The Evolution of In-Flight Entertainment And Its Relation To Flight Disruptions

Since its debut, in-flight entertainment (IFE) has undergone a significant transformation, progressing from simple visual displays to advanced multimedia systems, all to improve the passenger experience. However, it can also be a cause for flight disruptions. This article explores historical events and technological advances that have shaped today’s IFE and how it can affect your travel plans 

First Steps

 In-flight entertainment began in the 1920s. During a sightseeing flight over Chicago in 1921, Aeromarine Airways screened the short promotional film “Howdy Chicago!” for its 11 passengers. Even though it was in very basic form, projected onto a front cabin wall of an aircraft, this was the first documented instance of in-flight entertainment. Four years later, the idea of in-flight media was established further, when in 1925 Imperial Airways presented a silent film adaption of “The Lost World” during a flight from London to Paris.

The Development of In-Flight Films

 Although first steps were taken early, it was not until the 1960s that the IFE really began to be a thing. Trans World Airlines introduced their version of IFE on their Boeing 707 in 1961 with a screening of “By Love Possessed”, and began regularly showing movies on scheduled flights. According to some sources, it was a huge success to a point where passengers were changing their times or even destinations, based on what was playing. That film system was created by David Flexer, the president of Inflight Motion Pictures, made a breakthrough in the IFE business.

In-flight entertainment started to expand by 1964, introducing a variety of media formats, such as magnetic tape, closed-circuit television, and 16-mm film and a variety of screen formats, such as large displays for group viewing, and smaller screens mounted overhead in various aircraft compartments.

Technological Progress

The introduction of individual seatback screens in the late 1980s marked the beginning of a new era. Northwest Airlines began installing 6.9-centimeter Airvision screens on the backs of their seats in 1988, allowing customers to select their own entertainment. This technology quickly became industry standard and resulted in larger and higher-definition screens on the majority of long-haul flights.

During 1990s and early 2000s, additional developments happened after the introduction of video games and internet connectivity. In 2001, Air Canada made history by sending the first email from their aircraft, demonstrating the increasing amount of technology used in air travel. During this period, consumers began carrying smartphones and tablets, resulting in a change in the way airlines approached IFE.

As technology advanced and personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets became widely used by everyone, some airlines had to adjust their understanding and supply of the IFE. Many carriers have gone through re-evaluation of the need for seatback screens and began offering systems that would let passengers stream entertainment on their personal devices instead. This change permitted thinner seats, increased passenger capacity, and lower costs of maintaining in-flight entertainment systems.

The Current State

Nowadays, IFE includes a large variety of entertainment, including live broadcasts, documentaries, TV series, music, movies, games (you can even play Monopoly with your seat neighbour!), books, educational content, etc. On most long-haul flights, the majority of airlines offer a personal screen for each passenger and it is considered a typical amenity.

Currently, IFE fulfils functions beyond simple entertainment. IFE can be used as a competitive tool to market and promote services, to earn additional revenue from marketing other services inflight, to optimize communication between cabin crew and passengers and more. IFE has become such an essential part of flights, that passengers and airlines take complaints about not working IFE very seriously, offering vouchers or even refunds. Some airlines take it to a point of even delaying flights because of not working IFE. According to some frequent flyers, there have been instances where flights were delayed, while the airline tried to deal with the issue. In such cases, if the delay exceeds certain thresholds set by local regulations, passengers might become eligible for compensation.

Challenges and Prospects for the Future

Although fast-paced, evolution and developments of IFE has had its own difficulties. Airlines have to deal with challenges such as content licencing and keeping up-to-date with passengers demands, cost of upkeeps and upgrades while keeping prices competitive in the meantime. However, despite all that, the future prospects for in-flight entertainment seem bright. In response to passenger expectations, airlines are experimenting with interactive solutions.

The invention and advances of technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the potential to revolutionize in-flight entertainment forever. Some airlines, such as Qatar Airways and British Airways have already tested implementing VR into their IFEs, while Hainan Airlines started offering AR experience for their flights.

Looking forward

IFE has evolved from its simple origins in the early 1920s to complex systems today, becoming an essential component of the avia travel experience. The future of in-flight entertainment promises to offer even more advanced and engaging experiences for travellers around the world, and airlines are racing to make new modern IFE history. We cannot wait to see what comes next!

As IFE has become and considered a crucial comfort indicator for passengers, it can be a matter of time until it becomes a separate reason to have a flight delayed or cancelled. For now, let us worry about it – remember, whether you are flying long or short haul, with or without in-flight entertainment, Skycop can help you get compensated if your flight is disrupted.

Safe travels!

 

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