A passenger services system of an aircraft includes a cabin services system of a passenger service unit in the aircraft. The passenger service unit is associated with a passenger seat of the aircraft. The passenger services system further includes an infrared transmitting unit associated with the passenger seat. The infrared transmitting unit is configured to send signals to control operation of the cabin services system. The passenger services system includes a control unit including an infrared receiver. The control unit is associated with the passenger service unit. The infrared receiver is configured to receive the signals from the infrared transmitting unit. The control unit is configured to control the operation of the cabin services system in response to receiving the signals.