There are reports that inflight entertainment systems could soon be a thing of the past. One Canadian airline, Westjet, is removing seat-back entertainment systems with more airlines likely to follow in their footsteps. Just how will we get through a long flight without watching a questionable Adam Sandler movie? Let’s take a look.
THE PAST
Let me begin by stating that I can’t actually remember the last time I flew on an aircraft which had an inflight entertainment system. However, when I was younger, I seem to remember it was a very rare occasion that the entertainment system was in the back of a seat. Instead, it would be a tiny television in the aisles which you hooked up to with some uncomfortable headphones. There would only be one choice of film, usually a terrible comedy that was suitable for all ages.
THE PRESENT
Nowadays, pretty much all carriers who choose to have an inflight entertainment system implement it into the back of the seat. This means that passengers can choose their own entertainment, such as a film, television show or even a game, without being subject to what everyone else is watching. Each airline has their own brand of entertainment system. For example, Air France has ‘AirFrance TOUCH’ and Qatar Airways has ‘Oryx Entertainment’.
Virgin Atlantic- VERA
Virgin Atlantic fly transatlantically from the UK to the USA, with flights time of around 8 hours. This means that they will need to provide great entertainment! The airline prides itself on offering passengers the chance to see the latest big screen blockbusters or even the grittiest of television dramas. For children, the Disney channel will keep them entertained for hours. If you wish to keep your mind active during your flight, you can play puzzles, games and brain teasers.
British Airways- High Life Entertainment
British Airways offers a great range of entertainment, from popular television shows such as Game of Thrones to music and talks. They also have a plan ahead entertainment service, meaning you can pick what to watch before you fly.
Emirates- ICE
Emirates offers wifi, so that you can stay in touch with family and friends on the ground whilst you fly. You could also watch a Disney classic movie, listen to the latest chart topping album or watch a foreign film.
THE FUTURE
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, seat-back entertainment systems could soon become a thing of the past. Getting rid of them saves fuel and weight, according to airlines. However, what does this mean for passengers? Will we have to make our own fun? Well, Westjet airlines has decided to replace its entertainment system with a streaming service. This means that you would use onboard wifi to stream films and TV shows to your tablet or phone, using an app. If you don’t have a device capable of this, you will allegedly be able to rent a device on longer flights. Westjet is currently running an introductory offer, but you will have to pay for the wifi and content.
It’s expected that other airlines will follow suit with this system. What do you think?
Would you rather have a screen in your seat on a flight or stream content to your device? #traveltuesday
— Holiday Numbers (@holiday_numbers) November 3, 2015
I hope that it won’t be the end of seat systems, because a wifi streaming system is bound to be problematic due to the amount of people connecting to the wifi. Already, Westjet passengers are complaining of enduring flights without entertainment because the app doesn’t work. Airlines would be wise to offer both services, in order to please everyone, but this is unlikely.
