Don’t count on a seatback screen to while away the time on your next domestic flight. Why they’re disappearing, and how you’ll need to change your trip preparations.
Once considered must-haves, individual built-in video consoles are now seen as unnecessary by an increasing number of U.S. carriers, many of whom are eager to shed weight from their planes and costs from their bottom lines. The monitors require seats to be bulkier, and upgrading systems can cost around $10,000 per seat.
With a majority of travelers toting their own devices anyway, it’s tough for companies to justify the ongoing investment. “Our research has shown that our guests and most frequent fliers prefer to use their own high-quality devices to stay entertained, as opposed to seatback screens that often become dated quickly,” says Ann Johnson, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines. So while the programming itself continues to be a priority, providing a personal monitor at every seat is not.
This October, Alaska will begin removing screens from the Airbus fleet it inherited in the merger with Virgin America. Next year, American Airlines will also remove the screens from some of its existing domestic narrowbody planes. Taking a more gradual approach, Hawaiian and United Airlines plan on nixing the screens from new orders for some domestic routes while keeping the systems on some older planes.
Though not all airlines plan on phasing out seatback screens— JetBlue and Delta remain committed—the trend is widespread enough to warrant due diligence before heading to the airport. Find details on the carriers’ plans at night, and use the checklist below to make sure you're ready.
Preflight Entertainment Checklist
Research Your Viewing Options
Check the airline’s website, which often notes the in-flight options on specific routes. If those details are absent, note the aircraft model and search for a rundown on seatguru.com or use your flight number for a list of amenities at routehappy.com .
Get the right tool
Some airlines, like United, American, and Hawaiian, are replacing screens with entertainment apps. Others (Delta, Alaska) use Gogo Entertainment—not to be confused with Gogo Wi-Fi, for in-flight Internet. Visit the App Store or Google Play before you leave home to download Gogo or your carrier’s app.
Source Backup Content Before Flying
In case of unforeseen circumstances (last-minute aircraft changes, glitchy systems), preload your device with movies or TV shows purchased or rented from services like Netflix ($8 per month), Amazon Prime ($13 per month), or YouTube Red ($10 per month).
Who's Got What?
| Airline | Setback Screens? |
|---|---|
| Southwest | No |
| United | Depends on the Plane |
| American | Depends on the Plane |
| Delta | Depends on the Plane |
| JetBlue | Yes, on all Planes |
| Alaska | No |
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