One of the greatest innovations in air travel is in-flight entertainment, especially individual screens on the seatback in front of you. Getting absorbed in something on television can make the time pass quickly.

I do have one suggestion which would make it even better. Closed captioning.

So many times announcements are made on the plane at the worst possible moments of the program I am watching. I am not suggesting the flight crew not update us on flight conditions, expected arrival time or destination city weather. I am merely suggesting that during those announcements, when the television volume gets cut, closed captioning should appear to keep us informed on what is happening on the show.

I know it is a minor irritation, but too many times I have missed the bonus question on Cash Cab or Judge Milian’s verdict on The People’s Court. After investing 20 or so minutes in the show, I would like to hear the outcome and not have to rely on my shabby lip-reading skills.

I don’t know a lot about the technology needed, but I would think closed captioning would be feasible. All I really have to do is persuade an airline that there is enough demand for it, and I am starting that campaign with this blog!

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist