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I read for pleasure every day and watch very few movies, but on an airplane I often wind up watching a movie. I think it's because it helps distract my senses from the grubby discomfort of modern air travel (people packed in tightly, loud jet engines, etc.), and because in my everyday life I'm always obligated to consider others' preferences for a film -- the airplane is one of the only places I can watch something I'd actually choose for myself.

Yes, being able to choose a movie you (and only you) want to watch is a definite win.

I enjoy reading for pleasure.

On a plane that has a screen, I almost intentionally find something there to watch instead. I don't know why but for some reason I just have very little desire to read on planes when the screen is an option.

Planes are the worst way to watch a movie. Even with good noise cancelling headphones you can barely hear the dialogue. The screen is a 10 year old el cheapo LCD, and the video is 480p compressed to hell. On top of that, it has unskippable ads and the film is muted whenever the PA is on.