Airtran and XM

[cl65capt]

Does anyone know if we get any deals with XM and if so where do we have to go to get it? Thanks.

 

[B6Busdriver]

Does anyone know if we get any deals with XM and if so where do we have to go to get it? Thanks.

I bet you guys do. I just got the TAO XM2Go for $129. Not bad. I didn't see any discounts on monthly service though.

 

[75M]

On a related note, I've had XM Radio on ~90% of my commutes and its been really nice. Great variety...something for everyone. You might want something mellow to drown out the background noise, alternative, sports or whatever.

The earphones are $3.00 (free in Businesss Class) and they're yours for keeps, but any walkman style headset will do. I have a $12.00 set of ear buds that work great and are way better than what's sold on the airplane.

I hope we can get a discount. The "XM To Go" unit looks way cool.

 

[-9Capt]

I think our XM radio sucks!! The earbuds are cheap and the audio sounds like an 8-Track. No comparison to what JB and Song offer.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

You guys need to check out the XM Radio website. There are some great capabilities with XM once you have it installed in your aircraft. If you look under Aviation, you'll see that there are quite a few options for "real time" weather units with moving map displays, etc. Jetblue is looking into this for future install for our pilots. It will have the capability of showing aircraft location, real time 3D weather, and an ability to pull up weather anywhere around the world (TAFs, Metars, ATIS)-- really cool!!!!

 

[75M]

I think our XM radio sucks!! The earbuds are cheap and the audio sounds like an 8-Track. No comparison to what JB and Song offer.

The difference between using a decent headset and the earbuds that are for sale on the airplane is night and day. Also, some of the earbuds are worse than others. With what I use, I think the XM radio sounds really good.

 

[Steeler Fan]

The difference between using a decent headset and the earbuds that are for sale on the airplane is night and day. Also, some of the earbuds are worse than others. With what I use, I think the XM radio sounds really good.

I'm OK with the earbuds that we have, although you're probably right...the background noise helps me sleep and pretty much eliminates being forced to listen to any conversation within a 10 ft radius.

 

[Pilotbob3]

But Howard Stern will only be on Sirius starting this January.


ps..im surprised airtran charges coach for XM when jetBlue offers DirectTV for FREE for everyone...with XM soon to follow!

plus , not to bust chops..but seeing other airlines pay jetBlue to install tv, xm radio etc.., cracks me up.

 

[Steeler Fan]

ps..im surprised airtran charges coach for XM when jetBlue offers DirectTV for FREE for everyone...with XM soon to follow!

.

We don't charge for the XM. We charge for the headset (but you can bring/use your own for free if you wish).

I flew on American on a ticket, and they charge $5 for a headset--AirTran charges $3 (business class gets 1 for free)--I like it and I'll be glad when all our planes have XM installed.

 

[Eagleflip]

I used my IPod earphones a couple of weeks ago and they worked great...right up until the Captain came on to make the obligatory welcome and get your butt into a seat before we push speech. He came through the headphones so loud I was scrambling like a dog in heat just to rip them from my ears.

But the sound was clear as a bell! (Right up to the point my eardrums burst...)

Nice job, AT...I like the XM sound.

 

[Pilotbob3]

We don't charge for the XM. We charge for the headset (but you can bring/use your own for free if you wish).

I flew on American on a ticket, and they charge $5 for a headset--AirTran charges $3 (business class gets 1 for free)--I like it and I'll be glad when all our planes have XM installed.

ok then....well i am surprised that AirTran charges for the headset then. jetBlue does not. isnt' jetBlue installing the XM on AirTran?

 

[FL717]

ok then....well i am surprised that AirTran charges for the headset then. jetBlue does not. isnt' jetBlue installing the XM on AirTran?

I'm not surprised.... but I am disappointed that AirTran charges for the earplugs. It would be nice if they'd give them away.... but just like liquor sales.... this is a cost distribution and possibly a stream of revenue.... and in todays WEAK revenue environment...... any little bit helps.

As far as jetBlue installig the XM radio for other carriers.... IMO it really makes no difference to the buyers, because they'd have to pay someone to do the work, so its somewhat arbitrary from a business standpoint.

In fact I'm glad AirTran chooses NOT to delve into outside business ventures like what jetBlue is doing. Even if it generates revenue.... it is a completely DIFFERENT business venture, and comes with all the PROS and CONS associated with running a business. I think there are risks associated with any business... and quite frankly there is enough risks associated with the airline business ALONE to keep your eye on WITHOUT deciding to go into the aircarft entertainment equipment installation business. Just my observation.

I hope it works well for jetBlue.... they have a GREAT Airline going, have made some very wise business decisions........ and they deserve it.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Airlines ought to stay in the airline business, then... But in our case having LIVETV under our wing helps us because we install the LiveTvs, security cameras, and XM (soon) on all our aircraft... Call it an economies of scale if you will.

 

[Flying Freddie]

But in our case having LIVETV under our wing

I thought the LIVETV was in the seat back?