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United Airlines Starts Serving Passengers Personalized Ads On Seat-Back Screens (cnbc.com) 95

Posted by BeauHD from the leveraging-customer-data dept.
United Airlines on Friday launched a media platform to serve travelers personalized ads on seat-back screens and in its app, among other platforms, as it seeks to leverage customer data. CNBC reports: United said its new platform, Kinective Media, is already working with Norwegian Cruise Line, Macy's, IHG Hotels & Resorts, TelevisaUnivision and JPMorgan Chase, which offers a host of co-branded credit cards with United. [...] Customers can opt out of seeing targeted ads through a United web page, and United says advertisers can't access customers' personally identifiable information, the airline said. "There is the potential for 3.5 hours of attention per traveler, based on average flight time," United said.
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United Airlines Starts Serving Passengers Personalized Ads On Seat-Back Screens More

United Airlines Starts Serving Passengers Personalized Ads On Seat-Back Screens

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  • Start bringing a sharpie when you fly (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Reckoning ( 10502566 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @05:07PM (#64531641)
    Just like the vandal heros who circle the mute button at gas station pumps.

    • Re: (Score:1, Flamebait)

      by backslashdot ( 95548 )

      That's a hell of a way to win accommodations at a luxury federal penitentiary resort.

      • That's a hell of a way to win accommodations at a luxury federal penitentiary resort.

        Do they force ads on us, too? If not, that's all the wins!

    • Re:Start bringing a sharpie when you fly (Score:5, Insightful)

      by kbrannen ( 581293 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @05:47PM (#64531711)
      No need for that level of vandalism. Bring a little duct tape and a square of cardboard and tape over the screen, then you have nothing to distract you. Those who clean the plains can remove the tape and cardboard and it's just like it was at the beginning ... minus the maintenance crew have to do a little more work. :) Or you could take the tape and cardboard with you for the next flight.

    • The mute buttons no longer work.

    • Just like the vandal heros who circle the mute button at gas station pumps.

      OK, from reading this, it *sounds* like there are ads, with audio, at gas pumps in the USA. Is this really A Thing?

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by larwe ( 858929 )
        Most if not all newer pumps have the capability to play ads after you select a product and begin pumping. It isn't enabled at every gas station, but it's widespread. And yes there is audio. On many pumps, you can mute the audio by pressing the second softkey from the top, to the right of the screen. It's become a reflex to me to hit that button as soon as I hear the "click" of the ad audio beginning. Unfortunately, it does not work on all pumps.

        • Most if not all newer pumps have the capability to play ads after you select a product and begin pumping. It isn't enabled at every gas station, but it's widespread. And yes there is audio. On many pumps, you can mute the audio by pressing the second softkey from the top, to the right of the screen. It's become a reflex to me to hit that button as soon as I hear the "click" of the ad audio beginning. Unfortunately, it does not work on all pumps.

          Dude, that's fucked. It's the kind of thing that was suggested as a joke in movies like Demolition Man! You have my sympathy.

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by larwe ( 858929 )
            The content on them (when I've been unable to avoid it) is also hard to fathom - it's not just a string of simple TV commercials saying "Buy Rinso Soap Flakes for whiter whites!". If I had to give a comparison I'd say it's more like TikTok than TV, which in fact makes it worse - I can't stand influencer content.
          • I was driving behind a box truck the other day. The truck's ENTIRE BACK END was one big video screen playing an ad. I think it might have been a TMobile ad. Very annoying and distracting.

            • I was driving behind a box truck the other day. The truck's ENTIRE BACK END was one big video screen playing an ad. I think it might have been a TMobile ad. Very annoying and distracting.

              How is that even legal? I thought needlessly distracting motorists was already prohibited. And that doesn't even get started on how fucked up and dystopian it is.

              • It was the first time I've ever seen that. Usually, the worst you have to put up with are picture ads on trucks. But I suppose a moving video ad like this isn't too much worse that the video billboards cluttering up some highways. They're just as distracting, but at least you only have to look at them for a short time. I was stuck behind that truck for about a mile. Both moving & static video ads should be prohibited.

      • The shocking thing is that Americans continue to use the gas station. These weirdos will drive a distance to save $0.02 per gallon on gas but just eat up the ads.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

      I like the sentiment, but presumably it is already muted because aircraft are so noisy that it would have to be extremely loud, and there would be hundreds of them all competing for attention in the cabin.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      Just like the vandal heros who circle the mute button at gas station pumps.

