The airlines' cry for help comes on the heels of US Airways Group's announcement that it will remove in-flight entertainment systems on domestic flights starting in November.

FORBES: Magazine Article

American Airlines has already started rolling wireless video out to some planes, and Delta last week said it, too, would offer in-flight streaming on all two-class U.S. flights by the end of 2013 including the roughly 350 planes in the U.S. that don't currently have individualized in-flight entertainment systems.

WSJ: Some Airlines Lend iPads for In-Flight Entertainment Systems

The silliness of temporary security rules issued right after the bombing attack shows the need for better leadership at TSA. The agency has backed off steps like banning magazines, books and blankets from passengers for the last hour of flight or turning off in-flight entertainment systems and not letting pilots announce the plane's location.

WSJ: The Middle Seat | How to Improve Travel in 2010

For many airlines, onboard in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems can be expensive to buy, install and maintain.

BBC: In-flight entertainment at a crossroads