So one way or another, it appears that in-flight calls are in the cards.

BBC: More flights allow mobile calls

"The current refinancing situation in the top-flight is like a financial house cards which could come crashing down at any time, " he told CNN.

CNN: Premier League stricken with debt?

Among non-flight-related services, co-branded credit cards that, for example, award airline miles for purchases, are the biggest source of revenue, as airlines get per-transaction fees from the card-issuing banks.

FORBES: Airlines' Fee Revenue Doubles Since 2008

On the flight home, Lana and Andy carried the stack of rubber-banded cards they would soon convert into the first draft of the screenplay, which they then sent to Tykwer.

NEWYORKER: Beyond the Matrix