764 From United States of America, joined Jul 2001, 608 posts, RR: 0 Posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 3727 times:
According to a recent UA press release, the airline will introduce a new IFE system that will be "free during the promotional period". That clearly implies that they will charge for it afterwards, doesn't it?
Simpilicity From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 3719 times:
not so many years ago, on US doemstic services UA used to charge USD$3 I think it was, for the hire of plastic tube which ran from headset to where it plugged in on the armrest.
Wdleiser From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 958 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 3687 times:
For some reason I thought many airlines charged for headphones... or atleast some do.
ETStar From Canada, joined Jan 2004, 2103 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 3670 times:
Quoting Wdleiser (Reply 3): For some reason I thought many airlines charged for headphones... or atleast some do.
Some may still. The last CO flight I took gave them free if you checked in online and printed out a coupon.
Also, is it just me or do you folks also cringe at the sight of those disposable earphones they give out these days, where they encourage you to keep and use them on future flights (AC, CO do this). All of those headphones I have taken, I have never reused. The AC FAs claim that it is just thrown out and not reused if pax leave it onboard... poor ol' landfill in Taiwan.
Blueflyer From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 3126 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 3664 times:
Quoting Wdleiser (Reply 3): For some reason I thought many airlines charged for headphones
They do, but at the same time, they come up with some gimmick to give one to you free anyhow. On my last CO flight, I got an email a few days before departure offering me a free headset (regular cost $5 I think) if I checked in online rather than at the airport... I did check in online but kept my Sennheiser with me.
Quoting 764 (Thread starter): That clearly implies that they will charge for it afterwards, doesn't it?
Well, it is XM Radio. Maybe United is betting that enough people will be willing to pay for it. I for one might, but only if the sound quality is worth it.
Aloha73G From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 2304 posts, RR: 5 Reply 6, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 3605 times:
I get the impression that unlike jetBlue and Air Tran, United's XM won't be live. Instead it sound sliek they will just be using pre-recorded audio provided by XM. An improvement but not a HUGE deal if you ask me.
-Aloha!
Aloha Airlines - The Spirit Moves Us. Gone but NEVER Forgotten. Aloha, A Hui Hou!
FA4UA From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 812 posts, RR: 22 Reply 7, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 3572 times:
I think you misinterpreted "promotional" in this instance. XM is promoting thier product on our aircraft. At present it's pre-taped music showcasing thier most popular channels. There are RUMORS that eventually XM might take over our onboard programming permanently although nothing has been said thus far. There has been no word of charging for music entertainment at this point.
United was actually one of the first carriers in the United States to provide free entertainment on our entire network starting in 2000.
FA4UA
The debate continues... Starwood or Hyatt... which is better
Apodino From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 3641 posts, RR: 6 Reply 8, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 3533 times:
All I have to say is they better not start charging for channel 9.
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 8754 posts, RR: 52 Reply 9, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3404 times:
I hope that the free IFE on united flights doesn't go away. It is nice for there to be a headset in the seatpocket if you don't happen to have one with you. Continental makes you buy a headset on board if you don't have one although they give out coupons. Other airlines make you rent them, and still others (cough Northwest cough) have no domestic IFE whatsoever.
United still has a truly free IFE. I noticed the XM music on my flights last Sunday, and it was a huge improvement over the stuff that no one wanted to listen to on old flights since they were only playing music that they got for next to nothing. I look forward to seeing a full line of XM products on board.
I presume however that XM won't take over video programming and that it will still be NBC. I have heard that NBC pays to showcase its short subject programming that features its own primetime programming and is one huge advertisement.
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
DC10rules From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 98 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 3151 times:
Quoting Apodino (Reply 8): All I have to say is they better not start charging for channel 9.
I'd pay an extra 5 or 10 bucks (on top of the ticket price or to the FA) for a version of channel 9 on WN, DL, etc.
I have a feeling many other a.nutters would as well!
TGV From France, joined Dec 2004, 868 posts, RR: 23 Reply 11, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 3104 times:
Quoting Blueflyer (Reply 5): They do, but at the same time, they come up with some gimmick to give one to you free anyhow.
