Budget carrier signals the end of inflight entertainment as we know it
A low-cost airline is planning to ditch the traditional inflight entertainment systems on long-haul flights when it launches services from Gatwick to Canada next year.
WestJet reportedly told The Times that instead of installing seat-back screens it will stream movies to passengers’ own mobile devices.
It said that as 80% of its passengers board with smartphones or tablets, it will provide an app which will allow them to stream content for free.
WestJet said it will offer more than 450 films and TV programmes through its own entertainment system, WestJet Connect.
Each seat will be fitted with power sockets and USB points so passengers can charge their devices.
The move will save more than 1,500lbs from each plane, reducing fuel burn and the cost of flying, it said.
Calgary-based WestJet announced this summer that it planned to launch flights to London Gatwick next spring.
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025