You’ve endured the hassle of going through security, the scramble to stow your hand luggage and the snoring of the chap next you.
And then, to cap it all, your film is switched off just as it’s getting to the good bit.
Not anymore — at least not with British Airways. From Saturday, the airline will allow passengers on most of its long-haul flights to watch movies from the moment they take their seat until after they land.
At present, like other UK carriers, it starts the in-flight entertainment system after take-off and switches it off 15 to 20 minutes before the aircraft lands, so that safety announcements can be broadcast. But following extensive safety tests, BA has been given clearance by the Civil Aviation Authority to extend its use, allowing up to an hour of extra viewing time per flight.
However, passengers must use the BA-provided headsets, which will transmit any safety announcements, on take-off, landing and taxiing.
BA chief executive Keith Williams said: “We think this is something passengers will appreciate. It stops the frustration of being left on the edge of your seat in a cliff-hanger movie only to have the screen go blank.”