      You have speaking ads at petrol pumps?

      That is one trend I'm glad we don't have over here.

      This kind of abuse is going to continue until your government (which I've been told is "of the people, for the people") lays down some laws with teeth to limit the abuse.

  • They stopped serving food (Score:5, Insightful)

    by jfdavis668 ( 1414919 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @05:07PM (#64531645)
    and started serving ads.

  • United Airlines Starts Serving Passengers Personalized Ads On Seat-Back Screens
    "There is the potential for 3.5 hours of attention per traveler, based on average flight time," United said.

    They think passengers are angry now? Sure, complaining may get you fined and some federal prison time, but ...

    Who actually thinks this is a good idea?

    • 3.5h of forced ads in a confined space?

      And this is why you buy an Apple Vision Pro, which can pretty much entirely block out sights and sounds of the annoying plane for the full duration.

      Put as many ads as you like on there United! You'll be talking to my shiny metal...

      • Re: (Score:1)

        by Anonymous Coward

        good to know you cant hear the rest of us snickering about it

        • good to know you cant hear the rest of us snickering about it

          It does tend to shut out the whispering of jealous losers quite well. Enjoy your 3.5 hours of ads! That tends to quiet the snickering even better than Apple's excellent noise cancellation.

          I always find it hilarious that Anti-Apple people care more about appearances than Apple users ever have. I just like good products.

      • Until Apple starts putting forced ads in the Vision Pro. And the FAA regulations require you to watch the ads and provide a verbal confirmation.

        • Warning: Refusal to consume this content is a Federal crime.

        • Until Apple starts putting forced ads in the Vision Pro

          Not Gonna Happen Ever.

          That's why I Said Apple Vision Pro and not the Meta Quest

          Apple doens't make money on ads they make money on product. Learn the difference or suffer eternal ad torment.

        • Verbal? Pfft. Please. They'll want a verification can and a dance, or else the engines shutdown instantly.

    • Advertisers think it's a good idea. Myself, I think it's a good excuse to demand $200 off the ticket or no fly with you.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by c-A-d ( 77980 )

        If I'm being forced to watch ads the entire flight, then those tickets should be free.

    • Expect annoying voices "If you been in an accident" which would make Mother Teresa put on brass knuckles, and the occasional but very vomit inducing blast of intentional gross-out content (WHY?!!!! This is why I keep the TV off when I eat because of past incidents), and zoomy flashy seizure inducing ADHD inspired "creative" advertising. Yeah, let's do that in an environment that is already a near powder keg, and has a recent history filled with violent air rage incidents. Hope these airlines pushing this cr

  • Aren't airlines always bitching about weight, etc... using fuel and eating up profits.
    Don't all these screens weigh more, and use more power, than a blank seat back?

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by e3m4n ( 947977 )
      Theyre already on the seat, trying to milk some pay-per-view out of you. Before it either was either blank or a logo. I guess now its full-on-minority report.

      • They're already on the seat, trying to milk some pay-per-view out of you. Before it either was either blank or a logo. I guess now its full-on-minority report.

        Thanks for the info. I haven't flown since 2005 and don't remember any screens anywhere, at least in coach...

        • Seriously? How did you manage to avoid flying for 19 years? That sounds like BS to me.

          • Seriously? How did you manage to avoid flying for 19 years? That sounds like BS to me.

            Please don't ruin my fantasy. I was enjoying that!

          • I'm over ten years without flying, and TFA has given me another reason to continue my streak.

          • Seriously? How did you manage to avoid flying for 19 years? That sounds like BS to me.

            My wife died in Jan 2006 and I haven't had any need to travel farther than driving distance.

            Remember Sue... [tumblr.com]

            • Ohh sorry. Yeah I knew she had passed away from previous posts you had made .. it didn't click to me that it was back then.

          • not that hard. I live within driving distance of family and the vacations we take. We just choose not to fly.

            I think last year was one of the first in many years, a 770 mile drive is getting a bit long to do for my spouse, but I'd do that in a, long, day without much issue.

          • Re: (Score:2)

            by Calydor ( 739835 )

            I'll be 42 soon and have never flown anywhere. Living in a small European country is just like that.

