for the "free" Premier Executive level on United which expired on June 30th because as a Gold on USAirways if this is taken out, then that just might be the last straw. Enouh is enough just charge us an aircraft use fee like the resort use fees, give us an arm band and bring us back some service levels. I have liked USAirways for the past few years, but I think this might really end my flying on the carrier.

I bet they will start charging for upgrades soon too.

Global Express

BostonMark

I wish I could tell you - I caught it on TV in a hotel room (one where the hotel's TV directory didn't match the channels... that or it was on the Playboy channel )

Actually, it was on CNBC and it was a really good peak at the complexity of running an airline. Here's a link for it:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/18576787/

me4yankees

I know this as a rumor soon to be fact.

I usually fly short-haul so all I get is Travel Crap (I mean Quest) and the safety video from 199-something, but I think the flying public that are not frequent flyers have come to expect certain things, such as free non-alcoholic beverages and in-flight entertainment on long-haul flights as options, especially from a legacy carrier like US. Perhaps removing IFE is not that big of a deal for us that travel all the time and are usually prepared with our own gadgets and entertainment.

However, removing IFE is just part of a larger picture, and that is one of pay more, get less: increasing fees, charging for drinks, taking away free pretzels and Biscoffs from coach on short flights, taking away IFE, taking away 500-mile minimums, taking away elite bonuses, etc. It all began a couple of years ago with the aircraft reconfigs, removing Y/B fare PQM bonuses, etc. This is just more evidence of a business model that I no longer subscribe to, and I will try like heck to avoid it.

Stefferdoos

I have no idea why, but out of context this statement becomes very funny for me.

flyingcat

No longer a rumor now confirmed. Only domestic IFE remaining will be Hawaii.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/wa...html?ana=yfcpc

warreng24

Article says IFE is discontinued to Mexico and Caribbean.

What about the Latin America destinations? Do they qualify as Caribbean?

I assume that Canada flights will have IFE.

Oxb

I would not assume that flights to Canada will have IFE. Canadian flights are considered "domestic" operationally.

atelier

Actually, a credit-card based vending system designed to weigh as much or less than the galley could be more profitable than an FA attempting to "sell" products. Vending could include food/drink, entertainment systems, comfort items. The FA's would still need to police the aisles to collect trash and focus on their main safety duties. Do away with the weight in both galley areas and the systems could even be outsourced where airline retains a commission.

bocastephen

This airline and its management are beyond ridiculous - time to ring the Chapter 7 bells before they start charging for oxygen.