Hello Captains, and welcome back!
Subscription-based services are nothing new. In our busy lives, we subscribe to everything from magazines and streaming platforms to in-car entertainment systems. Even in the world of video gaming, subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass have become the norm. The flight simulation community isn’t immune either, with services such as Navigraph and SayIntentions offering their own models.
Recently, I learned about a new release from Commercial Simulation Systems (CSS): the Boeing 737 Classic for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. This product includes the 737-500 along with the 737-300/-400 and their freighter variants. It’s certainly exciting to see these classic models join the sim—but their release model, particularly the subscription pricing, is stirring quite a bit of conversation.
The CSS Boeing 737 Classic Family package is offered in three ways:
- $5 per month (30 days)
- $50 per year (365 days)
- A one-time purchase for $120
I’ll admit, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, paying $5 to test the aircraft for a month is appealing—if it turns out to be a dud, you’re only out five bucks. For those who don’t plan to fly this aircraft regularly like they might with the PMDG 737 or the Fenix A320, a one-off subscription isn’t a bad way to scratch that nostalgic itch. And if the mood ever strikes again, another $5 gets you right back into the cockpit.
On the other hand, $5 a month for 24 months adds up to $120—and even then, you still don’t truly “own” the product. Yes, I realize that in today’s software world, “ownership” often just means a license to use. But hopefully you get my point: if you genuinely enjoy the aircraft, a one-time $120 purchase likely makes more sense than an ongoing subscription.
That said, in my humble opinion, this add-on—at least in its current state—doesn’t quite justify the $120 price tag. Not when developers like PMDG, Fenix, and iFly offer polished, high-fidelity aircraft at less than comparable price points. Personally, I’m keeping my eye on more promising upcoming releases, like the BlueBird Boeing 757, which feels more aligned with what I’d want to invest in.
As always, these are just my thoughts. You have to decide how best to spend your hard-earned dollars.
Until next time…
Happy Flying!
—Jerry