            • I'll be 42 soon and have never flown anywhere. Living in a small European country is just like that.

              Railways are wonderful.

          • I haven't boarded a plane since I went to NZ in 2000. Australia has everything I need.

      • The coffin-sized seating area and the screen to dull your mind not to thing of it remind me of this other movie.

  • That's evil (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Baron_Yam ( 643147 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @05:26PM (#64531669)

    You pay, you're confined to a seat, they shove ads in your face, and if you do anything about it you might end up in jail on serious charges for interfering with the flight.

    Just no. The person who thought this up, the person who approved it, the team who developed it, and the people who installed it should all be hanged in the public square as a lesson to others.

    • Sirius Cybernetics Corporation (Score:5, Informative)

      by e3m4n ( 947977 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @05:53PM (#64531725)
      The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy describes the Marketing Department of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation as: "A bunch of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes." Curiously, an edition of the Encyclopedia Galactica which fell through a rift in the time-space continuum from 1000 years in the future describes the Marketing Department of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation as: "A bunch of mindless jerks who were the first against the wall when the revolution came."

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by mysidia ( 191772 )

      You pay, you're confined to a seat, they shove ads in your face

      I still say call the flight attendant and ask them to Turn off the screen running ads, because ``they're distracting and upsetting''.

    • Buy our overpriced in-flight movie, or else!

    • Don't forget that they've been repeatedly heavily bailed out with our tax money and continue to raise prices while they pack us in tighter.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by Zarhan ( 415465 )

      How would you even pitch this to advertisers?

      Yes, you can have a "captive audience". But a second thought - you have people who have been forced to look at our ad for 1-6 hours (assuming domestic flight in US), without possibility to escape.

      They'll definitely remember your brand...and swear to never buy it, ever.

      In traditional advertisement "annoying" ads are assumed to still be ok, because it still builds awareness of your brand and product, but the key distinction is that people can still change channel/g

      • How would you even pitch this to advertisers?

        Yes, you can have a "captive audience". But a second thought - you have people who have been forced to look at our ad for 1-6 hours (assuming domestic flight in US), without possibility to escape.

        They'll definitely remember your brand...and swear to never buy it, ever.

        In traditional advertisement "annoying" ads are assumed to still be ok, because it still builds awareness of your brand and product, but the key distinction is that people can still change channel/go to bathroom/etc and get out of the situation...

        I predict that this will die quietly when United realises that the cost of vandalism to the seatback screens exceeds the revenue from the advertising.

  • Imagine if you will, ads not just based on what it knows about you, but what it knows also about the people sitting around you... either knowing they might catch a glimpse of your ad, or just based on something about them....

    Like if you have the middle seat between two really large people you get an ad about a spa you can visit after you land to help cleanse yourself.

  • Thanks for flying Oceanic, Mr. Loblaw. Looks like you're running low on TUCKS® Medicated Cooling Pads. Click now to reorder fast! Let your seatmates know why you feel great and get your next order free, on us!

  • > "There is the potential for 3.5 hours of attention per traveler, based on average flight time,"

    Not on THIS passenger. I would never use such a system- I bring my own tablet and content, thanks. And if that stupid thing has animation when not being used, I would just have to remember to bring a piece of cardstock and some tape.

    It is just like those incredibly annoying "kiosks" they put on restaurant tables. Constant freaking annoying animation. As soon as I sit down, I either put it on the floor, or

    • First thing I do at the gas pump is hit the mute button (2nd down on the right). If they ever disable that I might start stabbing the screens...

    • It also helps when a disgruntled employee with access to the system is feeling termination breathing down his neck and decides to load a pulsing, throbbing penis on every screen, timed to appear after takeoff and remain throughout the flight. Everyone gets unwanted penis but you.

  • Finally! (Score:5, Funny)

    by Hoi Polloi ( 522990 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @06:02PM (#64531743) Journal

    I was just complaining that seats are too large, food is too available on planes and there aren't enough ads in my life.

    • I was just complaining that seats are too large, food is too available on planes and there aren't enough ads in my life.

      Don't forget the convenient check-in and respectful TSA staff!

    • The next step is to give you a "discount" for the length of time you do not turn off the TV. (As a positive alternative spin to charging you money for not viewing it.)
      Next is using a camera to detect how much you look at it.

    • I was just complaining that seats are too large

      And then he said "Hold my triple supersized el-grande burger with extra fries!"

  • just give me an $8 beer so I can space out in the flight!

  • Based on what? Race? Sex? Or do they have all my likes and dislikes in a file somewhere? If they did they know I hate ads.

    Can we outlaw advertising soon? This is getting ridiculous.Paying for ads so the asshole corporations don't have to.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by kmoser ( 1469707 )
      Never, ever tell them you hate ads. It just incentivizes them to show you *more* ads in the hopes you'll change your mind. Better to just write a letter to every advertiser telling them how you've vowed to never again purchase their product or service since they've been trying to cram it down your throat, and you will suggest to your friends that they follow suit.

      • Never, ever tell them you hate ads. It just incentivizes them to show you *more* ads in the hopes you'll change your mind. Better to just write a letter to every advertiser telling them how you've vowed to never again purchase their product or service since they've been trying to cram it down your throat, and you will suggest to your friends that they follow suit.

        No. Hit them in the wallet. Tape over the screen. Draw over the screen with Sharpie. Complain to the flight attendants that the advertising is making you "uneasy" (or "threatened" or "triggered" or whatever the flavour of the month is)

  • As if I didn't have enough reasons already.

  • Yay! (Score:3)

    by Savage-Rabbit ( 308260 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @06:28PM (#64531791)

    Considering how much I have to pay for tickets, how bloody uncomfortable the seats are, how horrid the food is, the fact that the moron three seats down from me somehow filled my overhead storage with a pile of crap he/she should never have been able to get on board as hand luggage, the screaming kids, the moron in front of me reclining his/her seat and dumping the horrid food into my lap, those 'personalised ads' had better be for good deals on alternate forms of transport.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      Considering how much I have to pay for tickets, how bloody uncomfortable the seats are, how horrid the food is, the fact that the moron three seats down from me somehow filled my overhead storage with a pile of crap he/she should never have been able to get on board as hand luggage, the screaming kids, the moron in front of me reclining his/her seat and dumping the horrid food into my lap, those 'personalised ads' had better be for good deals on alternate forms of transport.

      I thought United got rid of seatback screens in their narrowbody fleet years ago...

      But good news about that arsehole reclining into your face, more and more airlines are taking that ability away to squeeze in one more row onto A320 and B737 family aircraft.

  • I've got this great idea for a widget to sell to airline passengers & anyone who has to sit in front of a crappy tablet for the duration of their journey: It's simply an inconspicuous, neutral looking, opaque sheet that unfolds to the size of a crappy tablet & sticks to the screen. Then you don't have to watch their screen anymore! It can be incredibly cheap, even disposable. I bet they'd be popular. Who's in?
  • I hate nothing more than personalized ads.
  • VP of Bullshit Ideas: What could we do to make flying even less pleasant than it already is, yet turn a larger profit? Staff attendee on Team Fuck the Customer: I know! Force them to watch ads after they have been herded like cattle, went through the slave scanner, had their bags rifled by the TSA, and got yelled at by an unfriendly flight attendant.

    • VP of Bullshit Ideas: What could we do to make flying even less pleasant than it already is, yet turn a larger profit?
      Staff attendee on Team Fuck the Customer: I know! Force them to watch ads after they have been herded like cattle, went through the slave scanner, had their bags rifled by the TSA, and got yelled at by an unfriendly flight attendant.

      Don't forget "removed their shoes and belt, had their water confiscated"

      Because "security."

  • Chris Cristie: (Score:3)

    by Tablizer ( 95088 ) on Friday June 07, 2024 @10:19PM (#64532263) Journal

    "Why do I keep getting these fucking Peloton ads!?"

  • That's what tablets are for.

  • How personal? I wonder if I could get it to display a neverending stream of delicious meat-based products or whatever else that would be offensive to fellow passengers.
  • This would make for a nice law suit. Imagine sitting in your seat getting ads for dick pills, homosexual content, and other medical related products. Right there United will have outed my medical history and sexual orientation for all my seat mates to see. I fucking hate this dystopian profit at all cost timeline we are stuck in. I fucking hate capitalism.
  • How long before United offers extra fees for ad-free travel?

    How long before the fees go up and up, like Amazon YouTube and others have done?

    I'll skip the fees, bring a good book to read, and wear a hat with a bill that blocks the screen while reading the book. Then United will add fees for wearing such hats...

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