Abstract: A communications system for airplane passengers includes a plurality of communications units fixedly mounted onboard an airplane. Each of the communications units is adapted to be operated by an associated passenger and may perform digital image viewing and/or scanning functions. At least one processor may be operatively connected to one or more image data receiver(s), a scanner, and a video screen. At least one remote connection device may also be provided which is adapted to connect each of the communications units to a remote location such as the Internet.