Apple cues up iPods on a plane

Apple Computer is in negotiations with six airlines to provide in-flight integration for the iPod.

On Tuesday, Apple announced a partnership with carriers Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United. Beginning in mid-2007, the six airlines will offer iPod connectivity so that travelers can charge their iPods in transit. Additionally, the planes' seat-back displays will be configured so that video content stored on the media players can be viewed on them.

Apple has also said that it will be collaborating with Panasonic Avionics to bring similar functions to more airlines.

While this is the first time that Mac maker has pushed for iPod connectivity in airplanes, accommodating the devices in cars is nothing new. In August, Apple announced deals with Ford, General Motors and Mazda to make many of the auto manufacturers' 2007 models iPod-compatible.

It is not yet clear whether the in-flight integration will be compatible with older, pre-video iPod models.

[turneret]

Buy Movies.... on a plane

It won't be long before the airlines figure out how to let passengers buy movies from their library. Apple and the airlines could collaborate even further to have a version of the iTS for airlines. Another way the airlines could gouge passengers and fatten their bottom line. Just a thought :-).

[CentrOS]

Gouge passengers?

As a very frequent flyer, and not one with a business paying for my
tickets, I know all to well how much it costs to fly, but gouging
passengers? Most airlines are not making a whole bunch or profit
anymore. I would be glad to see them introduce other ways to raise
revenue, it might make my ticket price a bit cheaper.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Buy Movies... on the WC

What about buying videos while sitting in the toillet?
Incredible how people support these ideas as long as they are not from Microsoft...

[Paul Schantz]

I almost missed it...

IPODS ON A PLANE: Sequel to Snakes on a Plane

[georgiarat]

Ditto

I agree! Like you I travel a great deal and pay my own way.
Anything that generates other revenue (that is my option to
purchase or not) that could hold down ticket prices is fine with me.