PDF link to a pervasive computing (UbiComp) article about the state of the art in in-flight entertainment systems.  I’d like to see them use Front Row and have bigger screens and a filter that makes it hard for your neighbors to see what you’re watching.  Also I think the touch screens are often poorly done so a handheld remote, tethered probably, should overall be the main way to interact at this point.  If they are going to offer on-demand movies (which they do already) they should put in a chapter system because fast-forwarding and rewinding long periods of the movie is a big hassle.  I highly recommend you fly with a carrier that offers these personal entertainment systems as they truly do make time fly

http://www.computer.org/portal/cms_docs_pervasive/pervasive/promo/b4004_06.pdf