On AF long haul in Y, the headphones are in a small pouch they give you with eye shades, earplugs and a refreshing tissue.
And these headphones are very smart: they can be modified after the flight, by removing two parts (there is a leaflet indicating how to do it) to became headphones that can be used with anything with a small jack connection, like a MP3 player or a computer.
Furthermore, if you keep them in their plane condition, and connect them to the microphone and sound jacks of a laptop (the spacing of the two holes is adequate, on my laptop at least) you can use them as a mike/earphone.
But of course be prepared to receive some strange looks from you neighbours, as you are in fact speaking with enthusiasm in an earphone!
Avoid 777 with 3-4-3 config in Y ! They are real sardine cans. (AF/KL for example)
Flybynight From Norway, joined Jul 2003, 992 posts, RR: 3 Reply 12, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 2942 times:
One of UA's differentiators that they are proud of would be the free headphones. Personally I think this is great. One of the reasons I love to fly UA is the free headphones and listening to ch 9 (from the cockpit).
Hiflyer From United States of America, joined Nov 2004, 2118 posts, RR: 4 Reply 13, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 2886 times:
This is what I read
"Now for a promotional period, customers traveling on United will be able to listen to as many as 19 music channels provided by XM for United, giving customers a taste of XM's exclusive, commercial-free music channels."
Nothing about upcoming charges...just that the XM music is promotional.
SSTsomeday From Canada, joined Oct 2006, 1276 posts, RR: 1 Reply 14, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 2822 times:
Quoting 764 (Thread starter): According to a recent UA press release, the airline will introduce a new IFE system that will be "free during the promotional period". That clearly implies that they will charge for it afterwards, doesn't it?
Maybe this is inevitable. Airlines (especially North American ones) are desperate to find more non-ticket revenue.
I bought a ticket on ACs website a few years ago (LAX/YYZ/YOW probably,) and once I had paid the non-refundable fee, ONLY THEN did a window appear offering me seat selection for $7.50 or $15.00 per leg. I was shocked. I don't know how long that lasted, I bet there was quite a customer backlash. It was the lowest of the low.
Quoting RoseFlyer (Reply 9): and still others (cough Northwest cough) have no domestic IFE whatsoever.
Yeah what's up with that? All those dark T.V. screens on the ceilings of their 757s, for example. It's been like that for years.
Quoting RoseFlyer (Reply 9): presume however that XM won't take over video programming and that it will still be NBC. I have heard that NBC pays to showcase its short subject programming that features its own primetime programming and is one huge advertisement.
I hope this continues to be the case, rather than fork over yet more money after paying for my extra baggage weight, for changing my flight to an earlier one on the same day, for my meal... GEESH - I miss service (am I whining?).
Although I resent having to watch advertising on a plane (or in a movie theater) when I have paid for a ticket...
777fan From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 2403 posts, RR: 3 Reply 15, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 2753 times:
Quoting Apodino (Reply 8): All I have to say is they better not start charging for channel 9.
Of more concern to me is that they'd actually get rid of Channel 9 as part of the convert over to XM. Anyone have any insight on this possibility?!
Legacytravel From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 1067 posts, RR: 2 Reply 16, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 2647 times:
I hope the IFE does not switch to a pay per flight type of system.
Aside from the awesome and professional staff at UA. (F/A's you are appreciated by this Agency Owner)
It is very easy to book clients on UA when I tell them about the free IFE and the Channel 9. I have a client that lives an hour north of MKE and will be driving to ORD mainly because they want to have a experience like this.
Glad to see UA back and flying high out of Chapter 7. I will see you in 5 weeks ORD to LAS just for the free IFE also.
Regards,
Mark in MKE
FriendlySkies From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 4009 posts, RR: 6 Reply 17, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2590 times:
The promotional period is probably UA testing market response to the new product, before they go and install full systems in their planes ($$$). I can't see them charging for the service, as some have said, they are proud of being the only US carrier to offer free IFE on ALL mainline flights.
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 8754 posts, RR: 52 Reply 18, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2567 times:
This is a huge advertisment for XM. People will listen for hours at a time to an XM station without commercials and likely realize that they do like XM music and buy the service.
I can't imagine XM wanting to lose so many captive people if they were to make people pay. This service totally should be free. It would make the investment worth it. Honestly this is a win win relationship for United and XM. UA gets quality IFE and XM can have a captive audience to show that its product can be better than ipods or MP3 players.
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
AADC10 From United States of America, joined Nov 2004, 1837 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2543 times:
Some have reported hearing XM music instead of the cockpit on Ch. 9 but it may have just been the pilot's choice. Has anyone seen the new channel lineup in the March Hemisphere's magazine?
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 8754 posts, RR: 52 Reply 20, posted (7 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 2515 times:
Quoting AADC10 (Reply 19): Has anyone seen the new channel lineup in the March Hemisphere's magazine?
I flew UA on Sunday and heard the new XM music, however the channel lineup in the March Hemisphere's magazine showed the old programming that no one would ever want to listen to (ok that is a bit of an exaggeration). There was no reference to XM Satellite radio that I could find. However it is just recorded popular stations.
Quoting AADC10 (Reply 19): Some have reported hearing XM music instead of the cockpit on Ch. 9 but it may have just been the pilot's choice.
That would be pilot's choice not to have channel 9 from the cockpit activated. On both of my flights, channel 9 was tower communications. Channel 9 was always replaced by other programming in years past as well.
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
Don81603 From Canada, joined Jul 2005, 1185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (7 years 2 months 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 2343 times:
I've been searching high and low for a firm answer, but to no avail regarding UA's IFE from SFO to SYD. What exactly can I expect? Do they have PTV's, or is it the "old" style, where everyone watches the same movie?
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 8754 posts, RR: 52 Reply 22, posted (7 years 2 months 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 2318 times:
Quoting Don81603 (Reply 21): I've been searching high and low for a firm answer, but to no avail regarding UA's IFE from SFO to SYD. What exactly can I expect?
SFO to SYD is operated with 747s. United 747s have no PTVs in economy. So you will only be able to watch the main screen movie. There is however audio in every seat and channel 9 is available (subject to pilot discretion).
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
Adriaticus From Mexico, joined May 2004, 1112 posts, RR: 21 Reply 23, posted (7 years 2 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 2156 times:
Quoting Blueflyer (Reply 5): Well, it is XM Radio. Maybe United is betting that enough people will be willing to pay for it. I for one might, but only if the sound quality is worth it.
In the end, sound quality depends mostly on your earphones. If you don't have noise-reduction type, such as Sennheiser or Bose, quality of sound will be pretty much alike tuning in on XM or the pre-recorded in-flight announcements.
Jmy007 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 591 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (7 years 2 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 2143 times:
Quoting RoseFlyer (Reply 20):
I flew UA on Sunday and heard the new XM music, however the channel lineup in the March Hemisphere's magazine showed the old programming that no one would ever want to listen to (ok that is a bit of an exaggeration). There was no reference to XM Satellite radio that I could find. However it is just recorded popular stations.
If the Hemisphere that you refere to has the cover "three perfect days in Nagoya" (Pink and red colors)
Then the XM list IS in there. I have th copy at home, the listing is at the end of the entertaiment section.
Cookies are the Gateway pastry. They lead to Éclairs and Bear Claws.
25 RoseFlyer: That flight was over two weeks ago, so I have no idea what the cover was, but it was the March Issue. It is possible that the XM programming was list
26 PanAm747: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1070,00.html There is the listing of all of UA's inflight entertainment, including a blurb about the new XM
27 Jmy007: In this months issue, the XM lisiting is in the back end of the entertaiment section (more that a blurb). It list all the channels, plus CH9. Though
28 SuseJ772: I have to say, I wouldn't mind paying for IFE if they were personal VOD units. I flew on a Jetstar flight from CNS to MEL about a month ago, and they
29 Halls120: I just got back from two weeks of flying on UA internationally - and the XM programming is indeed a big improvement over what they offered before. Ev
30 JC5280: Where did you quote the "free during the promotional period" from? I do not see that anywhere in the PR. I would recommend quoting properly before pos
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