American Airlines playing "lesser known indie bands"; customers much happier now

Haim waiting on a plane (via @Haimtheband)

Elevators don’t really use “elevator music” anymore but you can still hear bland, instrumental muzak when you board or deplane on various airlines. Not so now on American Airlines who, in October 2014, switched to a “surprisingly edgy mix of indie music” like Real Estate, Bon Iver, The xx, and, uh, Haim. It appears to be a welcome change, according to an article in one of American Airlines’ employee newsletters:

The decision to change to the lesser-known indie music was a reaction to customers’ complaints, which included boredom. Since the switch, complaints about our cabin music have decreased, and compliments have increased, according to a social media analysis.

Still, AA’s criteria for the edgy mix they play is songs that are “upbeat yet not distracting” and “helps American stand out from the competition and appeals to younger generations.” Other artists on their playlist include Lykke Li, Washed Out, Future Islands, Foster the People, Hozier, and Moby.

In related news, Nick Cave wrote his new book on the backs of airline barf bags while flying on tour.