The Times: Airlines bring in smart maps to make time fly

Rather than choosing from a dizzying selection of Hollywood blockbusters, podcasts or games, sometimes the most appealing option for airline passengers is the therapeutic monotony of an inflight map.

Followers of the basic in-flight moving map are in for a treat as manufacturers plan an upgrade to the feature that has remained largely unchanged since its debut more than 30 years ago.

Bored passengers and aviation geeks will be able to tap an interactive screen to uncover encyclopedic details about destinations and landmarks they fly over, or receive travellers’ tips compiled from social media.

The map will be loaded with data about the current flight, including the languages spoken by the flight attendants onboard, when meals will be served and how long you’ll be in a particular national airspace.

The revamped feature will also be another revenue generator for airlines, The Wall Street Journal reports. Companies will use the maps to sell tickets to events and entertainment in the destinations researched by passengers. It will also feature advertising for hotels, theme parks, restaurants or other attractions along the route.