Airline ditches seat-back video screens on newest aircraft
American Airlines has opted not to include seat-back video screens on its newest, narrow-bodied aircraft because it says the vast majority of its customers now bring their own devices with them.
Its new Boeing MAX jets, four of which will be delivered later this year, have been ordered without seat-back screens and instead the airline is upgrading its inflight wifi to a faster, satellite-powered service to enable passengers to stream movies and TV programmes.
"More than 90 percent of our passengers already bring a device or screen with them when they fly. Those phones and tablets are continually upgraded, they’re easy to use and, most importantly, they are the technology our customers have chosen," the airline said.
"It makes sense for American to focus on giving customers the best entertainment and fast connection options rather than installing seat-back monitors that will be obsolete within a few years."
However, American plans to keep seat-back screens on widebody jets, including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A330, which operate on international routes.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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