Airport movie theaters not a likely trend, experts say

Imagine killing time at your local airport terminal by checking out the latest Brad Pitt action flick or giggling through the new Sandra Bullock comedy.

Nearly half the 10,000 travelers questioned in a recent survey say they would like to see a movie theater added to their local airport. But aviation industry experts say its a trend that won’t be taking off in the U.S. any time soon.

The survey by the travel search site Skyscanner.com found that 49% of those questioned said the top feature they would like to see at their airport is a movie theater. Sleeping pods were picked by 36% of the travelers, with 32% choosing a library, 31% picking a park and 30% wanting a vanity area where they could freshen up, according to the survey.

But space is tight at airports and a full-size theater would not be cost effective unless ticket prices were raised to obnoxious levels, according to experts.

“The economics of providing a movie theater in a U.S. airport are unfavorable,” said Bob Hazel, an aviation partner at Oliver Wyman, a New York-based management consulting firm. “Airport construction is just about the most expensive form of construction there is.”

Hazel noted that movie theaters have been added at a few airports in Asia but are probably not profitable.

Los Angeles International Airport is nearly finished adding 1 million square feet for ticket counters, security checkpoints, passenger lounges and expanded customs and immigration facilities. But airport officials said they did not consider adding a movie theater during the expansion.

“I don’t see how airports in the U.S. with all the space constraints can add a movie theater without charging a lot,” said airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles.

But there are alternatives for bored travelers. The international terminal at LAX includes a shop that rents DVDs. The airport is also working to expand the number of power outlets so passengers won’t run out of juice while catching a flick on their mobile device, Castles said.

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