Passengers of a Boeing 737 Max-8 aircraft on a United Airlines flight departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, Recent Jersey, U.S., Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
Bing Guan | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Now he keeps playing United Airlinesseatback screens: personalized advertising.
On Friday, the carrier said it had launched a media platform to show travelers personalized ads on seat screens and in the app, among other platforms, as it seeks to leverage customer data.
United said it is already working with Kinective Media’s fresh platform Norwegian cruise line, Macy’s, IHG Hotels and ResortsTelevisaUnivision i JPMorgan Chasewhich offers a range of co-branded credit cards with United.
The platform is the latest example of airlines trying to tap into fresh lines of revenue and capitalize on their lucrative loyalty programs. Delta Airlines stated in early 2023 that it would begin offering free Wi-Fi to customers if they were enrolled members of the SkyMiles constant flyer program.
“Unlike some trade media platforms, United provides brands across industries with the ability to reach engaged customers across the entire marketing funnel – from brand consideration to conversion – in a highly personalized and relevant way, and we are already seeing impressive results,” Richard said in a press note Nunn, CEO of United’s MileagePlus loyalty program.
United declined to provide projected sales under the initiative.
Customers can toresign displaying targeted ads on United’s website, and United says advertisers do not have access to customers’ personal information, the airline said.
“There is a potential for 3.5 hours of attention per traveler based on average flight time,” United said.
The airline is in the midst of a major upgrade of its single-aisle cabins, including an in-flight entertainment system with fresh screens and other features, although supply chain issues have delayed some aircraft upgrades.