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Tighter Security Means No More JetBlue TV

'This is patently ridiculous, and also, sucks,' says Gawker

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2009 9:51 AM CST

(Newser) – The latest casualty of the TSA’s updated airline security regulations: JetBlue LiveTV programming, at least on flights that originate outside the US. The TV service—a “distinguishing feature” of the airline, as Vimeo founder Jakob Lodwick points out—has been disabled in the wake of Northwest Flight 253, and along with it the rest of the airline's entertainment. At least one pilot (whom Lodwick recorded) doesn’t sound too happy about it.

“Uh, unfortunately we’re not going to have any live TV today,” says the pilot in Lodwick’s recording. “No movies, no TV, no XM radio, uh, the system is required by the federal government to be shut down! I do apologize for that but that is out of our hands for the moment.” Adds Gawker's Foster Kamer, "This is where I'd lament these regulations not actually being of any foreseeable security value. This is patently ridiculous, and also, sucks." Maybe so, but JetBlue confirms to PC Magazine that all in-flight entertainment will be turned off on flights from foreign countries, because the live TV component can't be uncoupled from the rest.

David Neeleman, founder and chairman of JetBlue, during a media preview flight aboard BetaBlue, an Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network, in this Dec. 5, 2007 file photo.
David Neeleman, founder and chairman of JetBlue, during a media preview flight aboard BetaBlue, an Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network, in this Dec. 5, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)
Brad Garlinghouse, left, demonstrates the capabilities of a laptop during a media preview flight aboard BetaBlue, an Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network, Dec. 5, 2007.
Brad Garlinghouse, left, demonstrates the capabilities of a laptop during a media preview flight aboard BetaBlue, an Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with an onboard wireless network, Dec. 5, 2007.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
The JetBlue Airways EMBRAER E190 airplane cabin brags the best legroom in coach and no middle seats, with each row consisting of 4 passengers, split into twos by the aisle.
The JetBlue Airways EMBRAER E190 airplane cabin brags the best legroom in coach and no middle seats, with each row consisting of 4 passengers, split into twos by the aisle.   (AP Photo/Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Andy Rogers)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
elderban
Dec 28, 2009 7:18 AM CST
Wow...I guess they don't want to make passengers on other planes panic by watching another plane get hijacked on live television.
cognitivefilter
Dec 28, 2009 7:17 AM CST
@jonmark, why does newser only allow one thumbs-up per person? i wanted to agree with you at least seventeen times
offspringdude235
Dec 28, 2009 5:54 AM CST
DLY you do know that Fascism falls on your political spectrum... It is far right conservatism... The liberal extreme you're looking for is Communism. Thank you have a nice day.
 

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