Don't Forget Your Book - SkyMall Is No Longer

Frequent fliers around the world will have to say goodbye to the quirky, seat back staple — SkyMall Magazine. The company filed for bankruptcy protection late last week. The company, which sold everything from Darth Vader toasters to glow-in-the-dark toilet seats, has fallen out of favor with the public as more and more airlines loosen their electronics policies.

Major carriers like Delta Airlines, Inc. DAL and Southwest Airlines Co LUV canceled contracts with the magazine in 2014, citing a lack of customer interest. A combination of online shopping trends, airlines offering wireless Internet to passengers and the growing popularity of smartphones and tablets have made the magazines virtually obsolete.

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In its bankruptcy petition, SkyMall listed between $1 and $10 million worth of assets and stated around $12 million worth of liabilities. On March 24, the company will go to auction and although there are no buyers lined up yet, the company’s CEO Scott Wiley said Friday he is hopeful that it will find a home and the iconic “SkyMall” brand will live on.

While the absence of the lovingly ear-marked magazine will be missed by bored, nostalgic travelers who used to peruse its unusual selection of high-end gadgets during take-off and landing, most of what was offered in the magazine has become available on Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN.

Image credit: urban_data, Flickr