American Airlines to Remove Seat-Back Entertainment

The days of free seatback entertainment systems on select domestic flights are disappearing. As American Airlines removes its in-flight television screens from a number of new planes, the airline encourages passengers to bring along their own forms of entertainment, thus cutting costs and providing less-expensive fares for travelers.

Officials at American Airlines report approximately 90 percent of travelers already use their own personal entertainment devices, so the removal of the televisions will not be a huge adjustment for the majority of AA’s passengers. With money saved from not having seatback monitors, the airline will be able to upgrade its in-flight internet connection, allowing travelers to connect and stream movies and TV shows on their laptops, tablets or mobile phones. Each seat will feature a power outlet, ensuring hours and hours of streaming content.

Connecting to the in-flight internet may come with a fee; however, once connected, passengers will have access to hundred of titles and be able to stream unlimited content.

The removal of the seatback monitors also provides expanded head and legroom for passengers, as the monitors previously encroached into the personal space of the traveler.

As airlines search for ways to cut costs and compete with budget airlines that offer no-frills flying experiences, the passenger must be prepared to lose certain luxuries or fork over extra money for previously included amenities.